Opinions On The New Escape?

[condolan]

I work at a Ford dealership. Today, some people brought in their '08 Ford Escape (XLT I think). And I gotta' say, I'm not big on SUV's, but I was really impressed...given that I didn't like the old ones all that much.

It had these good points:
-doors are nice and light, easy to swing open
-fantastic throttle response, great low end
-on-the-dime steering
-well laid out, doesn't seem like the engineers threw it together on a Friday afternoon

But I'm curious, if there's any owners of the new Escapes here, how do you like yours and what do you like about it?

[sfcwoodret]

I've got a 2007xlt with the 2.3 and it's great in all aspects.

[Ford43]

I have an '02 loved it from the get go. I have driven a new escape and do like the new aspects of it. I am partial to the 3.0 v6 love the response and power, but with the gas prices only increasing considering the 4cyl when I trade which will be a escape of course. To steal a quote "They 're Greeeatt!!!!"

[tcesni]

Its worth remembering that the Escape, despite the SUV styling, is a true CUV built off a car platform. That makes it easy to get into and out of, nice to drive with easy handling. For many families, especially couples without any kids, its the perfect size. My wife loves her '02 Tribute (Escape clone) and I have driven a '07 as a rental and was pleased with the improvements. I would like to see some drivetrain improvements in the near future as this is a hot category.

[condolan]

Like I said...the difference between the old Escapes and the '08 felt like night and day.

But maybe that's because I don't drive Escapes often enough.

[MattV]

I liked the 05-07 the best which is why my wife got a 2005 Hybrid. We have been super pleased thus far. The only upgrade we miss would be the Audiophile stereo as ours is just ok with the 6 disc Ford radio. The 08 has grown on me over the past few months. We will definitely be considering another Escape/Tribute/Mariner in the future, but it looks like this 05 Hybrid is in for the longhaul seeing how well they are holding up.

[LabCab]

I have a 2002 Excursion 7.3l 4x4 and just won an 08 Escape 4wd xlt with the V6 and I must say I am impressed with this little SUV. It has become my daily driver letting the X rest some since it has almost 140,000 miles on it. The Escape is well built, solid and stable. Much more stable than it's size. I like the added air bags, traction control and stability control. With 2500 miles on it I am happy with it and enjoy driving it.
Pat

[jimmyb08SD]

The wifes 05 was a nice vehicle, but her 08 Mariner is a much nicer little ride. We are very happy with it. You can see both in my gallery.

[yaroslow]

I really like my 2008 Escape (nimble, traction control, size), but have been disappointed with three dealer repair issues since August 2007:

* Rear power point in center console did not work when we took delivery. Dealer service staff scratched up various components on the center console during repair. Each of my 2 return trips resulted in more scratches. Now I have a small stick on compass strategically placed near the shifter to cover the last small chip in the console's paint.

* Rear window seal did not have enough chaulking and allowed water to leak into the rear compartment when it rained. I had to repair it myself since the dealer was not sharp enough to remove the rear interior trim panel and conduct a water test to determine the point of entry.

Needless to say, I started going to another dealer for repairs and service.

* During very cold weather, transmission fluid leaked at the hose to cooler. Dealer (2nd) repair using a screw type clamp did not work. The clamp that was used was too large in diameter and did not wrap around the hose properly (oblong). I repaired it myself with a high pressure fuel line clamp.

I wish (some) dealers (and Ford) started to realize that as customers we understand that there may be minor issues that need to be dealt with, but they need to be dealt with effectively the first time the customer gives them an opportunity to repair the problem.

[condolan]

Sounds to me like new model issues...the future Escapes will probably not have as many small problems.

I'm sorry to hear the dealerships are not giving you the quality of service you deserve...sometimes that's what makes the difference in what brand of car a person buys.

[sfcwoodret]

The escape will turn out to be one of the big sellers for Ford along with the F150.

[DWToml815]

My wife loves ours. We've had it 3 months and I've got to drive it maybe 10 times. But, I just feel good finally getting her a car she likes. Plus, It's put together in KC, Missouri, unlike the competition which is made in Mexico.

[First Response]

It's great, I have been very pleased with the performance in snow and ice. Had a 04 SportTrac prior to this and a 03 SuperCrew prior to that. Finally fuel economy that makes me smile. If anything the only thing I wish was that I had of got the Sirius option when I purchased.

[abusch]

2008 Limited. V6. I get fantastic fuel economy. 9L./100 KM on the highway. 10L/100 KM city. Winter driving in the city with the added idle time has dropped the fuel milage to 11L/100 KM.
Speaking of winter driving, this Escape handles deep snow and ice like a true champ, great traction control and stability control.
Decent power, I pull a 17 Ft. long 2200 lb. camper in the summer with no problem.
I have had NO problems, and therefore cannot comment on any dealer issues.
I only wish the aftermarket would catch up and start supplying a few more items such as chrome door handles etc.

[rscalzo]

I've been holding off as I want an Escape but wanted the new trans and engine improvements. I'll be looking in June so hopefully they will be on the dealers floor. If not I'll be looking elsewhere.