Used 2009 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews
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I love my Escape
I bought my 2009 Ford Escape XLT 3.0 V- 6 for my wife for Christmas. We had tested the Honda CRV, Subarau Forrester, Hyundai Santa Fe and Sonata before we drove the Escape. When she sat down in it, she said this is the one. We love the ride, the comfort the style and the gas mileage. We are currently averaging 25mpg combined. It rides smoother and quieter than my brother in law's Escalade. The power is great. I love the Sync system and the Sirius radio. I would and have recommended the Escape to other people.
Return Customer
We used to buy Fords in the 80's and 90's but went away due to poor quality after 2000. Due to incentives and promises of quality from Ford, we decided to take a look again. We are very glad we did. We love our Escape and feel like we have one-upped everyone else since we found a jewel that most people overlook. We got 0% finance for 60mo, $500 rebate for college student, $1K below invoice, full retail for trade, and full 6/60 warranty + maintenance (oil changes) for only $1800. Our XLT ended up being $21K fully loaded, before trade and warranted included. You cannot beat these deals.
- XLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,99533 mi away
- XLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,49533 mi away
- XLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,89942 mi away
Pleasantly Surprised
I have purchased Chrysler products for years, most recently a 300 C. I'm so glad I switched to Ford. I had a 2009 Flex AWD Limited that I loved, but due to the uncertainty of the economy, I took a proactive approach and "down sized" my ride. I was so impressed with the quality of the Flex, I stayed with Ford and went with the more economical Escape Limited. What a pleasant surprise...I bought it from a dealer that was 75 miles from my home and on the way home it was already averaging 28.5 mpg! The ride and handling are good, the engine is more responsive and the radio is better than I expected. It's not the Flex by any means...but @ $14,000 less it's a great car.
My First Ford
I have had the car for 3 weeks now and nothing to concerning. As most people I did all the research I could. What drew me to this car was its changes from 08-09 all pointing to better gas mileage and better outside design on the front end. I have been very pleased with so far an 24-25MPG City average with 240hp V6-not bad. I with being my first ford the initial quality appears to be impressive, I hope I am saying the same thing 5 years later. My only concern as others have noticed is a good deal of plastic with the interior-but this was not enough of an issue to keep from buying the Escape.
Fun Car with great interior and engine
The 2009 Ford Escape is an outstanding value. The interior is spacious and well thought out, and the seats are comfortable. The buttons on the center console are pretty crowded. It's a good thing Sync is such a powerful tool, because navigating some of the audio menus during driving could be dangerously distracting. The V6 feels powerful and has great get up and go. Fuel economy is just as advertised at this point. In traffic-clogged downtown Madison, WI I'm getting 19 mpg. It's much more efficient on the highway however, as it edges towards the advertised 26 mpg. Sunroof is a particularly great addition in this car. Really opens up the car. Light interior also makes the car open up "bigger"
Wife's new best friend
After 6 months of research and numerous test drives, it was love at first drive. Handles extremely well with great visibility and surprising power from the 240hp 3 liter. The 6 speed transmission took a little getting used to with near seamless shifting. We've experienced around 20mpg in town and 27mpg on the highway. Nicely laid out with leather interior and chrome accents, ambient floor lighting and the Sync system which in my opinion, is a must for anyone who owns a cell phone. I have not doubt that "the boss" will be enjoying her SUV for a very long time!
No complaints after 5,000 miles
While the Escape is a little dated in style, I like the practical, rugged looks. It drives comfortably and I am impressed at the acceleration and overall power of the 4-cyl combined with the 6-speed automatic. The traction control and anti-lock brakes have improved winter handling. Sun and sync package is fun and convenient for handsfree cell calls. Gas mileage has been as high as 30 (a full tank at about 60-65 with no wind) and has never been lower than 21 (all short stop and start in town). Overall average is around 24-25. Comfortable height to get in and out, as most small SUVs. I'm happy.
Very good car
This is my second escape (we currrently have an 06 XLT as well). This car a a wonderful upgrade from previous models and I would recommend this car to anyone that is looking for a nice SUV.
Great small SUV
In June I purchased a 2009 Escape XLT AWD with the 4cyl engine. I have been waiting to write a review until I had driven it for a while. I live in the Boston area. I have taken my Escape on vacations to Cape Cod and to Acadia National Park in Maine. Commuting to work I average 24mpg, while on the highway I get 28mpg. I love my Escape except for one thing. The 4cyl engine is too noisy for me, especially when accelerating. Once up to cruising speed, the Escape is remarkably quiet. Also, while peppy, the 4cyl really struggled climbing the hills of Maine, especially with the AC on. If I could go back and buy my Escape again, I would get the 6cyl FWD which has the same combined mpg as 4cyl AWD.
