- #130 of 201
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Re: Looking for the correct Hybrid-if there is one [stevedebi]
by jeyhoe
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Dec 01, 2007 (8:47 am)
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Replying to: stevedebi (Nov 28, 2007 1:23 pm)
Yeah, I spoke to a friend last weekend who had a first gen Prius. 2 years ago it broke down (he didn't explain what happened). To fix it would have been $9000. So he just bought a new Prius. Not sure how 'economical' this was.
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- #131 of 201
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COLD weather mileage
by mperski
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Dec 13, 2007 (6:40 am)
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Its now December here in Michigan and my mileage has droped from around 35-36 to 30-31 city and on the highway from 31 down to 28, what effects has the cold weather had on your FEH!
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- #132 of 201
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Re: COLD weather mileage [mperski]
by mecheng1
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Dec 13, 2007 (7:35 am)
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Replying to: mperski (Dec 13, 2007 6:40 am)
the same effect it has had on all of my non-hybrid vehicles....it reduces FE by a few gallons or more....
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- #133 of 201
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Re: COLD weather mileage [mecheng1]
by dhuang2
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Dec 13, 2007 (5:20 pm)
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Replying to: mecheng1 (Dec 13, 2007 7:35 am)
Cold weather makes almost all components run inefficiently. All fluids (engine oil, brake oil, tran oil, steering oil, engine coolant, etc) become more heavier at low temperature than at normal temperature because fluid density changes with temperature. Therefore, initially, engine runs at higher rpm to warm up powertrain and catalytic converter at expense of fuel economy. The engine rpm will drop as coolant temperature reaches preset temperature (~70 C). The only way to save some fuel in winter is to park car in the garage over night. 
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- #134 of 201
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2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Mileage Not Good
by jstelter
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Jan 12, 2008 (6:30 pm)
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I recently purchased a new 2008 Escape Hybrid. After 2 month of driving, I am greatly disappointed with the gas mileage. I have tracked my gas purchases, noted the mileage, and the average mpg is only 23.6 mpg. This average is for essentially in town driving. I live in Illinois and it currently is winter. But to lose over 30% of the stated "in-town" mileage estimate is unacceptable. Furthermore, I drive the car like an 'old lady', ie: slow acceleration, coasting to stop signs, etc...
I am planning on having the vehicle checked out by the dealer. My next step will be sending a formal complaint to the Regional Manager for Ford.
Anyone else having a similar experience? Be careful if you are considering buying this vehicle.
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- #135 of 201
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Re: 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Mileage Not Good [jstelter]
by sksuh
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Jan 12, 2008 (7:18 pm)
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Replying to: jstelter (Jan 12, 2008 6:30 pm)
Your mileage my vary but I'm still averaging just under 29 mpg (after the metric to US conversion) up here in the wintery Rocky Mountains of Alberta -- this despite cold temperatures, reasonable amounts of snow and/or ice and the occasional use of my heated seats or defroster.
Have also reduced fuel inefficient items such as the roof rack cross bars, interior cargo cover (quite heavy) and other unnecessary items.
Stephen
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- #136 of 201
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Re: 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Mileage Not Good [sksuh]
by softpedal
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Jan 13, 2008 (9:53 am)
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Replying to: sksuh (Jan 12, 2008 7:18 pm)
My experience, I have 2006 4WD Escape Hybrid, is that on short hops around town, where average speed limit is 35-45 mph, my mileage stays down, about 25-27 mpg, but on longer trips it rises to about 27-29 mpg, still lower than advertised. In summer, when aircon is on a lot, it loses a couple of mpg, and same in winter if window fogs, so must run aircon on windshield. But on longer highway trips at about 65 mph, my gas mileage gains to about 30-32 mpg, higher than advertised. I also noticed, had the car for 2+ years now, that mpg screen has a natural tendency to 'drift down' over days, so it must be 'reset' periodically, or I'll end up down to 23 mpg! But if driving around at very low speeds <25 mph, like LA traffic jams, my mpg can go over 35! Not a perfect system, but must admit I really have enjoyed this virtually trouble free hybrid, taken off road in rough country, and comfortable driving around town, so overall am very satisfied. Still, if it got a few mpg's more, I'd be even happier. How about a 'plug-in' assist in future models? So Cal, USA, where the sun shines warm even in winter. 
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- #137 of 201
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Re: 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Mileage Not Good [jstelter]
by mecheng1
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Jan 14, 2008 (7:47 am)
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Replying to: jstelter (Jan 12, 2008 6:30 pm)
Remember the "stated mileage estimate" you are seeking is a Government supplied number. Ford can help you determine is something is different (wrong) with your vehicle. What mpg were you getting in your previous vehicle you used to drive over these routes? Lots of things to know about the hybrid that can improve mpg. Full advantage of the batteries is not realized until: the engine/exhaust has a chance to fully warm up, are your in town trips longer than 3 miles in the cold? If not and the vehicle cools down....it has to heat up all over again, etc., etc.
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- #138 of 201
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Re: 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Mileage Not Good [jstelter]
by mackris
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Jan 14, 2008 (10:02 am)
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Replying to: jstelter (Jan 12, 2008 6:30 pm)
Hey Jstelter,
I am having the same problem. I bought my 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid (FWD) on 12/22/08 and am on my second tank of gas, and am only averaging 22 or 23 MPG. I live in Chicago, and with our cold winters, I generally have the heat on, but I have been parking in a garage, so its not as cold as it could be. My wife and I have noticed a slight "siren sound" when we drive, but I assumed that it was normal, and part of the hybrid system. I'm wondering if this is a defect related to the low gas mileage. Obviously, I wouldn't have bought the car if I was going to get such low fuel efficiency. My next step is to call the dealer. Do you have a number for the Regional Manager for Ford???
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- #139 of 201
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Re: 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Mileage Not Good [mackris]
by dhuang2
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Jan 14, 2008 (4:46 pm)
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Replying to: mackris (Jan 14, 2008 10:02 am)
I have put almost 10k miles on my 2008 FEH FWD since last May. The FEH consistently delivers 29~31 MPG. I live in LA and traffic is usually bad causing me 2 hours of commuting per day, although weather is good. So far, I am very satisfied with 2008 FEH.
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