Article Comments: 2008 Ford Escape Limited AWD Full Test

13 messages, Last post on Jul 22, 2007 at 9:57 PM

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Article comments for Full Test 2008 Ford Escape Limited AWD - The new body and interior will keep the 2008 Escape fresh for a little while longer, but its driving dynamics are stale in comparison to recent offerings. (more)

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#1 of 13 Article Comments: 2008 Ford Escape Limited AWD Full Test by KarenS HOST Jan 03, 2007 (7:33 am)
Take a gander at our 2008 Escape full test and tell us what you think. Full Test 2008 Ford Escape Limited AWD Replies to this message: steve_ (Jan 03, 2007 10:52 am) karls (Jan 29, 2007 9:16 am) drdan3 (Jan 30, 2007 6:39 pm)
#2 of 13 Re: Article Comments: 2008 Ford Escape Limited AWD Full Test [KarenS] by steve_ HOST Jan 03, 2007 (10:52 am)
Replying to: KarenS (Jan 03, 2007 7:33 am) "A leisurely 10-second run to 60 mph" Take a gander at our 2008 Escape I don't think they goosed it enough.
#3 of 13 2008 Escape by drdan3 Jan 04, 2007 (6:57 pm)
The discounts now available on 2007 Escapes indicate the way in which Ford has tried to compete - low cost. The 2008 Escape tried to modernize appearances without adding much to development costs, which is the thrust of your review. I, for one, disagree with your evaluation of the success of the modernized appearance since I do not think that trucks have that much intrinsic appeal as a body style. Making the Escape more Explorer-like cuts again the grain of Honda, Toyota, Saturn, etc. all of whom are trying to convince us that their vehicles are crossovers, i.e., more like cars with a few desirable truck characteristics (like high stance, better visibility, AWD). Even Ford has recognized the latter by introducing the Edge. Thus, what it really lacks is a small crossover. This could have been accomplished through more radical and innovative Escape styling, but instead there was a desire to homogenize the look with the rapidly deflating Explorer! I do wish you had commented about the noise, harshness, vibration improvements that Ford has highlighted in their press releases. Was there an appreciable difference between 2007 and 2008? If not, maybe I should purchase a 2007 at a huge discount now rather than wait for the 2008 models. Replies to this message: steve_ (Jan 27, 2007 12:05 pm) explorerx4 (Jan 27, 2007 3:44 pm) 2008escapeltd (Jun 10, 2007 8:49 pm)
#4 of 13 More to Escape than 0-60 by scape2 Jan 13, 2007 (5:29 pm)
times.. "Excellent fit/finish" Interior looks great!, more options, stability control.. I believe buyers in this market are not after how fast can I get to 60mph.. Escape will sell, no doubt. I do however have to question the rear drum brakes!!?? This is a step backwards. Ontop of that you cannot even get rear disc brakes on an XLT or limited?? What is Ford thinking?? They better come out with a reason for this and show why.. or some better braking distances as proof as to why..
#5 of 13 Re: 2008 Escape [drdan3] by steve_ HOST Jan 27, 2007 (12:05 pm)
Replying to: drdan3 (Jan 04, 2007 6:57 pm) The discounts now available on 2007 Escapes indicate the way in which Ford has tried to compete - low cost "Consumers clearly benefit from Ford's financial woes as the company works hard to lure shoppers with lower sticker prices and more standard safety equipment." Ford Cuts Prices on '08 Escape and Escape Hybrid (Inside Line) Replies to this message: explorerx4 (Jan 27, 2007 3:44 pm)
#6 of 13 Re: 2008 Escape [steve_] by explorerx4 Jan 27, 2007 (3:44 pm)
Replying to: steve_ (Jan 27, 2007 12:05 pm) i wonder how the options will be priced?
#7 of 13 Ford's Interest in 2008 FEH? by karls Jan 29, 2007 (9:16 am)
Replying to: KarenS (Jan 03, 2007 7:33 am) We were pretty disappointed with Ford's placement of the 2008 FEH at the Washington (DC) Auto Show yesterday. There were two (locked) Light Ice Blue Metallic units tucked all the way in a back corner without any fanfare or wall/display graphics. The only interest we observed were people leaning on these units while they got all lathered up over the other Ford SUVs and trucks and crossovers up on rotating pallets with booth dollys and guys droning on about the merits of their flashy products. I guess Ford has such critical financial worries it needs to move those other high-profit units and leave the FEH to be searched-out by those of us who either already have a FEH or those that're really interested in a full-ICE alternative. (As an aside,... The 2008 looks better in person than in the sneak-peek and other advance web pics. Not sure I'm a big fan of the FEH-only Stone beige/tan seat surfaces, but that's subjective. "Your mileage may vary". Replies to this message: drdan3 (Jan 30, 2007 6:39 pm)
#8 of 13 Re: Ford's Interest in 2008 FEH? [karls] by drdan3 Jan 30, 2007 (6:39 pm)
Replying to: karls (Jan 29, 2007 9:16 am) I too attended the DC show and was similarly unimpressed. Escapes were found in at least a couple of places, upon entry and in the Ford area. What really drove home the need for a crew from "The Apprentice" was that the vehicles were all locked up. You couldn't check out the interior, the recycled material seats, the new nav kit, nothing! You could however visit the Mercury area where a Mariner (non-hybrid) was to be found. The Saturn display had a mockup of the hybrid system found in the Vue which showed the way the system worked - battery location, electric components and the like. I don't think Ford could have done a worse job of marketing the new Escape. If I were in charge of those in charge, I'd reiterate Trump's "You're fired!"
#9 of 13 Re: 2008 Escape [drdan3] by 2008escapeltd Jun 10, 2007 (8:49 pm)
Replying to: drdan3 (Jan 04, 2007 6:57 pm) I recently purchased the 08' Escape Ltd/V6 AWD. They gave me a 2007 as a loaner. The 2007 can't compare to the 2008. 2007: - Rockiness when hitting bumps/not aborbing - road noise 2008: - great absorption/no rocking - the steering wheel is great due to the electronic power steering; fluid isn't needed for this - that's really all this terminology is stating though it does make a difference in handling; very easy to turn vs 2007 - So far, it handles cornering well but I'm also being careful (first SUV); agility is good; braking is also good - very little road noise even with the windows 1/2 way down and sunroof partially opened; noise was very prevalent in the RAV4 - nice interior styling; much better than the 2007 Escape - very roomy for only 175" - I expected less - I wish they had 4 disc brakes rather than 2 disc & 2 drum; also, they do not have brake assist as Honda & Toyota - poor gas mileage (I have under 500 and am at 17.5 MPG but this has been going up with time) Overall, I'm very pleased with this. Personaly, I prefer the SUV look (it doesn't look like a truck to me, but a typical SUV). Some of the crossovers are beginning to resemble huge station wagons. It's easy to operate and understand. The price was right too - get your eprices before walking into a dealership. $26,500 (w/o $545 incentive). Nothing beats the braking system and emergency handling on the 2007 CR-V. This wasn't an easy decision but as soon as I hopped into the Escape and began driving, this was the one. Good luck with your choice.
#10 of 13 gas mileage question-'07/'08 Escapes by bzribee Jul 20, 2007 (11:11 am)
Can anyone tell me if the gas mileage is significantly better in the '08's over the '07's? Between the new and old numbers I am now completely confused.. I hope to buy a manual... Replies to this message: kam327 (Jul 22, 2007 7:23 pm) tidester (Jul 22, 2007 9:57 pm)