2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Consumer Reviews

I feel happy to drive

Written by: hilary on 11/25/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I have switched from a Mazda 5 to this car to get a better seating a storage arrangement. I LOVE the fuel efficiency around town and feel great about my choice. Its not as fancy as my mom's Prius with all the electronics, but getting 34 miles to 40 miles a gallon schlepping kids in a big car makes me smile every time I turn the key. I am proud to drive this car!

Favorite Features

Aux input! Avg MPG digital readout! Not constantly staring at onboard computer reading...priceless!

Suggested Improvements

better air circulation efficiency

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Not bad...not bad at all.

Written by: Chris on 09/25/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

This vehicle is not something you are going to want if you are looking for the drive of your life, but if you're looking to have an economical vehicle that looks pretty good, then this is the one for you. I did have a couple proplems with some of the features when I first got my car, but Ford was more than happy to fix those up for me. All in all this is probably on of the best cars I've owned. I enjoy the smill I have every time I fill up my gas tank.

Favorite Features

Gas milage, auido package, handling.

Suggested Improvements

Some of the accessories that come on this vehicle aren't built...well Ford tough so they might have to be replaced over time.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Wish I had my TAHOE Z71 back

Written by: Sandra Kemp on 09/17/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I purchased the hybrid solely because of the price of gas; approaching $5/gal. I was driving a Tahoe Z71 that had a 25 gal. tank that I had to fillup every 5-6 days. I came from a Cadillac to a geo. When I accelerate up a hill it sounds like a cheap sewing machine; unbearable. The interior carpet and leatherette seats are cheaply made. I had to brake quickly the other evening and slid sideways. No traction.

Favorite Features

Gas consumption averages 32 city and highway. Stereo system is above average.

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of the pinging sound when you accelerate. Improve braking. Upgrade the interior materials.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Proud owner of a Ford Escape Hybrid

Written by: Bill S. on 06/04/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

The Ford Escape Hybrid does not only get great mileage for a SUV but also has very low pollution emissions. I like the styling and don't feel I compromised on any factors when I bought it. I have kept a spreadsheet of actual mileage and have maintained an overall 31 mpg. The worst case mileage is log distance highway driving at 70+ mph when my FEH got 28 mpg. Around town and using hypermiling techniques I have gotten 35+ mpg.

Favorite Features

Style, comfort (leather seats and leg room for 6 ft people), room to carry camping equipment and 4-5 people.

Suggested Improvements

1)Update computer control so that 2008 can drive up to 40 mph in electric mode only. 2)More and better digital displays (w/o Nav Kit) to aid in hypermiling. 3)Longer warranty on bumper to bumper (currently 3-36000). 4)FEH Hybrid Decals/Accents to add to vehicle to augment green leaf (proud owner).

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Pleased with 2008 Escape Hybrid

Written by: George S on 03/17/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought this for the boss to replace a mini-van we outgrew. We wanted to downsize but not give up comfort and the ability to haul stuff from time to time. Oh yes, we wanted to use less gas as well. The Escape Hybrid did all these things for us. It gets a consistent 30MPG which certainly meets our expectations. We have not had any trouble with it whatsoever. Frankly, I didn't expect it to be this good but Ford, so far, has exceeded my expectations with regard to reliability. As an engineer, I appreciate and respect this as a technological achievement. The shop manuals for it have been enlightening and entertaining. To the boss it's "push this to go; this to stop". It works for both of us.

Favorite Features

Seamless hybrid operation; comfortable on trips; flat screen display and representation of the power functions;

Suggested Improvements

HVAC should be simpler, it appears to have too many confusing functions. I prefer to dial in the temp and let it decide how to achieve same. Use the graphical display to incorporate engine diagnostic functions (i.e. OBDII and Ford specific). Dopey-but how about a single swipe feature for the wipers?

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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First hybrid owner

Written by: TONY M. on 01/04/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

It was the price that got us in the door. Then it was the vehicle, and good salesmanship that kept us there. We drove our Escape Hybrid from Spearfish to Rapid City, and we knew that we had made the right decision. My wife says "It is quiet & relaxing like Grandmom's Studebaker".

