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Used 2008 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
238 reviews

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3.75 out of 5 stars

My dream suv turned nightmare

marlanea, 11/18/2010
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
13 of 21 people found this review helpful

This vehicle ran great until just over 60 k miles, only work needed done was bad transmission cooler (recall) but the transmission in this vehicle number cd4e which is in several ford makes and models is absolute garbage, cheap, poor engineering design and totally unreliable according to many transmission specialists. The shops are full of ford escapes with bad transmissions! they barely make it through warrenty. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY on FORD! I have bought this almost brand new, have had it one year and ten months and the transmision is garbage. You are worthless to them after 60k, sorry charlie, too bad, cant help you, Sucker! I even took it in while in warrenty 58k and complained. tough.

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1 out of 5 stars

Transmission inadequate

Sam, 10/24/2018
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Transmission repair was needed suddenly at 74,000 miles

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Dependable, great in snow, fast acceleration

Susan, 08/28/2018
2008 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

10 years with this car and it was rarely in the shop. Reliable vehicle that I have easily driven year round, including through NH's crazy winters. I never got stuck or skidded off the road in snow. It has great pick-up and I can easily pass other vehicles and merge quickly onto highways. A little noisy on the highway, but some of that is probably due to the Thule crossbars I added to the roof rack. I can't think of much else to complain about. Great all-around, all-weather, trustworthy car.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
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4.5 out of 5 stars

Ahhh

it is, 04/14/2008
2008 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Switched from awd to 2wd -- and I'm doing alright (not needed in tx). Needed room for dogs, with better mileage than I got with my wagon. This is it! Worst case, my first mileage estimate is 27 mpg with 70 hwy/30cty. Better than expected! I had to find something under 20k, and used wasn't practical--I rack up the miles. It has my bare necessities, but I miss the seamless cargo space of my wagon (the Escape has gaps, with dangerous pins in them)--until my custom mats are made, I'll have to keep travel crates in the car. Other than that, why are they still doing drum brakes?

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5 out of 5 stars

Love it, love it, love it!

J-Cruisin', 05/26/2008
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I was a little skeptical about getting an American made car because they don't hold their value as well but I just didn't want to spend over $30K for an SUV. We wanted an SUV to fit two kids and a dog, and the Escape is perfect! Tons more room than our tiny Honda Civic but not a gas guzzler like Explorers and such. The Escape is great on gas, handles very well, the turning ratio is better than other SUVs we test drove. It's very inexpensive to insure too! Smooth and comfy ride. Love my Escape, in the future we'll look into the hybrid!

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5 out of 5 stars

Love my 2008 5 speed

Curly locks, 02/07/2019
2008 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Best car ever! Now 11 yrs old, in that time I've only replaced brakes one time, replaced ignition switch this year, and replaced battery 2 yrs ago. Had to have the throttle body cleaned this year. Other than that no other issues at all in 11 years!!!!!!- wouldn't trade it for anything on the market now! And if it ever dies.. it will be replaced with a 2012. The escapes after the 2nd gen are [non-permissable content removed]!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

I Survived

Liz, 10/23/2008
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Had the little bugger for 6 months, less than 10K miles, when a big bad dog ran out in the interstate at Waco. Little car in front of me slammed on brakes, I smashed her, then a huge fully loaded 18 wheeler slammed me. Escape was obviously 100% totaled. I walked away, minor bruising. I am blessed. That 5 star safety rating paid off big time! It works!

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3.25 out of 5 stars

The Biggest Nightmare I Have Ever Faced

ken1053, 01/29/2011
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This car was a really nice car to drive around, especially having a workplace full of BMWs and Audis. I liked the comfort of the cloth seats and the interior design. One thing I absolutely hated is the reliability. My car is only 2 years old (I bought it in 10/08) and it is the most unreliable thing I ever faced. The car shifts very roughly into gear and the car lurches itself forward. I'm not sure if it's something to do with the gas or with the transmission coolant recall... I absolutely hate that car now. It can't keep the value and if you did get into an accident with this car (airbags deployed) you will not like the fact that it is 10x more of a bumpier ride. I regret getting this car..

