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Ford Escape Hybrid Test Drive: What Did You Think?

23 messages,  Last post on May 16, 2008 at 5:55 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Escape Hybrid, Car Buying, SUV

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#4 of 23 Re: My 2005 Escape Hybrid Just Died! [stevedebi] by villagracia May 18, 2006 (3:42 pm)
Replying to: stevedebi (Feb 17, 2006 3:29 pm) The noise you heard was the ABS system re-pressurizing. After each trip the ABS controller releases the pressure in the hydraulic system (as a safety measure, I guess). As soon as you enter the car, you will hear the ABS pump running for a few seconds.
#5 of 23 MPG data without Performance Package? by caseykey Aug 19, 2006 (10:59 am)
My wife and I took a test drive the other day in an Escape Hybrid. I was surprised to find so little information available on the standard "message center." What data is available there? I was told by two dealers that the only way to electronically track and display MPG performance is with the optional "Energy Audiophile and Nav system. Please tell me this isn't so! Replies to this message: walta (Sep 21, 2006 5:33 am) mecheng1 (Sep 22, 2006 4:39 am)
#6 of 23 Re: MPG data without Performance Package? [caseykey] by walta Sep 21, 2006 (5:33 am)
Replying to: caseykey (Aug 19, 2006 10:59 am) I know that if one has the Nav system, over 1/2 of the possible "static" displays (non-problem messages), are locked out from the Message Center, including the mileage related ones.   While the Nav system can display this info instead of the Message Center, IMHO, it would surely have been nice if I could use the Message Center to monitor my mileage, while the Nav system displays, well, Navigation stuff.
#7 of 23 Re: MPG data without Performance Package? [caseykey] by mecheng1 Sep 22, 2006 (4:39 am)
Replying to: caseykey (Aug 19, 2006 10:59 am) I have an 06 FEH AWD without the Nav/Hyb Monitor and I can confirm that the message center has more functions including avg MPG, Miles to empty, etc., etc. Sit in a truck without the Nav and you can see the extended version of the message center.
#8 of 23 Re: Ford Escape Hybrid Test Drive: What Did You Think? [pf_flyer] by bowman24 Mar 28, 2007 (7:12 am)
Replying to: pf_flyer (Jul 17, 2006 11:12 am) I drove a 2008 model last week. Wow what a vehicle. The ride was quiet and smooth and the climate system is much improved over the previous model. I was pleasantly surprised to find that dual zone automatic climate control was standard on the FEH. I also noticed that beyond the clutter of the new fuel economy sticker calculation method, Ford actually improved the fuel mileage. They list the new calculation method in big numbers, but the old method is still listed in small numbers under the big ones. 2007 model was rated at 36mpg city, but the 2008 is rated at 41mpg city. Fit and finish was also much improved for 2008 as the entire platform was revamped.   I'd been considering a Highlander, but after my experience with the FEH, I'll be back at the dealer with my wife to finalize the deal next week. Replies to this message: mecheng1 (Mar 28, 2007 8:46 am)
#9 of 23 Re: Ford Escape Hybrid Test Drive: What Did You Think? [bowman24] by mecheng1 Mar 28, 2007 (8:46 am)
Replying to: bowman24 (Mar 28, 2007 7:12 am) Again, it is not obvious to me why someone would be trying to decide between the HyHi and the FEH. They differ so widely in size, features, price, etc. ...... the govt even puts them in different categories.....small(FEH) vs. mid-size(HyHi) SUVs. If you need the extra seats and the size of the HiHy...then that is you only choice with a hybrid drive train - (other than the 400h).   If you don't need the size, then you have the FEH and numerous other small SUVs to choose from...including non-hybrids (Subaru, etc.) that get rather decent FE.   Looks like you have already started to appreciate the job Ford has done (not perfect) on the FEH. I have had mine for just over a year and it never ceases to impress me. Don't kid yourself into thinking Ford has performed any significant engineering changes to the hybrid drive to increase the EPA numbers....the drive train design and components are virtually the same as the 05/06/07 FEH models. enjoy
#10 of 23 Best test drive ever by z28gurl Jun 25, 2007 (6:10 pm)
I have been driving an Escape Hybrid for 6 months now (company truck), i am a meter reader, and I drive it day in and day out.   I love this vehicle, and want to purchase one. Its very easy to handle, it has excellent pick up if one needs to pass, its amazing on fuel ( fill it up every 2.5 days, but remember this "truck" is running for 8 hours straight per day, every day) however, this does change when you use your air or heat, the gas motor does not kick off. It gives you wonderful sence of helping the environment while stuck in construction or bad traffic issues.   There are a few cons I have for this truck. 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.   Back to the pros of the escape hybrid, it does do well in reasonable mud conditions, substantial snow fall doesnt affect its ability to manoever and remain where its supposed to be on the road, it also off roads decently ( as long as you dont have to reverse) and is a very comfortable ride. I am not a ford fan, but I give the Escape Hybrid 2 thumbs up.
#11 of 23 oops, one more con by z28gurl Jun 25, 2007 (6:13 pm)
the handling of the escape while running on electric is definately something you have to get used to. I find the steering a bit touchy, as well as the brakes.   And if your someone like me that likes to know whats happening with your vehicle while your driving, the gauges can be a bit distracting ( looking down at the "assist" and "charge" guages) Replies to this message: mecheng1 (Jun 26, 2007 10:06 am)
#12 of 23 Re: oops, one more con [z28gurl] by mecheng1 Jun 26, 2007 (10:06 am)
Replying to: z28gurl (Jun 25, 2007 6:13 pm) Your observations about reverse are explainable. To save on complexity of the eCVT (transmission) the vehicle is designed to be powered entirely by the battery/electric motor when in reverse - no added torque is available from the ICE when backing up.   The ("handling") steering and the brakes are independent of whether the vehicle is being powered by the battery/electric motor, the ICE, or a combination of both. A computer decides which brake system and how much to use based on pedal input and vehicle speed, etc. After a few months of driving the FEH you can learn how the computer decides what brake to use and push the pedal and shift gears between "L" and "D" accordingly.
#13 of 23 Escape Hybrids to Test Drive Non-Existent in DFW area Texas by tidwellranch Dec 22, 2007 (11:06 am)
I have tried every dealership via visit, phone, email and cannot locate one that has a Hybrid Escape on the lot to test drive.It really seems stupid in view of the fact that Texas is now sponsoring a program to get old cars off the road in which one can get up to $3500 for turning in an old vehicle and buying a hybrid. Replies to this message: baysailor (Feb 08, 2008 10:11 pm)

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