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Ford Escape Hybrid Test Drive: What Did You Think?

39 messages,  Last post on Jan 31, 2011 at 5:41 PM

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

Messages Page 2 of 5

#8 of 39 Re: Ford Escape Hybrid Test Drive: What Did You Think? [pf_flyer] by bowman24

Mar 28, 2007 (8:12 am)

Replying to: pf_flyer (Jul 17, 2006 12:12 pm)
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.

#9 of 39 Re: Ford Escape Hybrid Test Drive: What Did You Think? [bowman24] by mecheng1

Mar 28, 2007 (9:46 am)

Replying to: bowman24 (Mar 28, 2007 8:12 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 39 Best test drive ever by z28gurl

Jun 25, 2007 (7:10 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 39 oops, one more con by z28gurl

Jun 25, 2007 (7:13 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)

#12 of 39 Re: oops, one more con [z28gurl] by mecheng1

Jun 26, 2007 (11:06 am)

Replying to: z28gurl (Jun 25, 2007 7:13 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 39 Escape Hybrids to Test Drive Non-Existent in DFW area Texas by tidwellranch

Dec 22, 2007 (12:06 pm)

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.

#14 of 39 Stated MPG by curto

Dec 22, 2007 (11:11 pm)

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?

#15 of 39 Hybrids are mostly hype. by mschmal

Dec 23, 2007 (9:08 pm)

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

#16 of 39 Re: Stated MPG [curto] by mecheng1

Dec 24, 2007 (1:52 pm)

Replying to: curto (Dec 22, 2007 11:11 pm)
Your example is definitely not the norm. Databases (on other forums) of 100s of FEH drivers all averaged together show 29-30mpg for all AWD drivers (even higher for the FWD). The FEH powertrain system is still very close to what is being sold in the Toyota Prius) The Prius has a few advancements (elect A/C compressor) but is designed for other purposes, thus it weighs a lot less, holds a lot less cargo, and is not built to withstand off-road driving. If a Prius suits your needs and FE is your top priority - you should own a Prius. If a Ford Focus suits your needs - you should own a Focus....it is not in the same category as a Escape.
 
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.

#17 of 39 Re: Escape Hybrids to Test Drive Non-Existent in DFW area Texas [tidwellranch] by baysailor

Feb 08, 2008 (11:11 pm)

Replying to: tidwellranch (Dec 22, 2007 12:06 pm)
You probably have figured out by now that production of the Escape Hybrids in the last 3 months of 2007 was pretty well curtained due to battery shortages. If Texas in fact has that kind of incentive for hybrids, the dealers will not have any to test drive anyway! With that kind of deal, they could charge $2000 above the MSRP, and they'd sell everyone they get before it ever gets to the lot!
 
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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