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Not all it's cracked up to be!

dana, 10/08/2009
2008 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

After trying to find the good in it, I have come up with nothing. I am a previous Toyota owner, and I feel very short-changed by the Escape. The inside is very cheap. The apolstery irritates my legs, shows every single water spot, and the foam is hard as a rock. Overall, the interior looks like a 6 year old designed it. When I am on the highway, the engine noise makes it sound like a semi-truck from the inside. Also, I know I have a 4 cylinder, but I can't do more than 20mph uphill, unless I gun it. Then at that point, the engine sounds like it is going to fall out. They should not even make a 4cyl. I do like its auxilary jack for my iPod

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Okay, Rather have something else

chewetson825, 02/27/2012
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Bought the car new in 2008 and has been a love-hate experience. The car is absolutely AWFUL on the highway, but fantastic in the snow. If we had to buy another small SUV again, i would probably go for the Honda CRV instead.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Not what I expected

HelpMeEscapeIt, 05/23/2007
2008 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

'08 Escape XLS AWD is part of company car plan, best option of the 3 choices offered. Have had vehicle for 6 weeks, and just hit 5000 miles. Overall rate vehicle as fair. Unimpressed with engine power, cabin noise and vibration. Driver's seat is horrible, will fatigue you on short trips. Mileage is good (24 mpg on average mainly hwy). Little features missing like auto headlight shutoff, daylight running lights and seatback pockets. Had issue with vehicle starting after sitting for 2 days during first 1500 miles (imagine what might be in store after it gets 50k or more on it). I keep hoping for the best... but this isn't even close.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

You'll all be very very sorry!!!!

marypal, 12/13/2009
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

If you have the Continental tires, you will be replacing them soon, and probably have to have the leaky transmission repaired and God help you if you have the cloth interior, good luck trying to clean it, and whatever you do, don't let any rain or snow or water of any kind touch those seats, you won't ever get them to look nice again!!! Good luck with this sorry excuse for a vehicle, we are done with Ford!!!!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Not bad for 1st SUV

Dreama, 01/08/2009
2008 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

For my first ride, this Escape is a choice I have yet to regret. I got it more for safety (for my child), but the design (both interior and exterior) caught my eye from the start. I wish the engine had a little more bite, especially since it's mated with a 5-speed manual, but its not too bad nonetheless. It was worth the money I paid.

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4 out of 5 stars

Missing it already

J T, 08/01/2021
2008 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Bought my 2008 in 2012 with only 62000km. Awesome suv. Only complaint I have is they are rust magnets. All over rust issues then lead to to many repairs underneath. Love the escapes and now looking for a good 2020

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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3.63 out of 5 stars

Not Bad

geop, 03/28/2010
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Overall it's not a bad small SUV. The ride is rough as it's on a truck frame and has a small wheel base. The 4 cylinder does OK for a 4cyl. It does need to shift out of over drive climbing up inclines on the highway. The seats are a bit stiff. There is enough room for me as I'm 6 ft. I like the fact that you can open the back window without having to open the hatchback to load small items.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

No [non-permissible content removed] for me..love my Ford

studenut, 06/07/2011
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Bought this little red Escape off the showroom floor. Apparently driven by a salesman for 5K miles. I was a died in the wool Ford-hater till my husband bought this one for me with the promise that if in 1 year I'd be able to get whatever I wanted. I traded in a Mercedes 430 SEL (something like that)...Talk about JUNK? I could write a book about that Lemon! Electrical wiring, throttle problems, cocked moonroof, windows that failed to go down,early brake failure,on and on. I knew the service manager by his first name. No...I am thrilled with this one. They couldn't get me to trade for any Japanese or German SUV after I've owned this one.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

An overall Great car

j3rry, 01/31/2013
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful

I had this 2008 vehicle as a company car. I was fortune enough to have no financial association with this vehicle. I rode it hard, and put it away wet all the time. I found that this vehicle stood up to my abuse extremely well. I did have some problems with it. warranty fixed most of them. they replaced something that leaked (Can't remember what, sorry) and my acceleration pedal failed on me once around 15,000km. This was repaired.