Go Escape!
We purchased our Escape after evaluating seven other manufacturers/models in the same compact SUV class. It has been a great car, averaging 27 mpg. Runs like a top on cross-country trips, and easy to park in the city. Snow driving has been even and controlled for a vehicle of this small size and weight. Brakes and steering are very responsive. We purchased this car on the internet, MSRP 27300, but cost to us was only 22000. Best bang for the bucks.
Very Happy With Decision To Buy Ford
This is my first suv and the only difference i noticed from driving the car was I sat taller and the passing power in the truck felt a little slower. Other than that I love this vehicle. The handle and braking is great, the ride and turns are smooth, the gas tank and mileage are the same and my previous car, and the look is so versatile that I feel so feminine just being next to it, yet when I see a man in it, the look it totally masculine. The only thing I wish my car had is the new "Ford" front grill.
My First Car
Well after i got my license, my parents decided to buy me a car. We looked at Chevy and Ford, and since i wanted an SUV but didn't want to pay $90 at the pump like my dad's old 07 jeep commander (now has an '09 maxima) we decided on the Escape. My Mom wanted great Safety scores, which the Escape has, so there's another plus. I enjoy driving this car, the power steering and the ease of controlling the wheel is a joy. The car just feels good and solid throughout. I am very satisfied with my first car.
My 09 Escape
I had just gotten my new Escape XLT a few weeks ago. Let me start by saying it's a sharp looking small SUV. I stayed away from the all wheel drive after hearing a lot of problems people were having with them. Well the 6cyl. Ft. wheel drive is great. The one issue is the transmission. The new 6 speed is nice but the gears settings are rough. The 1st. gear drags out and shifting could be smoother. For a 240hp V6 the power is there it just takes a bit to get it out. The sync is great, power windows, door locks, one touch moon roof, keyless touch pad, etc. All very nice. Overall a great SUV for the class & the price.
Love it!
This is my 2nd Escape XLT. I had a 2001, then upgraded to an Explorer, hated it. I have had my 2009 Escape for just over 3 weeks and I am in love with in! Ford has made great improvements! The wind noise while driving down the highway is barely noticeable. This is a solid car that rides great! The gas mileage is out standing! I got 27.5 mpg on the highway and average 25 around town. This car is fun to drive! Ford has gotten it right!
Surprised
I am very surprised with the performance and ride of this little SUV. I wanted something that would get better gas mileage than my full size pickup for every day driving and I am very please with this little gem. The average gas mileage has been better than projected and it is fun to drive. The SYNC system is a fantastic added bonus. My only negative is I'm not a fan of the cloth seats. Wish I would have gotten the leather interior. The front seat room is great. The back seat is best left for little people if the front seat driver is taller. The cargo room is surprisingly large. If I could offer one improvement to Ford it would be to move the back seat back and add some leg room.
FUN FORD!!
My first Ford was a 2004 Ford Focus ZX3, and I loved it! I wanted to go in and get the Focus Zx4 with leather seats and Microsoft-sync technology-but alas no hatchbacks.I am outdoorsy with a big dog,and a consummate environmentalist, so an SUV never seemed like something I would let myself have. However this SUV gets nearly 30 miles to the gallon (less with the kayaks on top) but with all the room and the good gas mileage I gave it whirl. It was fun. As soon as I got used to the narrow wheel base --it was a lot of fun! I love it, I love it, I love It. Its comfy, practical safe, and economic! not the sexiest car terms but works for me, my dog, my kayak, my ski's, & all my gear.
Nicely Upgraded
My new car arrived in 12/09 replacing an 07 Escape The 07 was totaled in a catastrophic accident and I lived to tell about it. Thank you Ford for your safety engineering. The 09 4 cylinder has comparable performance to the 07 with a v6. The interior is comfy and controls are easy to use. The 4 cylinder is a bit loud but not awful. I sit and idle for portions of the day (in the cold northern winter) and the mileage is still respectable. This 09 is a nice upgrade over the 07.
off to a good start
Have had it for a week now. So far it has exceeded expectations in some areas. After much research I found you really get alot for your money with the Escape. It rides good, has a very tough exterior look, and is loaded with features. Got the XLT w/ Sync, tow pkg and cargo pkg. I would not recommend the charcoal interior, carpet shows every little particle of dirt you have on your shoes. The Sync system is the most outstanding feature to be put in a car since air- conditioning. If you love your IPOD, spend the x-tra money for it, you won't regret it. MPG is 23-24 overall, 27-28 on interstate. That is hard to beat for a v-6 SUV that has lots of pep! Roomy interior for your family.
