Here's the link:

Media.Ford.com: FORD’S NEW 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OFFERS 4-6 PERCENT FUEL ECONOMY IMPROVEMENT

 

Can't be any worse than the one in there now!

 

We have an '01 6 cyl and an '05 4 cyl. with no problems yet. But, I am forever watching.

I really like the 6 speed tranny in my Expy EL.

 

I think it was at our Christmas gathering that a family member who works for Ford (actually managing FWD drivetrains at this point) mentioned the 6-speed and 2.5 liter four, and I posted here, kind of excited....

I believe this box is related to the GM/Ford joint venture transmission already in use in the Edge. The link you posted has some nice details; the only one that makes me nervous is the "fluid fill for life" thing....I'm guessing the dipstick will go away, and I *hate* that.

When a few of these vehicles start hitting 70-100k, we'll see how long the "fluid for life" is working out....kind of like the DexCool in my '96 Savana was rated for 100k miles, but it dissolved the intake manifold gaskets at 60k miles...

George

 

I found this of interest - “One test for the 2009 Escape was to run in fourth gear with maximum trailer load at 100 mph for 15 miles. And that was repeated about 500 times"

Only on a dyno could you do this test because an Escape with a 3500 lb load wouldn't come close to 100 mph!! Nice to see some durability testing if you won't be able to change the fluid.

 

So I am wondering with the new 2.5l engine, if gas mileage might actually go down a bit if you choose the 5-sp manual tranny, compared to the 2008 model. I mean on the one hand they bored out the 2.3l to 2.5l, that would generally decrease mpgs (while increasing power output), while the new tranny is such an improvement over the 4-speed, that it makes up for the loss of mpg and then some. However perhaps the 2.5l's variable valve timing makes up for the mpg hit due to the higher displacement. We'll find out sooner or later I guess.

 

I was wondering the same thing re the 5 speed manual--probably similar MPG given the variable valve timing. What I'd like to see is the availability of the manual in the XLT model, so I can get a power seat, tinted rear glass, nicer wheels, etc.

They are going to offer the 4-cylinder in the Limited model, so it's clear that they're making the nicer versions available in high-MPG versions if you don't want to go with the hybrid....but only with the auto trans...

George