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1 out of 5 stars

Do Not Buy

jennifer56, 10/17/2012
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
9 of 16 people found this review helpful

I have owned this car since July 2008, I bought it brand new off the lot. It has been the worst car I have ever owned. It has had major problems with the door locks, the back hatch window opening randomly while driving, tie rods, breaks- 4 sets in 4 years, air conditioning, doors not locking then locking me in randomly. Loud noises while driving which supossedly can be fixed with a hot oil flush. I can't wait til it is paid off, I plan to sell it and never buy another ford again. Dealing with Fords incompitant employees is another problem I will not miss. Problem after problem after problem.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Ford Escape Issues

cmclove3, 08/13/2011
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful

First and Foremost...the seats are horrible with just water they stain right away..had to buy seat covers because the backseat looked horrible..I had to bring it on on a Recall and sure enough I had nothing wrong with it...within a week the actuator of one of the Door locks was not working and now the Cruise Control is not working and it is not the Fuse because I replaced that..from an insider who I know works for the Service Dept at the same Ford Dealership advised me that when you bring your suv/car in for repair..they do things so that you have to bring it in again...I can not confirm that they deactivated my cruise control and it is now out of warranty..Soo sad they can't be trusted

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1.63 out of 5 stars

2008 FORD ESCAPE TRANSMISSION LEAK

mjk13, 12/30/2011
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 14 people found this review helpful

Ford has changed and the corporation is focused on $$$$$ and NOT the consumer. Read reviews on the internet- they are EVERYWHERE. I just got screwed by Ford on a recall that they will no longer honor. Called Customer Service and they said to will cost $800.00! READ before you buy. I never would have said this before today, but I'm now looking at a Toyota or Nissan. It's too bad Ford has gone the way and we are forced to buy non-American products. FORD you should be ashamed of what you have turned into.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Purchase

jkirish50, 07/21/2008
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful

I loved the new body style of the Escapes. They look like a mini-explorer, with a greater fuel economy. Ride is nice and interior is well built. The look is much tougher than the previous body. I drive a lot of highway miles and I am averaging 23 mpg with the 4 cylinder 4x4. I believe it is rated just higher than that (25-26). Debated about the 6 cylinder 4x2, but happy with my choice.

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1.5 out of 5 stars

Beware of Ford Escape, Beware!

ahwilson, 12/16/2012
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful

I purchased a 2008 Ford Escape in August 2007, and about 8 days after purchase the accelerator cable line broke. The dealer chose to repair the care, even though I expressed concern and worry about keeping the car. I immediately notified National Highway Safety. The dealer could not explain the malfunction. Cable line broke again at about 15,000 miles. This car has multiple problems. Windows freeze, and won't roll up..even in summer. The fabric seats stains very quickly and car offered cleaning of seats and carpet for additional. Every time I presented it for cleaning, the dealer never had appropriate staff. This add-on cost is a rip off. The keys to car wear down. I hate it!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Changes

Rob, 03/07/2007
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful

We have a XLT 4WD and what a dramatic difference from the older versions...especially the interior...thank goodness. This new version is so much better in my opinion. Dramatically quieter and more comfortable and the prices are actually lower than last year's model. We have some very steep hills in our area with gravel roads and the all wheel drive handles them with ease without any loss of traction and the transmission does all the braking on the way downhill with little effort saving my brakes the wear and tear. Love this CUV!

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Do not buy

marvnjenn, 09/26/2010
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 12 people found this review helpful

You know I am American and always felt the need to buy an American car. Well this is one of the worst cars I have owned. I noticed after my warranty ran out that the paint on the trim in the wheel wells chipped and was rusting. The dealership told me it was from rocks hitting my car. I looked on their lot and there where 4 of the same trucks with the same issue. All of the 2008 are rusting and I will NEVER but American again. I have had other issues but if you are still under warranty check for rusting and they will fix it otherwise you are out of luck. Mariners owners this goes for you as well.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

Good for a Company Vehicle

Argonaught, 01/15/2010
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I was given an Escape as a company vehicle, this way the maintenance problems do not affect my wallet directly. I would never contemplate buying a vehicle like this for myself. See the Pro's/Contra's below. During the first 30K the following had gone wrong: - Some electrical problem that they wouldn't disclose to me ... it manifested itself in battery discharging unexpectedly - One of the struts, supporting the tailgate, broke in half - The brake disks had to be re-machined - Another funny electrical problem (interior lights wouldn't go off automatically) - 12V outlet fell out of the console!