Bad start with Ford
This is the first Ford vehicle I buy and I am very disappointed with the build quality. First 2 weeks and there is already a welding spot inside the left rear end that <cracked> causing a constant ratlle sound upon departure. The dealer fixed it but it left me with a very sour taste about Ford quality. Especially because I had driven only in city roads and not off-road. Now I noticed the <hoot> sound that many forums people have experienced. I really wonder what is next...
Love my Ford Escape
Great vehicle, goes thru ice, unplowed snowy, slippery roads- very impressed at the way it handles. Living in upstate NY we get lots of all the above and I have not had any problems. Really bad weather is why I bought a 4 wheel drive-not disappointed. Lots of room front and back-even my big dog has a lot of room. Very comfortable to drive and I love being up higher. Gas mileage is only 18-19mpg-not what they said. Test drove every SUV out there and liked the Escape the best. Glad I got it.
we like it!
Bought the Escape as a daily driver. The AWD was a must for the winters here. Very practical for my wife and I and our 5yr old daughter. Seats are comfortable. The revised V6 is great. Runs strong. Gas mileage hovers in the 23.5 range with 70%/30% mix of rural 2 lane highway/city driving every week. Very nimble to drive. Was plenty comfoirtable for us on a 600 mile trip to the beach.
wow
We were looking at rav4 , crv and escape . All were close in drive and comfort but the escape saved us almost 6000 rite off the top . The 7yr bumper to bumper took any fear of durability out of the equation . The 4 cyl with new 6spd tranny has plenty of get up- SURPRISE!
Great SUV
I am telling Ford did a wonderful job with this one. Its a great Suv from top to bottom. Handles very well, comfortable and fun to drive. I was always skeptical buying a Ford. This is my first Ford and I am so glad it was this one. I test drove a lot of suv's in this class and nothing compared. Looking for a suv that handles like a car, looks good and extremelly comfortable than this is the one. Highly recommended!
Good but
Overall the Ford Escape is pretty good. It is comfortable to sit in and drive. It looks good and has handled well in the snow. The major issue I have with the car is that the gas pedal has a strange feel to it. It vibrates prior to shifting and does not feel solid. I'm debating taking it to the dealership to see if this is normal or if there is something wrong with my car.
I like it
Replaced my old F150 with this. I was surprised at how smooth it drives. The clutch does take some getting used to. Been getting 29.5 mpg on highway. Goes up the mountain roads pretty good. Full coverage insurance was cheap, so must be safe? I've only driven it about 1500 miles but everything works great.
Best choice for mid-size SUV AWD
I read reviews, test drove 15 different, checked out 10 dealers. Hands down the Ford Escape was the best deal for us. The RAV 4 is way overpriced, seats very uncomfortable. We couldn't imagine what agony a long trip would be. Same with everything else we drove. We've logged 5900 miles in 3.5 months. There's not much we don't like other than the gas mileage & the paint surface is already scratched. Lowering the back seats does require getting used to & the position of the arm rest/console could be moved forward for easier access. Glove box useless. Winter weather will determine if the love affair continues.
Buyer Beware
Our Escape makes a Hoot noise when accelerating from a stop. The Noise is loud and annoying. Not all Escapes make this noise. Ford acknowleges the noise but it is not a safety issue so they are going to fix it. I am disappointed with there attitude and after my 5th new Ford it is going to be my last. It is unfortunate that manufactures are allowed to get away with this. Make sure you thoroughly test and inspect your vehicle before taking a delivery or you will get stuck with it like I did.
Much Improved Over Older Ones
I owned a 2001 Escape for eight years and liked it very much. This new 2009 is vastly improved over the originals. The ride is now quiet and smooth, the AWD is much better than the 4X4 I had, the computer controls the car in the Chicago area snows to where I can't really get it to spin the tires in the snow. The stability control system works as described. The Sync system is just wonderful and fun, kudos to Microsoft and Ford, it works flawlessly. It seems bigger, 450 pounds bigger and roomier, has 20 percent more horsepower, yet I'm getting about 20 percent better gas mileage. I believe Ford did a great job on this vehicle and I believe it to be a lot of quality vehicle for the money.
Gas Mileage Surprise!
I knew I wanted a V6 for power and durability, but I thought that I would be compromising gas mileage to get it. I was wrong! The V6 is giving me close to 30 MPG on the highway and low 20's around town.
