Used 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid Consumer Reviews
Good Hybrid, but Room for Improvement
I traded in my 2001 Prius for a bit more room and to get "up" above the traffic a bit. Found the Escape to be a pretty good replacement (though about 15 mpg lower than the Prius). The Escape performs beautifully and rides well. I do feel a bit let down by the interior though. I got the Premium Package (recommended) to at least get some comfort items, but it is a far cry from the interior on my Eddie Bauer Expedition as far as useful design and layout. Doesn't have adequate storage for misc items in the driver area -- just the arm console.
Escape Hybrid
Living in the mountains of Colorado I was a bit skeptical about the Hybrid. After driving it through a 12,000' mountain pass I was sold on it. It accelerates better than some previous V-6 vehicles that I've owned. The fuel economy so far has been very good; we are averaging over 32 mpg and it would probably be better if I didn't have a lead foot when driving it. The changeover between electric and gas is seamless. The interior has good room and being 6'5" I fit better in the Escape than I do the Explorer, another good selling point for me. We keep cars until they fall apart and the additional warranty on the Hybrid specific items gives us an additional sense of security. We love it!
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,995445 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,500585 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,500649 mi away
Ford Escape
Handling, gas mileage is great.
Auto for the near future
Loved the 2002 Escape so much my wife said we should get the Hybrid version. Stands a little taller, lacks the 12 volt outlet in the back, but is much quieter than old version. Perforated leather is softer and seats more comfortable. Drivetrain performance is not noticeably different than the V6 2002 we are used to. Sound system is good and the navigation is a neat plus when driving to unfamiliar destinations. No engine noise at stops and speeds under 30 is something we have gotten used to quickly. Electric power steering gives reasonable road feedback but not the same as traditional. When accelerating the engine spools up quickly, the vehicles moves smoothly without any gear changing.
Best Hybrid around for SUV use
I needed an SUV for hauling and this model is excellent with plenty of storage in the back seat and trunk area. Very peppy on the road and the smooth transition from battery to gas is not felt at all. Very happy owner! I drive lots of freeway traffic and like the way the car handles at all speeds.
Solid Ford Escape Hybrid (4WD)
Purchased about one week ago. Dealer was running "special" with $2,500 off sticker. Runs great -- got fully loaded with sunroof/navigation system/leather. Did not really need 4 wheel drive but keep in mind not a huge selection at most dealers (believe I had 8 to choose from -- many dealers in Orange County only have one or two). Mileage averaging about 28 mpg overall compared to claim of low-mid 30's. Quick acceleration and happy with tire selection by Ford - Continental - give a smooth ride.
I got the lemon
I bought the car 8/31. The ABS brakes went out on 9/3. Dealer had car till 9/7. I drove it one more day and now 9/9, it's back at the dealership for same problem. The 3 days I drove it was very nice. My challenge was running entirely on the electric motor. I bought the cheapest model and got it for $1000 under MSRP. "Never pay sticker or mark up!"
Happy with my Hybrid
A previous owner of a 02 XLT midnight which i loved, it was not hard for me to trade in for a fully loaded hybrid. I love the nav system and computer and the ride is so smooth and quite with the cvt tranny. Just all the improvements over my 02 model and the gas mileage was enough for me. It has plenty of power so the v6 is not missed and it doesn't stand out like the Toyota Prius. Don't expect too much in the gas mileage; that all depends on your driving. I'm currently getting 30 with hardly any stop and go traffic in which this vehicles shines. Got a great deal on mine.
Lovin' it!
It is a pleasure to drive. Right after I bought it, I drove it across country and really enjoyed the ride. It handles well and is full of power when you need it. I would like to see a few interior changes. It seems to be a solid and well built, but I would like a few more creature comforts inside. My vehicle before this was a Chrysler Town & Country. Ford should study that interior and copy a few things. I miss not having the temperature and direction display (plus average miles displayed digitally). I wish the rear seats would lift out. I get about 31.8 MPG average. All in all I love it. I plan to buy a second one soon. I rave about to all my friends.
Don't get the navigation system
I love my Escape Hybrid with one major exception. The navigation system is the worst piece of electronic equipment I have ever owned. It will not allow the user to input anything except at an absolute stop. The processor is so slow that the map is unable to move when the vehicle is in motion. Instead, the arrow on the map jumps for a few seconds, then the map jumps to catch up. The user interface is so bad that it is very difficult to even get a destination into the system. The screen is so small that you need a magnifying glass to see it. So much for Ford's motto about "Innovation". The best thing they could do is fire the electronics engineers and buy an aftermarket Alpine system.