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Beautiful vehicle, transmission issues

Maple, 01/22/2009
2008 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I love my vehicle but disappointed at the number and variety of transmission issues. My vehicle chugs in reverse and currently dealerships are finding lots of transmission cooler issues. Basic bumper to bumper warranty doesn't cover loaner vehicles and the repairs can take a long time (both due to work involved and part back orders).

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4.25 out of 5 stars

So far

atx, 04/14/2008
2008 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Switching from a Subaru Outback to this is refreshing. It feels lighter than the 'ru ever did, and gets 8 mi/gal more (judging from the first fillup). Drove CR-V, Rav, and the new styles had horrible visibility! Escape still has it. And the price is so much better! I got a new base model for the same as a high-mileage used of the others. While it is reported to be more sluggish, I don't find anything fatally bad about it. It suits my needs as a dog trainer, without breaking the bank at the pump.

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5 out of 5 stars

i love my new SUV

r3b3cki, 07/09/2009
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I just bought my escape and i totally love it, from the inside out, i like thats its a suv so i can sit up higer and see traffic better as apposed to being in a car being short and all its kinda nice i can also get in and out easily with out having to do the ole heave ho action getting into my suv, it rides smooth over speed bumps and on the road. i love that it gets good gas mialage for a suv. plus its easy to drive i dont feel like im driving a boat it feels like im driving a car but im up a lil higher i highly recomend this suv to anyone!

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3.88 out of 5 stars

disgusted with 2008 escape

fedupwithit, 07/20/2011
2008 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Bought my 2008 Escape in June 2007, really loved the vehicle with no complaints until this year. At 84,000 miles the headliner is falling down in front and on side in cargo area, the bearings went out, the tire pressure sensor kept coming on for 2 months, the seats stain easily after turning over a vase of roses in just water and the stain wont come out. I have owned 8 new Fords with no complaints but I have become completely disgusted with this 2008 Escape and I wouldnt recommend it to anyone...it has made me consider buying a foreign vehicle for the first time in my life as my co-workers love their Hyundai Suvs

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Dangerous & Defective Transmission!

tdd281, 01/27/2012
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful

This is my first and LAST FORD. Ever. I was so in love with my new spunky Ford Escape, I got all the bells and whistles, paid 24 grand for this model.. I noticed that my car was rusting prematurely...not on on the outside, but the inside as well underneath my seats. In fact the bars that hold my seats to the car are rusting. At 107k miles, my transmission malfunctioned causing my car to shake violently, and accelerate on its own, now I have to buy a new trans at 3 grand. On top of it I could of been seriously hurt, since my car seat is rusting away from the base of the care. FORD DID NOTHING. SO I launched a complaint against them. LAST FORD I EVER BUY. EVER>

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1.63 out of 5 stars

2008 Ford Escape Transmission

scndshot, 01/16/2010
2008 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful

Pitiful. Transmission failing at 34k Miles. Thankfully, just barely still under warranty. Type "2008 Ford Escape Transmission" on the internet and see the complaints. Never again...will trade in for Honda or Toyota. Driver seat power-drive also failed, as did one of the back power-windows (around 15k miles). Pitiful.

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3 out of 5 stars

Ford Escape Transmisson Cooler

JNBXU, 10/27/2009
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful

Love the car, ride, interior and exterior.

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5 out of 5 stars

Easy to drive, comfortable and dependable

Sam G, 12/28/2017
2008 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Have had this vehicle for 9 years and have had almost no mechanical issues. Easy to drive, very comfortable and quite dependable.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
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3.38 out of 5 stars

A large step down

Kimberly, 06/27/2007
2008 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

After owning an Explorer, I decided to move down to the Escape. Over all I was unimpressed. I expected more from a Ford SUV and loved my Explorer. I wanted something a bit smaller and was hoping it would handle slightly better. What I ended up with was a lot less room, and an SUV built for someone who could not afford a real one. I would not reccomend this to my friends.