Excelent SUV!
Just got this car a couple days ago and I am LOVING IT! wouldnt trade it for anything! except maybe one with 4WD..lol. ALL IN ALL GREAT!
Deja Vu all over again
Bought a 2005 AWD Limited and turned 100,000 miles on it. New car deals are so good now that we traded it in for the 2009, and the new version is so much better! Better looking, smoother driving, and the perks are all very cool. Have a hard time understanding how Edmunds calls this SUV "adequate" but owners have rated it much closer to the truth. Went to FWD and 4 cyl this time and getting 27 mpg on the road. We have a 6 year old black lab so we get the dark interior and we love the way the rear seats fold flush to the back of the front seats - Max loves to lay with his head on the headrest between us so many other fold-down rear seats just didn't work for us. The best little SUV made!
Much better than a car
My wife and I drove the Escape locally and short highway rides for the first 1000 miles to break it in. Then we took a driving vacation from Chicago to Denver and back. What a dream vehicle to travel in. Four adults rode in this vehicle comfortably for 2800 miles. We really love this suv. We bought the XLT with leather and the sirius satelite system. Nice ride.
My experience
I researched all the mid suv's and narrowed it down to the Hoda Crv and Escape. I actually made up my mind on the Crv. I drove quite a few of them and gave Ford another look. The Escape drives a lot smother, the Crv was bumpy, had less leg room, noisey 4 cylinder, and the styling was sort of ugly. My Escape is loaded, the stereo is 320 wts. Leather is very comfortable, steering great, ride quiet, got the 17" wheels, so handling is sports car like, shifts very smooth, so far I love the Escape. I hope it's as reliable as the Honda. Every time I pass a Crv I say to myself, glad I didn't buy one. Get the locking lugs for the expensive mags and cargo mat. I got the 4 cyl. for mileage.
Love my Escape!
I wanted a truck from another manufacture, but due to cost and gas prices we focused on small SUVs. I'd driven an F150 before and loved it, so we looked at the Escape. The one negative was KBB's prediction about resale value (but I keep cars a long time so not a big deal). I was impressed by the safety ratings (my number one priority), and liked the safety features available. The SYNC system is great, its easy to see all the way around the vehicle (no blind spots and easy to back up). At 60 mph I get 31 mpg, at 80 mph 25mpg; not bad for an SUV. It's well designed and wonderful to drive (I enjoy my commute now!). A great vehicle and a good value (we got it below invoice). I love my Escape!
Got a good SUV
Bought the SUV because wife wanted to sit higher than a car. We tested every model we could think of and kept coming back to the Escape. I would recommend the Insync feature. Sun roof is fun. Nice and roomy. V6 provides all the power we need as we travel over mountains. Average MPG highway is 28. In town 20. Would like rear disc breaks. Got stuck in snow a motel parking lot during Christmas blizzard and the was unable to rock to get out but on the snowy icy road very stable and safe.
Wind Noise
I love my escape except for the wind noise on the highway that seems to come from the rear hatch door. It is sealed well but the gap on the exterior between the body and the door frame is very wide with no weather stripping. They must not have put this vehicle in the wind tunnel at the factory. Great vehicle except for this but it is very annoying on the highway.
2 weeks old
Great looking car, lots of room inside, very nice layout. Good steering/seating. Lots of nice electronics toys. Good on crappy roads for an SUV. Quality of build the center console hard to open (replaced already), little squeaks from the dashboard/radio area when cold. Found dirt under paint and was wet sanded out from dealer. That's the reason for the low scores.
Escape
I was looking to buy an SUV that gets good gas mileage. I bought a new 2009 Ford Escape and absoluetly love it. It gets great gas mileage, very smooth ride, easy to drive, and great features. I was also able to get a really great deal on the price. With only about 2000 miles on the SUV i am already getting close to 26 mpg. i am also only about 5' tall so i thought it was great that the seats raised up and forward. They allowed for me to see great and have no blind spots. The handling in the escape is amazing.
2009 Sangri Ford Escape AWD V6
Purchased vehicle used with 14000 miles. Traded in 06 Nissan Maxima. Overall vehicle is good, but have developed noise in drive train that sounds like metal on metal when accelerating after owning for 200 miles. Dealer says normal. Have contacted Ford Motor for confirmation, will post update once I hear from Ford.
great !
I love my ford escape. I upgraded it by adding a billet grill and chrome door handles. People remark on it all the time. I absolutely love the sync and ambient lighting. I would recommend to anyone looking for a smaller suv. Love it, love it !
