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Ford Escape Hybrid

1615 messages,  Last post on Apr 06, 2013 at 5:47 AM

You are in the Ford Escape Hybrid Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Escape Hybrid, Hybrid Cars

Messages Page 21 of 162

#195 of 1615 by baggs32

Apr 28, 2004 (9:32 am)

I think August or September was the last word. Order banks for most 2005 Ford models begins on May 17th. Hybrid Escape and Mustang included. We should have a better idea of pricing on or shortly after that date.
 
On another note, I mentioned that there was no plan for a hybrid Mariner or Tribute. It was just announced recently that Mercury will offer a hybrid Mariner for MY 2007. Still no Tribute though.

#196 of 1615 safety by bnet504

May 07, 2004 (3:16 pm)

i don't know if this was mentioned before, but how safe is the escape hybrid with the battery pack? Isn't it in the trunk?

#197 of 1615 by maxx4me

May 08, 2004 (2:45 pm)

Just found out from my Ford dealer that some of the west and east coast dealers will only be getting one hybird come August. The southern dealers won't be getting one at all. My dealer will be taking orders in late May, but said to expect a 6-8 month wait for a hybrid. The dealer will also NOT be giving me my buyer's discount, nor will any be given to Ford employees. Now I just need to find out what the hybrid price will be. If it is too far apart from the Maxx, I'll be going back to the Maxx with its myriad of features.

#198 of 1615 Re: [maxx4me #197] by djasonw

May 08, 2004 (3:57 pm)

Replying to: maxx4me (May 08, 2004 2:45 pm)
Pardon my ignorance but are you referring to a Malibu Maxx?

#199 of 1615 by maxx4me

May 08, 2004 (7:06 pm)

yes sir.

#200 of 1615 Re: [maxx4me #199] by djasonw

May 09, 2004 (5:20 am)

Replying to: maxx4me (May 08, 2004 7:06 pm)
Hmmm... in that price range (for that maxx), I can think of some pretty good alternatives. I tend to stay away from GM cars.

#201 of 1615 by maxx4me

May 09, 2004 (7:36 am)

I can think of some great alternatives....for short people....I have never owned a US car before. However, when you have really long legs and refuse to turn a blind eye to the way Japanese auto makers build 2 seaters and put 4 doors on their cars, I have very few options in the low $20k range. And then of course there are those genius auto designers (the same ones who build 2 seaters with 4 doors) who can't seem to figure out that telescoping steering costs pennies to put in and should be standard on every car by this day and age, and you eliminate a whole lot more cars for me. I drove the hybrid escape yesterday, and just like the highlander, had trouble finding a comfortable driving position due to the lack of a telescoping steering wheel. No, the Maxx screams value with all of its amenaties. I surely will have my fingers crossed that the General isn't selling me a bunch of crud. But now that I know that the markup on the Escape hybrid will be a bit unreasonable, I'll have to wait another 8 years before I start saving the planet with a green vehicle. Hopefully by then, hydrogen will be here to stay, and I can avoid the battery thing altogether.

#202 of 1615 Re: [maxx4me #201] by rfruth

May 09, 2004 (2:13 pm)

Replying to: maxx4me (May 09, 2004 7:36 am)
You test drove one (Escape hybrid) !? What did you think ? ((other than the uncomfortable driving position and non adjustable steering)) How was the fit-n-finish ? (was it for sale to the public) ? Do you think Ford is going to give the HH a run or are we going gift wrap it for the Japaneese ?

#203 of 1615 by maxx4me

May 09, 2004 (5:09 pm)

no, sadly I only drove the '05 gas version. The dealers won't be getting their one hybrid until August. Nonetheless, my thoughts on the '05:
 
1. nice drive. I read that it is car based, and it handled like a car
2. nice visibility. I like sitting up high
3. when I started it, it reved up real high as if it had been sitting on the lot for a few weeks. It did not calm down in the time I thought it should given how warm it was outside, so I decided to throw it into gear anyway: no clunking sound. That's a huge vote of confidence coming from me (I am on my 3rd "Ford 626" transmission).
4. The fit and finish seemed OK. The back carpet atop where the battery will be installed pulls out too easily. I know this since everyone at an auto show I went to was attempting to find the storage compartment and spare tire. The spare has been moved underneat the vehicle in preparation for the Sanyo battery. Therefore, '05 gas versions give up storage of jumper cables and the like simply because this car is made to accomodate the hybrid's needs. Also, Ford removed the side nets and put a hard plastic part there instead. I'm not sure of the logic, other than to store tools which normally would go into the bin atop the spare tire.
5. headroom and legroom were excellent for me.
6. I found the appointments a bit plain jane looking. As a Japanese owner, i was suprised by this. As is the case with Chryslers, I expect the US cars to shine in the interior comforts. Other than the steering wheel, which was very nicely appointed, I thought the interior simply looked plain.
7. I drove the 6 cylinder since my dealer said they don't stock the 4. I found the power in the 6 to be a bit lagging, or it was because the vehicle is heavy; I'm not sure which.
8. The oil filter is right underneath the bumper where it belongs. Very easy to change. I only hope it will be in the same place when they mate the electric powerplant to it. I suspect it will.
 
As for the hybrid version, despite being Ford, I expect this thing to fly off the shelves. Right now my only negatives are that it does not have a telescoping steering wheel, and it appears as if the mark up will make it a bit unreasonable of a purchase in its first year or two.

#204 of 1615 conflicting stories by snowman

May 10, 2004 (8:18 pm)

I talked to my local dealer today in PA. They said Escape is not coming this year, Ford is not giving them a clue for release date and price. Disappointing huh!
 
I agree above comments about price, The price difference should higher enough to be covered by the saving on gasoline bill. If Ford asks $3-$5k difference, I don't think it is worthed to buy.

Messages Page 21 of 162

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