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5 out of 5 stars

Escape Just Gets Better

VV, 12/12/2007
2008 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I traded in my Escape 2005 for the new styled 08. Escape just gets better, in comfort, ride, quiteness, handling, and style. I have the moon roof w/satellite Autophile Stereo and this is worth the upgrade. Concerned with the factory installed Continental Tires. Had them on 05' with alot of road noise. So far, this is no issue. This Escape is just fun to drive and own! No complaints with either the 05' and now the new 08'. Thanks Ford!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great car

colin_88, 04/16/2012
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is my mom's car and I love it. We have had it for 5 months now and it has changed my view of Fords since the demise of my 1995 Escort. I find this more luxurious than my plain 2002 Toyota Camry. The ride is very smooth. The 4WD comes in handy on the snowy Philly winters and our yearly Xmas trip to Maine.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

1 Year

Mz.Marina, 08/27/2009
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my escape a year ago. Have put extensive miles on it without any problems whatsoever. Only regular maintenance which is key to maintaining a vehicle. Will keep an eye on the tranny after reading these reviews...but other than that cute fun suv.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

'08 Escape

RaiderJoe, 12/27/2007
2008 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great looking car for the money. Drives great, lots of room when 2nd row is folded flat. Great gas mileage for a gas only engine (26 mpg average!).

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Transmission condensor failure

Randy Brandeberry, 10/19/2009
2008 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Leaking transmission fluid at 56,000 miles. Dealer found failure in transmission condensor. Internet search found many people having this failure with 08 Escape. Dealer says Ford will not cover this under powertrain warranty but the dealer will use Customer Loyalty Program to cut repair cost to $100. Typical American car manufactured, spend millions to advertise and tell us how good their product is and then find a way to weasle out of fully covering warranty work. Stay away from the 08 Escape. This is my 4th Ford vehicle but Toyota is looking very good at the moment.

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5 out of 5 stars

Wow! This is a Ford?

Longhorn, 07/11/2007
2008 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The wife and I traded in my awesome '05 Japanese sedan for an '08 Escape. We wanted more safety features, ground clearance, and comfort for a similar car payment. I thought I was sacrificing quality and performance, but the Escape blew my wife and I away. We love driving it everywhere and get great comments from family members who own larger SUV's (both foreign and domestic). I was used to the more powerful 2.5L from the sedan but a quick air filter change to a higher performance filter fixed me right up.

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2.25 out of 5 stars

Last Ford for me

imperialquartz, 10/31/2009
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Not my first Ford lemon, but will be the last. Lots of ongoing problems, transmission cooler replacement, creaky steering has the dealers perplexed. Rattle in front end at low speeds, rear window rattles,one front seat heat works only when it feels like it. Seals between front & rear doors falling off top & bottom. Front seat cushions are too short. This is just a new body on the old drive should not have this many troubles. Not all negative, not a bad commuter, fuel economy is OK, 25 MPG (imperial gallon) AWD system works very well in the snow. Adequate cargo space. My wife just purchased an 09 Hyundai Santa Fe, it totally puts the Escape to shame as far as fit & finish.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Trans Cooler Defect

Twinspires, 01/20/2010
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

At 41,000 miles..just outside of warranty, transmission cooler went out to tune of $650. Ford does not want to hear about it, but check the internet..lots of others had the same issue. There shoudl be a recall on this vehicle. Leaked trans fluid until I got it repaired and only 2 years old. Going back to driving Nissans.

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2 out of 5 stars

Rugged good looks - but not a Bronco!

Bullitt Duff, 04/28/2023
2008 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Yeah I always liked the looks of 2nd Gen Escape. Had many of the same chiseled styling ques seen on the Explorer & Expedition of the same era. I was half expecting a revamp of a Bronco II. But then I purchased one and if I'm being honest I was a bit disappointed. On the plus side: I still think they are a good looking little SUV - great interior space with had lots of room, ergonomical and well laid our for it's size. I purchased mine used in 2016 as a commuter vehicle. She had low miles, was really clean and the price was acceptable. But where I made a mistake was in the research before hand and getting the 2008 model year rather than a 2009 or later was a mistake too. Because the first year of the Gen 2 still had the same 2.3L anemic engine & FWD drive train carried over from the previous generation. It struggled going up the hills (not even that steep) and transmission was constantly "hunting" for the best gear. So much so that it often required me to intervene on it's behalf buy selecting a gear for it. Likewise she got horrible fuel mileage. It was supposed get 20/22/26 MPGs! But I never saw better than 18 MPG. Heck have a 2008 Mustang Bullitt that can get better than that without even trying. LOL! All & all it was a good looking vehicle and I like the interior space (thus the two stars) - but it was a bit of a let down with performance and fuel economy.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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2.5 out of 5 stars