Favorite Features

The automatic lights on, for night time illumination. The automatic transmission with seamless shift changes. Lots of head room. It's a friendly, economic, and fun SUV

Suggested Improvements

Our plan was to get an electric vehicle that does not kick in the engine until over 30 to 35 mph, you know, around town driving speed. There are other vehicles out there that can do this. Higher electric speed can be more effecient. The hood design could be flatter from the drivers perspective.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Traded Hummer H2 SUT and Very Happy!

Written by: Craig Y in Dallas on 01/02/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

When I bought my FEH in May 2007, I was looking for a more economical replacement for my Hummer H2 that I absolutely loved, that is until I had to feed it! I was spending $600 - $900 per month on fuel and could no longer justify that expense. I did not want to buy the 4WD FEH initially until I could determine whether I could be happy in the pint sized replacement. I purchased the 2008 FEH FWD and to my absolute amazement, it surpassed my expectations in every way! It not only delivers 2.5 to 3 times the gas milease I was getting in my H2 but it had more cargo space and great acceleration. From my home in Dallas, I regularly get 32 - 37 MPG driving to and from Austin.

Favorite Features

Comfortable seats, DVD navigation with 1 DVD for entire U.S and Canada, and Sirius XM satellite radio!

Suggested Improvements

More optional equipment for the Hybrid. Not all optional equipment for non-hybrid Escape will work with FEH. Specifically, I wanted integrated Bluetooth kit and Homelink (garage door opener) rear view mirror. In both cases, wiring harness will not work on Hybrid. Still not available in 2009!

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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First new car, and happy with the choice

Written by: Louise on 12/22/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I purchased my Escape after having to finally get rid of an 11-year-old Crown Vic. I wanted something that we could take camping and that would be safe/comfortable to travel in but that would get good fuel economy in the city. I have not been disappointed with my choice! The car is easy to drive. Since it is a hybrid that depends on braking to recharge the battery, it tends to get better gas mileage with long, slow stops (at least that's what I've noticed). I thought that going from a V8 to the hybrid would be a shock, but this vehicle really has some get-up-n- go. The seats are easy to move and clean, and I've never had any engine trouble.

Favorite Features

I got a package that included heated seats, which are a very nice addition. I also like the cloth cover that can be extended over the trunk area for privacy. The extra weight of the second battery also provides some extra stability.

Suggested Improvements

I do wish that we would have been able to put a tow hook on it, which I have seen on non-hybrid Escapes. Additionally, the engine sometimes gives this annoying high-pitched whine when it first starts up.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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An SUV that I am not ashamed to drive

Written by: pjl1 on 11/18/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Took delivery of FEH in 6/24/08. The moment I drove it home I knew this was a keeper. It has plenty of power and yet it gets good mileage. I get about 6.7 lt/100 KM in a small town and 7.1 on the highway. It is quiet in electric drive (stealth mode). We bought an upscale model with most of the toys including the AWD. The ease of getting in/out is also a plus. The front leather seats are very comfortable. Interior lighting gives it a classy look at night. The ownership, to date, has been a pleasure. It is a bit disconcerting at first when the engine shuts down in traffic. I don't mind when the ECON switch (on) shuts down the AC in traffic (I can take a litle heat) I just thnk about the gas.

Favorite Features

Comfort of ride. The important controls are easy to reach. The seats are firm yet comfortable. The heated seats work well and very quickly. Lots of storage when the seats are down. Fit and finish are good. Got to love the hybrid best of all. Not too much of a complaint here. Ford got the SUV right.

Suggested Improvements

More colour choices. I wish it had stability control on the '08. Seat belts in back are difficult to get into. Laying down of the seats is a hassle. The NAV system could include a better terrain view. Ford should give a more recent map CD. A rub strip on the side is needed. Get rid of the hood prop.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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6 month evaluation

Written by: City driver on 11/08/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I've had the vehicle for about 6 months. Bought the top-of-the-line and enjoyed it very much. It looks good, get great mileage (31 average). About a month after I bought it, it would start. Turned out there was a loose wire in the built in security system Last week, wrench light went on. Had to have a vent to cool the batteries replace. Hope this isn't a sign of things to come.

Favorite Features

Looks, versatility, gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

I put my bike(s)in the back. It would be nice if the material in the back was designed for more "outdoor" use. I have to put a cloth down to keep things clean. Bought the plastic liner to cover the back, but it didn't fit at all.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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