Used 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid Consumer Reviews
2006 AWD Just bought
Drove a V6 Passat with Triptronic, now a CVT transmission instead. We were looking for a taller vehicle and lower maintenance costs if possible. Being in northern snow climate AWD was paramount. Have a Toyota Sienna minivan that was supposed to get good gas mileage for a van. Then gas prices went from $1.85 to $2.85 and up. Still enjoy our van but avoid driving it and started using the Passat at 20 to 24 mpg ranges. The Tribute/Mariner the only lower cost AWD SUV truck with a car-like ride unless going to the high end Highlander. The costs of hybrid technology made the Escape the clear winner for our next car. Pay under $30K for an Escape or much over $30K - for a Highlander both SUVs.
Best auto yet in my 57 years of driving
This auto is best by far than all the new autos I have owned. Starting is a snap. The gas engine does come on first. If you are willing to give the gas engine a chance to warm up, it's a plus. When you are finally ready to start it glides into motion like a boat does in the water. When you are in a lot looking for a space, the electric engine takes over and you ride effortlessly with no gas engine running, saving on gas. When at a stop the electric engine takes over. Whenever you accelerate it seems to have the power of a 6 cylinder engine; very peppy and then you glide down to a stop. I don't really care what the critics say about it I LOVE MY HYBRID!
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,79537 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,89567 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,495583 mi away
Mariner Hybrid
I bought the 4WD Mercury Mariner Hybrid. I find it to be just a little nicer looking than the Escape. It is the same platform and averages 30 MPG. I now have 7K and no problems at all. It fits my family with 2 car seats in the back & still room for shopping or luggage in the back. Also it has front, side & roof air bags. These are great in the snow. As a pick up truck owner all my life I was quickly able to adjust to this little SUV.
So Far to Go, So Little Gas
My Escape is still very new, and still delights me. I bought it for its fuel economy, size, and greenness. Fuel economy was rated at 33 city, 29 highway. Highway and city combined have averaged well over 33 with the majority being highway miles. I lose about 2 tenths of a mile when starting out cold in the morning and evening after work. I then make that up if I can drive far enough. Economy when cold is awful. The engine runs until the engine is warm and the battery is fully charged. At that point the fun begins to see how long I can keep it running on electric alone. Kind of challenging but for a vehicle that weighs 4750 pounds it's great.
Plymouth Rock
The Ford Escape Hybrid has been a totally satisfying experience. Even with full time AWD the gas mileage is excellent. However, it is very important to follow instructions in the manual. Consistency is essential. In fact, using cruise control as much as possible gives significant mileage improvement. The car handles and rides very well, no doubt due in part to the low placement of the large battery between the rear wheels.