Transmission Cooler - Again!

lacynic, 01/17/2012
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I purchased my 2008 Ford Escape in Jan 2009 used. I never had a problem with it until Nov 2011 when I had to pay $900 for a new transmission cooler. Come to find out Ford had a recall on this until Aug 2010 and I was never notified! After calling Ford repeatedly they were no help at all! Today is Jan 17, 2012 - my car is back in the shop for the same problem! Way to go Ford for backing up their customers! Last Ford I will own. Getting it fixed and selling it for a different brand!

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4.13 out of 5 stars

I escaped to an Escape

mmason, 07/08/2008
2008 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Got rid of my big ole gas guzzling F-150, but did not want to go back to a car. I like the cabin room, and cargo room of an SUV, but also with gas prices the way they are wanted something that was fairly decent on gas. The new somewhat redesigned 2008 Escape caught my attention! It has a little bit stronger, more masculine exterior look to it, which I like! Most important is the better fuel economy. My F-150 had a 27 gallon tank, Ouch! The interior design is a little plain but very roomy. It's very fun to drive! I think I made a wise decision. I also got a cheaper truck note when I got the Escape. That's always nice too.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

My door fell off!

Angie, 09/06/2008
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The first time I drove my Escape I knew I loved it and wanted it. Comfortable height for getting in and power when I need to pass and pick up speed. Lots of room and great visibility. After 10 months of ownership I opened my door at the mall for Christmas shopping and the top bolt fell out pulling the door from the hinge. Quick reflexes I caught the very heavy door and managed to lift it and secure the hinge. The bolts on the doors secure upward and the safety had fallen off without my knowing, thus every time I opened the door it loosened the bolt a bit more. Apparently a hinge defect. The hinge was replaced with reinforcements around the bolt. The door doesn't always shut properly now.

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2.38 out of 5 stars

never again

sad owner, 02/09/2010
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Very disappointed in this vehicle. Price was a big consideration in the purchase decision. Repairs have canceled out any original savings. Transmission cooler leak, lower steering unit failure are two of major items not covered under warranty or power train warranty. Problems were not correctly diagnosed until 3/36 warranty had expired. Unlike GM, Ford customer care department doesn't care, and dealership service departments leave much to be desired. No more US made vehicles.

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4 out of 5 stars

MY LITTLE LEMON

TBM, 04/27/2009
2008 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

July of 2007 I purchased my 2nd Escape. I traded a 2005 model for the 2008 due to transmission problems. Upon purchase of the 2008 I've had a constant spark knocking that even occurs with an 89 and 93 octane along with more tranny problems to boot. With the purchase of my 2008 Escape came a 60,000 mile drivetrain warranty which covers the transmission and motor. After 40,000 miles I just had to shell out $850 from my pocket because the transmission cooler started leaking which Ford conveniently would not cover under the warranty saying it was not part of the drivetrain. My advice to anyone thinging about buying the Ford Escape, save your money. I will NEVER own another Ford.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

2008 Escape

gcedmondson, 05/11/2010
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful

Dealership was great to deal with. I loved driving this vehicle through the winter. It went through the snow wonderfully. I never had to wonder if I would be able to get round. I would recommend if you own an 2008 to be sure to do the recent March 2010 recall for the Transmission fluid cooler. I took mine in to be fix only to find out that I was miles away from ruining my Escape.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Don't buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ch6, 08/13/2012
2008 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 20 people found this review helpful

I was so excited to buy my second Ford Escape, first one was a 2001 that I drove forever. I bought my 2008 Escape 18 months ago and at less than 90,000 miles needed a new transmission. Guess what?? The new transmission Ford put in doesn't work either!!!! I also need $3,000 additional dollars to put into including a new air conditioner, oil pan and the ABS sensor needs fixed. The word around town when you talk to transmission mechanics is that the 2007, 2008 Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute are bad news! Others who work at Ford plants say the Escape is called a parts car, aka they make it knowing that parts are going to need to be repaired quickly If you have this problem please call Ford

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