2006 Ford Escape Hybrid Consumer Reviews

Satisfied with the hybrid

Written by: stormpeakco on 05/13/2008

Vehicle

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

We purchased this vehicle primarily to become more carbon neutral. This vehicle has far exceeded our expectations for us and our two large dogs. We have achieved an average of 29.75 miles for the life of the car (22K) and that includes residing at 7000', winters in the snow country with soft snow tires and CO winter gasoline. A recent trip to the west coast yielded 31.5mpg. Sure it is gutless but it is supposed to be with only a four banger and runs on regular, not jet fuel. Thus far it is the ideal primary vehicle

Favorite Features

Green, green and more green and feel good driving it when I can't ride my bicycle. Driving to Denver on I-70 from the Eisenhower tunnel it's all downhill and one can achieve a completely green screen on the mpg meter (>50 mpg) for 15 minutes of near coasting.

Suggested Improvements

A little more sound proofing would be nice.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Love my Hybrid Escape!

Written by: LGIII on 05/12/2008

Vehicle

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Love the mileage, 33 mpg average, and the 10,000 oil change intervals. Would certainly buy another in the future. Ford quality has improved a lot since my first Ford in 1972. My last Ford was a 1994 Explorer I bought new and had 189,000 miles on it when I sold it.

Favorite Features

Love the in dash navigation system

Suggested Improvements

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Major Repair After 41K

Written by: matt2007 on 11/20/2007

Vehicle

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

After 1 year, 9 months (41,200 miles) and two recall notices, my 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD had a transfer case break. The transfer case was back ordered for at least two weeks. In my opinion, a all wheel drive SUV should not have major repairs with just 41,000 miles. This is especially true because Ford has had a reputation of good and sturdy cars. I had been very please with the other 5 Ford Vehicles that I have owned (3 new, 2 used). I encourage anyone to consider very carefully my experience before they purchase a Ford.

Favorite Features

Fog lamps. The hybrid nature and fuel economy (27mpg actual)

Suggested Improvements

Build a drive train to match the vehicle.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Mine lost it's breaks 4 times

Written by: IHATEFORD on 09/26/2007

Vehicle

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

My escape hybrid has had complete break failure 4 time in two years and 3 times in 3 weeks. Ford can't figure out what the problem is. They replaced the master breaking cylinder and while road testing the car, the breaks went out on them. Ford headquarters also takes no responsibility for the breaks and has basically told me I had to deal with the problem. I asked that they put in writing that the car is safe to drive when the repairs are finally done, but they refuse to do that saying it would be fraudulent since Ford doesn't do the repairs, Ford "dealers" do the repairs.

Favorite Features

Nice car when it runs

Suggested Improvements

Breaks that work. Cup holders that are next to each other rather than front and back. GPS system that doesn't require changing the disks (only one I've seen that works this way).

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Not As Expected - Not So Hybrid

Written by: J. Weisner on 09/15/2007

Vehicle

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I got a pre-owned thinking most problems been solved. There still are, the infamous squeaks at the battery area, loose and squeaky front airbag. Consumption is great below 30mph, not at the hiway. Comfortable ride anyhow. Bad attendance for recalls, not all techs knows about hybrid. Power window switch fails, not just on my Escape but on my Focus as well.

Favorite Features

Comfortable ride, looks, good brakes.

Suggested Improvements

Eliminate or suppress squeaks, noise. Increase battery time usage, it only works for short time. Put reliable power window switches.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Hybrid Issues to Consider

Written by: K. Smith on 09/01/2007

Vehicle

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

As a just past owner of a 06 Ford Escape hybrid, I would ask anyone looking into the hybrid models 06 & 07 to have your eye's open and understand the issues I found on my hybrid. Air Conditioning: You loose your A/C when you are traveling under 25 MPH, unless you go to Max Air, This makes the gas motor run all the time and why did you buy a hybrid ? Per factory this is how it was designed and live with it or find somthing else. I did I moved to a new Edge. I never did get the suggested mileage, I average around 31 MPG on freeway, trade in value wasn't as good as my Ford sales person suggested (My fault to listen to sales person) No sour grapes, just beware !

Favorite Features

Comfortable leather seats, Good rear storage. Fog lights worked well.

Suggested Improvements

Air conditioning while in hybrid mode. More durable windshield. Better extended warranty.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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A Joy to Own

Written by: Gene on 06/28/2007

Vehicle

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

This has been a great vehicle. I feel that I have more than gotten my money's worth. With an average of 35.6mpg in both city and highway driving up and down hills, I can not be happier. The tax credits were a plus but I would buy this again in a heartbeat. Too bad they do not make a Mustang Hybrid. I would buy that too.

Favorite Features

Fuel mileage, comfort, moonroof, navigation.

Suggested Improvements

MP3 upgrade

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Had to trade it in

Written by: dina k on 05/31/2007

Vehicle

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I wanted an Escape Hybrid since they came out and finally got one. I stupidly didn't realize the importance of getting the 4WD version. Its hard tires handle well below average in any kind of slick/snowy conditions. The truck told me the tires were under pressure when it was cold out and that the passenger door was ajar when it reached below freezing temps. Finally had to get rid of it when the dealership told me they couldn't fix the loud squeeking coming from the front drivers side brake.

Favorite Features

Huge tax return! 32mpg and I liked the outside styling.

Suggested Improvements

Very plain interior. Sometimes seemed top heavy when turning. Very bad handling in the snow for the 2wd.

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Thrives in Traffic

Written by: R. Lee on 05/07/2007

Vehicle

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

The Ford Escape Hybrid thrives best in traffic driving, no matter where it is. Open highway gas mileage a bit lower than expected, yet better than any other comparable SUVs in its class. Want to buy the 2008 because it looks even "beefier" outside. Only complaint: rear trunk carpet does not hold well, slide furniture or a heavy box into the back and the carpet slides with it exposing the 330amp battery.

Favorite Features

Navigation, instrumentation, plug outlet, fold down accomodates my 2 dogs very well.

Suggested Improvements

Secure the rear trunk carpet so it won't slide around.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Best fun to drive SUV

Written by: Alan Kornweiss on 05/01/2007

Vehicle

2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

This is the first SUV I've ever owned and I'm very glad that I bought this one. It's fun to drive and the gas mileage is terrific,which is why I purchased it. I drive about 80 miles a day back and forth to work and the realibility has been great. I change the oil about every 8,000 miles and use synthetic oil as the factory reeommends. It has proven to be a great vehicle for me. I did a lot of research before purchasing this vehicle and when I read that it has Toyota technology that made my decision even easier. My last car was a Toyota Camry and it was the best car I had ever owned. If you want a fun to drive SUV I recommend this one. Great!

Favorite Features

Great driving in the snow and on the beach too with the 4 wheel drive. Very peppy for a hybrid SUV. I really love driving this vehicle. I recommend this SUV to anyone who wants to drive a fun and reliable vehicle with great gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

I can't really find any fault with this SUV. I has pretty much everything you need for a compact SUV. The cargo area is very spacious even with the large battery that's under the carpet in the cargo area.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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