FWD 4 cylinder opinions?

[MPG Fanatic]

Hey folks! I'm new here and just wanted to say "howdy!" before making my first post.

I currently drive a '95 Ford Ranger (2.3L, automatic) with 209,000 miles and I've been thinking about my next vehicle purchase for when or if my little champ dies on me. This thing runs as solid as day one and gets 22 mpg city and 26+ highway and gas mileage is a huge deal to me as you could probably guess by my user name. I've never changed the transmission fluid and it still shifts as smooth as ever.

It's pretty dang quiet to boot. I love rubbing these details in when my brother-in-law starts bragging about his '98 Toyota Tacoma with 165,000 miles which he claims is "unstoppable" and yet he had a new head installed last fall. Well, I've only put maybe $250.00 worth of work into my "cheap little American truck" as he would put it.

Anyway, I want my next vehicle to be something that's as easy to drive as a Ford truck, but with more room and gas mileage similar to or better than my little Ranger. That's why I'm here to find out about the reliability and mileage of the FWD 4 cylinder automatic Escape. The vehicle will be solely for me, but I figured why not go with something that has tons of more room, right? I'd appreciate any details you guys can throw my way about the Escape.

- Brian

[sfcwoodret]

It will have more room and the gas mileage will stay about the same. It will have the newer 2.3 duratec which is a good engine as always. The tranny is different and there are various opinions on that. Over-all, a great vehicle!

[tcesni]

If you are looking at a used Escape, make sure it has the 2.3 L engine and not the 2.0 L found in the older models. If you are considering a new Escape, Ford is supposed to start putting a 2.5 L engine in the 2009 models this coming fall that not only have more power but also get a bit better mileage due to a six-speed auto.

[YoGeorge]

Originally Posted by tcesni

If you are looking at a used Escape, make sure it has the 2.3 L engine and not the 2.0 L found in the older models. If you are considering a new Escape, Ford is supposed to start putting a 2.5 L engine in the 2009 models this coming fall that not only have more power but also get a bit better mileage due to a six-speed auto.

Before 2005, they used the 2-liter Zetec motor, a decent little engine, but a bit weak-kneed. (Actually if you could find a 2-liter Escape with a stick, it might be a mileage champ for ya.)

And if you're able to buy new, I'd wait for 2009 and the 2.5 with 6-speed auto if you want an auto trans.

If you want (and can find) a stick, a 2WD, 2005 and up with the 2.3, would be excellent and get freeway mileage in the high 20's. Great little SUV for an MPG fanatic.

George

[JFUSION]

if you don't mind the vehicle cost, the hybrid version is a great way to go, exceptional fuel economy, if you can find a good used one they are a great truck, and nothing wrong with the new ones.