2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Consumer Reviews

Fifteen Months and Still Lovin' it

Written by: lvass on 06/28/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I bought my Escape Hybrid AWD in March 2007, shortly after they came out. I have averaged 31 MPG with this vehicle, driving 80% city, 20% highway. I couldn't be happier with this SUV. I am impressed by the improvements in ride and road noise (I own a 2001 Escape as well). The fit and finish have been great and it just right for both my 4' 11" wife and my 6'2" self. I live in Colorado, it has done very well in the mountains and the power of the 133 HP 4 cylinder backed up by the electric motor is equivalent to the V6 gas Escape I have. I think this vehicle is well worth looking at if you are considering a hybrid SUV and you have a small family (2 kids) like my self. Ford has done a nice job.

Favorite Features

Excellent gas mileage for an AWD vehicle. Significantly improved insulation form earlier models. Great in the snow.

Suggested Improvements

Tow package and DVD entertainment system for the hybrid would be nice. More colors would be nice, too.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Automotive Breakthrough

Written by: Joseph on 06/24/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I purchased my 2008 last summer, and have no regrets. We've had the orange wrench light come on a few times though. Although there were no observable problems, they had to replace cooling fans, motors, etc. I suspect the system detects potential problems quickly. I get around 37MPG in winter, and 33MPG in summer (with AC running most of the time (Tucson, AZ)). There's a squeak sound coming from a motor somewhere. It sounds like a clutch engaging/disengaging. They repaired it once by replacing the AC motor, but it has returned. I'm due for my 20k soon, so I'll have them check it at that time.

Favorite Features

Definitely the CVT. This performs wonderfully when driving though hilly/mountainous. The mileage is great!

Suggested Improvements

Passenger side "handle" above the door; full size spare; trailer hitch (for my bike rack).

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Great Ford SUV

Written by: Tom on 06/19/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Leather Interior needs to be more comfortable, but overall this is a great vehicle and will buy another one. Very reliable and gas mileage is great even with my lead foot. Finally the US automakers have something to be really proud of. Over 21,000 miles of hard driving and no problems! Highly recommended!

Favorite Features

Performance & handling, love the NAV system.

Suggested Improvements

More comfortable interior. Even the leather is rather hard.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Just a Great 4 X4 Vehicle

Written by: Mike on 06/18/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I ordered the Escape with all options and it arrived in 3 weeks. The quality is excellent. If only it had stearing wheel controls for the radio and navigation system. It is somewhat distracting to take your eyes off the road to change radio stations, or enter a new destination on the nav system. Other than that the Escape is a great vehicle. Leather seats are comfortable, and the interior is very well dressed up. Rear seats fold nicely flat. Plenty of room for 4 people and luggage for a week in the rear. Tires are quite and smooth, but the continental tires are not good in the winter. Goodyear tires would be a much better choice.

Favorite Features

The navigation system is large and full of information. Not a small 4.3" like the aftermarket units. But the gas mileage is my favorite. Even with the four wheel drive version I am often averaging in excess of 30 miles per gallon which is more than the vehicle is rated at.

Suggested Improvements

Steering wheel controls for the radio are desperately needed, along with 8 way memory adjustable drivers seat. Just to hard to fine tune that seat after someone else drives the vehicle. A bit more sound insulation would help.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Hybrid vs. Quality

Written by: jeb on 06/16/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I was determined to buy a hybrid and I guess I was lucky to get one but I had to pay a premium for it. I am not sure it was worth it - I think you give up quality in other areas. I will have to say that the quality is no where near as nice as the Expedition I had prior. Some of the interior and exterior portions of the car are cheap plastic and scratch very easy. have a fully loaded model except for the navigation system. I am getting about 25 miles to the gallon but if you like to stay cool during the summer months forget driving in electric mode - the one thing they don't tell you is you won't go electic with the AC on even in econ mode!

Favorite Features

The car comes with a backing up indicator that is great - if you use it you should never back up into anything again! And the split fold down seats are a must in this car!

Suggested Improvements

1) Re-design the way to fold down the back seats, way too many steps to be efficient. 2) add hanger for cloths - there is only one at the back left side which blocks your vision. It should be on the dirver side. 3) the seat belt scratches the walls of the interior and is really hard to get out.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Coolest vehicle I've ever owned!

Written by: Mooline on 06/16/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

The Escape Hybrid has surpassed my '71 Firebird as the coolest car I've ever owned. It's great to have the load capacity of an SUV on the same gas mileage as the Camry Hybrid. Driving this vehicle is a fun challenge - to see how efficient you can be! Technique definitely matters - no jackrabbit starts, coast as much as possible, avoid excessive speed and you'll see 32-33 mpg without a problem. I live in South FL and so far, no problems with the a/c on economy mode; car stays cool with the fan & recirc. air. I did a lot of research before buying. Settled on this vs. Camry Hybrid (equivalent in style & fuel economy) due to max. tax credit, lower price, better load capacity.

Favorite Features

Comparatively low purchase price. Fuel economy. Fuel Management System (part of navigation system). Cargo capacity. Seating comfort for 4 adults. Satellite radio

Suggested Improvements

Some rough edges on plastic trim; cargo net would be nice...but think about it - this is the worst I can say?

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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I love my Escape Hybrid!

Written by: Becky on 06/12/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I am so happy I bought this car! I traded in my BMW X5 and year later I know I made the right decision. I am getting about 35mpg vs the 10mpg in the X5. I highly reccomend this car. I also got a $4000 tax credit from the IRS for purchasing a hybrid vehicle. The dealership doesn't want you to know that because they are trying to sell the non-hybrid versions. If you have to have an SUV this is a great truck!

Favorite Features

MPG!

Suggested Improvements

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Fords Escape AWD Hybrid

Written by: rich rice on 06/11/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

3,789 miles and averaging 30 mpg with awd drive model. No problems what so ever. Interior could use some more padding on door arm rest and drivers seat could use more adjustment for tall drivers. I highly recomend the car. also a bigger battery so the hybrid could run more on battery

Favorite Features

Radio system rocks. Computer on dash tells your your mileage and the GPS built in is great

Suggested Improvements

Set up to run on more on battery for even better mileage. Less unpadded plastic in the interior.

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Feeling High End Green

Written by: Andy Rosamilia on 06/09/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

It is everything I wanted and I feel so good about helping the environment. The mileage is still improving at 29.8 MPG. I have 4x4 for winter and offroad driving and the features are top shelf.

Favorite Features

The stereo system rocks!

Suggested Improvements

I like a little more ground clearance when I am guiding fisherman and take the vehicle down some remote two tracks.

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Love this car!

Written by: MT on 06/07/2008

Vehicle

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

We ordered our Escape and had to wait 1 week for delivery, loaded has everything possible. Sleek Black w/Chrome trim. Love the drive, roomy inside, and good gas mpg. Traded in Ford Eddie B. Escape and transition to Escape is seemless, only difference is Escape is much easier to drive, easy to steer and manuever, and park. Best decision I made in a long time.

Favorite Features

Room, lots of leg room. Love the electric plug, Ipod hook up, & navigation system.

Suggested Improvements

Nothing really.

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