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Ford Escape Hybrid MPG-Real World Numbers

201 messages,  Last post on Jun 24, 2009 at 11:16 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Escape Hybrid, Fuel Efficiency (MPG)


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#112 of 201
Re: MPG in Southern Climate [paparusty] by mecheng1
Oct 24, 2007 (11:02 am)
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Replying to: paparusty (Oct 22, 2007 5:52 pm)

Your characterization of the Hybrid with the A/C on makes it sound like some sort of "short coming" of the vehicle. True, the current (3rd gen) Prius does include an electric A/C compressor....so you can have cold A/C and EV at the same time. However, this drains energy faster from the HVbattery which may require the ICE to come on to charge the HV battery sooner.
 
Even conventionally powered Escapes will show reduced FE with the A/C running. So, if the FEH FE is reduced due to using A/C....so is the FE of any other vehicle it is being compared to.
#113 of 201
Re: MPG in Southern Climate [mecheng1] by stevedebi
Oct 25, 2007 (12:12 pm)
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Replying to: mecheng1 (Oct 24, 2007 11:02 am)

"True, the current (3rd gen) Prius does include an electric A/C compressor....so you can have cold A/C and EV at the same time. "
 
Not to be picky, but where did you get three generations? Gen 1 was 2000-2003, Gen 2 was 2004 - present. There was a Japanese version in 1997, IIRC, but it was identical to the Gen 1.
#114 of 201
Re: MPG in Southern Climate [stevedebi] by mecheng1
Oct 26, 2007 (6:30 am)
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Replying to: stevedebi (Oct 25, 2007 12:12 pm)

I've seen the Japanese(domestic) only version referred to as a separate generation. The drive train probably did not see many changes but perhaps preparing it to be sold in the US included enough other changes to warrant designation as its own generation. [My info is second-hand]
#115 of 201
Ivor by ifreeman
Nov 07, 2007 (9:54 am)
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We have been wanting to buy an escape hybrid but would like to test drive before committing. None of the Ford dealers around here have a demo car or even a used car. What goes? How can Ford expect to sell cars when there are no Demos?
#116 of 201
Re: Ivor [ifreeman] by mecheng1
Nov 07, 2007 (10:39 am)
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Replying to: ifreeman (Nov 07, 2007 9:54 am)

In the late winter and early Spring of this year when Hybrid sales had been slow...it looks like Ford decided to allocate the hybrids to dealers that were actually selling Hybrids on a regular basis. This left 90% (approx) of the dealers in the country without any automatic allocations - they had to order them specifically or place an order for a customer. So if a rural dealer had only seen one or two hybrids and had trouble selling them....he wasn't about to order a bunch for the show room. Then, in the late Spring as Gas prices went up and orders starting to arrive in large volume....Ford had a critical component supply problem and had trouble getting them off the line. Many folks waited for 4 months or more and have just received their vehicles in Sept and Oct.
 
Just today, I counted over 10 hybrids at my dealer on the front lot for sale.
#117 of 201
To Mecheng1 by ifreeman
Nov 07, 2007 (11:36 am)
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So where do I have to go to find one? I am in rural NE. Thanks
#118 of 201
Re: To Mecheng1 [ifreeman] by mecheng1
Nov 07, 2007 (12:19 pm)
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Replying to: ifreeman (Nov 07, 2007 11:36 am)

I would come armed with dealer names and/or valid zip codes of the location of dealers near you. Then use the following Ford website:
 
http://www86.forddirect.fordvehicles.com/IncomingPage.jsp?intcmp=fv%3A+showroom%- 3A+search+inventory&sModel=2008Escape+Hybrid&partner=&target=inventory&sBrand=Fo- rd&sZip=
 
........to search dealer inventory. I would say this tool is not very accruate day-to-day....but you should get a lot of 0 (zero) hits on small dealerships. Look for larger, urban dealers that will have at least 3 or more on inventory....then determine if they are close enough for you to visit. If you have never been in any type of Escape if would be valuable to try and drive a non-hybrid version to get 80% of the FEH experience.
 
The Hybrid is designed to drive in an identical manner as the non-hybrid....but once you understand how it works ...you will want to employ new driving techniques that allow you to get the EPA estimates of MPG (or better!)
 
Good Luck.
#119 of 201
Re: To Mecheng1 [mecheng1] by softpedal
Nov 07, 2007 (9:56 pm)
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Replying to: mecheng1 (Nov 07, 2007 12:19 pm)

Good luck in your search, Ivor. I bought mine, 2006 4WD Hybrid, in the summer of 2005, and waited until mid September to get delivery. But I factory ordered exactly what I wanted (though I wish I had a back-up camera!), and at the time only one model was available on the lot for test drive. I didn't like that model much, it's weird color or handling, but mine came out perfect, in medium black, so it was worth the wait. I knew what I wanted!
 
Get to test drive one, just to get a feel for it, but it really is just like a regular gas engine, except when in electric mode, then totally silent. Pick up is great, often surprised that when light turns green, everybody else is left behind, except for some sports cars! All else works just as advertised. I now have been a proud Hybrid owner for two years, and can't find fault. Really!
 
On some city driving (4WD) I actually get 37 mpg, which is surprising. But in regular traffic, on highway I get about 30+, and if just doing short hops (engine warms up and recharges all those batteries) I'll only average 27 mpg. You do learn after a while how to 'milk it' to get better mileage, if that is your goal. With today's gas prices, it sure is mine. It is an SUV, so don't expect very high mileage, but that's good enough for me. And it really is a joy of a car to drive, so quiet and smooth, seamless really. I've also taken it into some pretty rough off-road desert driving, and just great. My GPS could be better, if I must gripe about something. Overall, try it, you'll like it. I have.
#120 of 201
Hybrids in NE. by mschmal
Nov 10, 2007 (9:21 am)
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We have a material hold on Hybrids right now. Means we can't order any for stock or retail. For 2008 the Hybrid was not allocated seperately from the gas Escape as in previous model years.
 
Mark.
#121 of 201
Looking for the correct Hybrid-if there is one by bobbobbob1
Nov 11, 2007 (7:04 pm)
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Hi
I do service for a living and, because I am here in Albany NY, I also need 4WD. I wish there were plug in Hybrids available--then I would stock up on Solar panels and the hell with all off them.
Now, back to reality.
I made a mistake a couple of years ago and leased a Dodge Magnum--supposed to get about 24-27 MPG on the highway--which must have been downhill all the way and then a tow back up!
 
I will be in the market for a vehicle late summer 2008 and have been looking now. The road seems to be littered with Prius hybrids but some Escapes are mixed in.
 
The mid 20''s MPG does not seem to be worth the $$ and replacement costs for the Escape as that kind of mileage can be had with gasoline, although it would be tough in a 4WD--maybe an AWD could do it.
 
I am looking for recommendations, etc, for a vehicle to suit my needs. I carry some computers and parts with me, so an SUV makes the most sense. I had 2 Suzuki Grand Vitara's prior to the Dodge, and, for the $$, they are a great car---but the MPG topped out at 21. However, as a 4WD, it was great in the lousy weather.
 
Right now, I like the Prius(smaller and replacement battery woe$--or so I hear), the Suzuki, possibly the Dodge Nitro(mileage is lousy, and from what I read elsewhere on the Edmunds site, I should stay away from it), then an Escape 4WD Hybrid.
 
To you who have hybrids now, what is the scoop with replacing the batteries? I heard it is a very expensive project.
 
Thanks for the time
Bob

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