Scratched Glass
2009 Ford Escape,Escape Owners 08/09 help us out! This is the second Ford Escape we have purchased. New 2001 and less than a year ago 2009.(We love the Escape) The issue is the Belt Mouldings have captured sand/fine grit and has scratched the rear passenger windows. More noticeable due to heavey tint,and now on the front drivers glass and passenger. 2001 Ford Escape never this issue.The 09 is getting worse.The Ford Dealer stocks his inventory on a Boat Yard on Quincy Bay near Boston Harbor. The service department will not help us out to fix this problem,stating it's our fault.We do not live next to a gravel pit,nor do we drive this vehicle on the Beach.Ford Reps will not acknowledge.
Love, love, love it!
This is my 2nd Escape. I have an 02 that was bought new also. I love the new features. I knew I wanted another Escape when we started thinking about getting a new vehicle. It is the perfect size for us! I am 5'2" and my husband is 6' & it fits us both. My daughter had outgrown her booster seat and the upgraded safety features such as rear shoulder strap on the center back seatbelt, side airbags, and the sensor that turns the front passenger airbag off if the passenger doesn't weigh enough on this model that were not on the 02 make it safer for her now that she doesn't have a carseat. I love the way it drives, so much smoother than the 02. There are too many improvements to mention them all.
Sangria Ford Update AWD V6
Went on vacation and left vehicle with Dealer for a week. Ford has Tech Bulletins on transmission/transfer case noise and vibrating accelerator peddle that the dealer was able to fix. Overall I really like the vehicle, now that the annoying problems have been repaired I can get back to enjoying the commute.
Love our Ford!
Vehicle has been GREAT...it's my wife's car but I love driving it as well. I don't know what Escape Edmond's was driving, but the brakes on this Escape are AWESOME. We love the SYNC package as well as the satellite radio. Fit and finish are second to none. High revving 4 cylinder gets great mileage and has good power. Ford has been doing one hell of a job. Highly recommended. We test drove a Chevy Equinox (Government Motors, I know, please forgive me)and it was a typical GM...poor fit/finish, lots of cheap plastic, etc...even with GM's rebates, we said no way.
Ford builds fun
I had a 2005 Escape and traded it for a new 2009. These are two completely different SUV's. The new Escape seems bigger, heavier, smoother and easier to steer. However, mine "bucks" as it shifts through the gears. I brought it in and they said all is normal. That is the only downside to this vehicle. Once it is cruising, it is like driving a Cadillac. As much as I liked the other Escape, I like this one more. This is a fun vehicle to drive and turns heads. (Ditch the heated seats- they barely warm up.)
Sangria Escape AWD V6 Update 2
Had to take the vehicle back for transmission noise again. Hoot was back in transfer case and sounded like drive shaft was metal on metal, noise disappeared at hwy speeds. Dealer found new tech bulletin for Escape 6 speed transmission issue they applied. Vehicle is now shifting more normally and I don't notice the noises coming from the transfer case. Let's hope this is the last visit to the dealer for the same thing.
So far so Good
Most of my drving is to and from work. Feels solid. No rattles, Tough seeing through rear window when backing up. Chrome Rimms are a waste of money and very hard to keep clean.
Well worth it
Bought this vehicle used from a local dealer. Had a Fusion previously and definitely love the extra room. Has a great ride, mpg, and low wind noise. Test drove Rav4, Pilots, and Equinox and kept coming back to the Ford.
Good purchase
I tried several small SUVs and decided that the Escape was the best for me. Others had visability issus, headrest issues and even the ease of getting into the back seat. I travel from Santa Cruz to Lake Tahoe and have grandkids with me. I don't get the gas mileage that they say (26 highway) as I am only getting 22.7 at best and I am not a speed demon. Even driving alone I don't get the gas milage. So I may trade in sooner than I ever planned for another Escape. Others seem to be getting the better gas milage. I would also like to see the front seats maybe an inch or so longer in lengh. I am only 5'1 but it seems short even to me.
Fun to Drive
We just moved to an area where I need AWD for winter driving. Previously drove a Ford Focus (and loved it) but did some shopping of other AWD vehicles other than Ford. Still ended up coming back to the Ford and no regrets! Escape handles nicely on gravel and steep inclines. No problems with braking. Interior is laid out nicely - love the Sync! MPG is that of a SUV, it's to be expected. Very quiet ride compared to other Fords I have owned. Nice options on the XLT that you would expect to pay Limited price for. Really fun to drive!