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Hybrid Vehicles Ford Escape Hybrid Ford Escape Hybrid Test Drive: What Did You Think?
23 messages, Last post on May 16, 2008 at 5:55 AM
You are in the Ford Escape Hybrid Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer
I have an 06' escape hybird AWD and have never gotten better than 26 MPG (hot summer local crusing)(I'm lucky if I get 21 winter MPG, NW WA) claims are 31 MPG and now Ford is claiming 41 MPG,,, ? Have their been improvments and changes to the prehistoric system (compared to the Preious) that I have? 
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I love the Escape Hybrid, but if you are buying one just to save on gas...consider this vs a 2008 Focus, you'll save about $200 a year in fuel econ savings but the Escape Hybrid costs $8k to $10k more for about the same passenger room. You can buy a lot of gas for $8,000...about 7 years worth for the Focus. Mark |
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Replying to: curto (Dec 22, 2007 10:11 pm) Don't compare the FEH to Government (not-Ford) estimates.....compare it to the other vehicle you would be driving instead. [None of them get EPA estimates and all of them show drop in FE in cold weather] Everything else being the same, the FEH uses a lot less fuel and creates a lot less pollution than the alternatives. Many forums post tips for how to drive the FEH to get 30mpg....lots of examples of folks who get more than 35 mpg. 
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Replying to: tidwellranch (Dec 22, 2007 11:06 am) Go to CA and see if you can find a Tribute Hybrid, their production is ramping up, and their still pretty unknown. Or hound Mercury dealers and see if you can find a Mariner hybrid, but be prepared to pay ~$5000 in electo-glitz to get it. |
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Hello, Just joined the forum and I need some advice. I currently drive a 2001 Escape V6 FWD with every option except 4WD and it's a great vehicle. I've taken it, fully loaded with all my gear, to Big Bend Nat'l Park(offroad) and many other camping trips in Texas and it has always performed great, even offroad. I've had my heart set on purchasing a 2009 FEHybrid sometime this summer. I've read that a new 6 speed engine, getting a bit more gas mileage, and stability control will be added in 2009 model. Most everything I've read so far about the FEH is positive--that is until today, when I read z28gurl's post on here (post # 10 from June 25, 2007). z28gurl's post stated: "REVERSE, is useless up the slightest incline!!!!! I wouldnt want to attempt to haul a trailer with this SUV and if ever you get yourself in a tight situation ( camp roads that you arent familiar with) and have little or no other option but to back up a hill, you better just get out and call a tow truck, your not going to get out, trust me. Fortunately the wheel base is short enough that you can amazingly turn it around in some pretty tight spots." This statement is making me think again about buying a FEH. If this is true that reverse drive is useless up an incline, then I would have been up the creek last year at Big Bend cause I had to backup MANY, MANY times at the places I camped--and with a full load of camping gear! My Escape V6 did fine, but if the Hybrid won't backup right, I can't use it. Even though most of my driving will be in town, I'll still do a lot of camping in tight spaces where REVERSE DRIVE IS A MUST. So can anyone please help me out on this issue--what's the scoop on this Hybrid not being able to backup properly?? Thanks, Patmck
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Replying to: patmck152 (May 14, 2008 11:18 am) The 2009 does not use a 6 speed transmission. It has the same planetary gearset as the current model. The reverse power is provided only by the electric motors, which have about 40 HP. There is no capability to directly harness the energy of the gasoline engine to move the vehicle backwards. So if you are trying to back a trailer up an incline, the FEH would be rather under powered. If you are considering towing, the FEH is not the best choice in any case. |
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Replying to: stevedebi (May 14, 2008 1:46 pm) Honestly, until I read z28gurl's post, it never crossed my mind to even think of a 'backup problem' with the FEH! I'm still in shock about this discovery as I now can't buy an Escape Hybrid like I'd planned to do this summer. I'd be outraged to be stuck in the middle of nowhere because I couldn't back up an incline! I'm amazed that Ford would even sell a vehicle that can't drive in reverse properly. And I'm not talking about towing anything behind me--just a normal backup going uphill! None of the so-called expert reviews that I've read on various sites mention this major design flaw(or omission) and the consequences it would have for a driver under certain driving conditions. Since posting my question I've read some other posts by Escape Hybrid owners who have had the same backup problems(http://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/f26/reverse-steep-driveways-6441/). Do you think Ford will correct this problem in the future or is this problem something that will always be a part of the FEH?? Thanks
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Replying to: patmck152 (May 14, 2008 6:10 pm) I have never had a problem having enough power to move the FEH backwards up steep hills. I have not tried it backward over rocks or curbs - on hills. If towing or offroading is a top priority - stick with the V6 and the 19 mpg.
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Replying to: patmck152 (May 14, 2008 6:10 pm) I hope you noticed that while the ICE cannot power the wheels directly, it can provide electric energy to the motors that reverse the FEH. So the situation is not as bad as my first post may have indicated. As to the technical question, I'm not sure if it could be changed. However, I imagine not so long as they continue with the current "planetary gearset" design. If the ICE could have spun the wheels in reverse I'm sure they would have implemented it that way. Electric motors are easy to reverse - just reverse the current - but it may have been difficult or impossible to directly power the wheels in reverse.
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Replying to: stevedebi (May 15, 2008 2:32 pm)  Good trade off in my opinion. Future designs may address this - but not with this eCVT concept. |
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