What are the pros and cons of the hybird since it came out? Are the 08's any better than the 05's? Better mileage? Better performance? Less problems?
All input would be appreciated, thinking about buying one before the first of the year. Does anyone know what the IRS allowance is?
Thanks,
Dan

 

It is both difficult and easy to compare the '05 hybrid to the '08 models. The easy part is the drivetrain which is practically identical to the earlier models. There were some programming changes but unless you have driven both you won't ever notice them. The changes are improvements to how the vehicle goes from electric to gas and vice-versa. I drive an '08 at work on occasion and they are very nice. The '08 models have a lot more bells and whistles if you are into that kind of thing....dash thermometer, better climate control, improved audio system and so forth. I actually prefer the more simplistic set up of my '05 and '06 models (they are identical) and since I do mainly commuting, I don't really need all the toys. Also, despite the drop in the EPA rated mileage for the '08, the only change is how they calculate it.

Now, as to pros and cons? There is no real downside to owning one in my situation. I commute about 24 miles each way, making five to seven round trips per week. My commute is a mix of local roads, parkway roads and 50 mph highway - pretty much perfect for the hybrid. I get better than EPA rating mileage because of it. If you do all highway driving and you have a heavy foot, you will still see an improvement compared to a V6 Escape, but it won't be as dramatic. Also, if you live in extreme cold or extreme heat you won't see as much improvement but will still do better than the V6. Will you ever get your money back in gas saving? Hard to say but I am well over halfway there on both of them in less than three years.

I have not had a single hybrid-related problem with either of mine since I got them. They have been back to the dealer only for a non-recall service program and one for a power lock motor. From my own experience and from that of others on some hybrid boards, these cars are very reliable.

I can't help you on the tax credit - I bought mine when you got a $2000 deduction. But, like any tax credit there are income limits and AMT considerations.

The only downside now is trying to find one on a dealer lot. With gas prices rising exponentially, demand is far outpacing supply. Good luck. Hope this helps some.

 

Thanks for the info, I'm still confused as to weather or not I should be purchasing the Hybird or the standard escape with V6? I'm retired and would be just using the vehicle mostly around town with about 4 trips a year from 3000- 6000 miles.I would be towing a 1 motorcycle trailer with a full dress HD on some of those trips. I read that the Hybird doesn't handle hills very well? So i suppose towing would be out of the question?
Thanks again for your HELP in my decision.
Dan

 

I don't think that the hybrid has a very high tow rating at all. Maybe like 1000lbs.

I can tell you that so far, I'm impressed with the 08s in crashes. We made a multiple rollover that endend up with no injuries. The cabin stayed intact, the side curtain bags went off and the fronts didn't just like they are supposed to.

Mike

 

I would probably go with the standard 3.0 with the tow package.

 

IMO-If you're not going to go with the hybrid, get an Explorer V8. That'll definitely tow better, and I'll bet that they get close to if not the same MPG.

Mike

 

This is the first I have heard that the hybrid doesn't handle hills very well. Hope nobody tells this to my two since so far they have never had a problem. I don't do much highway driving but when I do it is to western MA which means I climb some hills and have never had a problem maintaining speed on hills.

The FEH has a towing capacity rating of 1000 pounds but I have heard about people towing much heavier trailers with it. Since I have a truck for when I need to tow something, I have never even thought about using mine to tow with. I think you would be fine with a single HD on a trailer though. That would be a tough test drive scenario though.

For the rest of the year, it would be perfect for your around-town driving.

 

For me the decision was easy to stick with conventional gasoline. I took the difference in projected US-EPA mileage between the Hybrid and Gasoline, figured out how many miles on average I drive and calculated the savings per year over the four year lease. While I am all for doing my part to support the Environment the extra expense was not even close to being recouped. It was going to take 5.5 years to break even, by then I am into another vehicle.