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2008 Ford Escape

167 messages,  Last post on Jul 14, 2012 at 12:02 PM

You are in the Ford Escape Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Escape, SUV

Messages Page 12 of 18

#103 of 167 2008 Escape Fuel Economy. by mschmal

Dec 07, 2007 (6:22 am)

I sell Fords. SO believe me when I tell you that the Escape Fuel economy due to the anchient powertrain (20 yr old engine and transmission design), Fuel Econ is not competitive. Really doesn't matter AWD or FWD. Expect under 20 around town and low 20s on the highway.
 
I think the Escape has other things going for it, especially value of equipment you get, along with a sophisticated AWD system.
 
Compared to CRV:
1. V6 engine,
2. Dash didn't come from a mini-van
3. Can open hatch glass seperately
4. back seats fold flat
5. Light Truck tires on XLT and Limited for better bad weather performance.
6. 2nd row provides real leg and head room for 2 adults.
 
Overall I think the Escape is about equal to the CRV but for the 4 cylinder being the only engine available on the CRV
 
Compared to RAV4
The RAV is a disaster of packaging and totally unsuited to the US market. All Toyota did was bring over a home market vehicle with little or no concessions to your requirements.
1. 2nd row leg room is totally lacking. Putting adults in the 3rd row would be concidered torture under international law.
2. The back hatch. This is the part that completely ruins this vehicle. Why in the year 2007 Toyota forces you to move the weight of the spare tire every time you wanted to get into the back is an example of the contempt they have for Americans. Not to mention you can't even open if you are paralle parked. It will stike the car behind you and block your acces from the curb because it opens to the right (thats ok in a left drive country like Japan.)
3. Way 2 expensive for what you get.
 
Compared to Nissan Rogue.
1. Escape has better ride and isolation
2. Escape has a wider track
3. V6 although with the Rogues CVT its not missed as much as it is with the CRV.
 
Conclusion. Ford considers the Escape to be an SUV and it gets SUV like fuel economy. The Ford Edge gets the same but is a bigger vehicle.
 
Mark.

#104 of 167 Re: 2008 Escape Fuel Economy. [mschmal] by desmo1

Dec 07, 2007 (9:49 am)

Replying to: mschmal (Dec 07, 2007 6:22 am)
Thanks so much for your candid and prompt response.
I agree 100%. An old powertrain is a proven powertrain. I also like all of the luxury items available on the Escape.
Since the mileage is about the same, I think we will get the AWD.
 
BTW does the "trailer tow" package really get you a trans cooler?
 
Thanks!
 
First
On
Race
Day

#105 of 167 No available winter wiper blades by antoninb

Dec 09, 2007 (3:23 pm)

Does anyone have a source for winter wiper blades for the 2008 Escape? Major retail outlets in Canada (eg Canadian Tire) don't carry them, and Ford doesn't even have a part number for such an item. The connection between the wiper blade and the arm is unique, and I haven't found an aftermarket blade that can adapt to it.
 
Unfortunately, with the weather we get in rural Canada, winter blades are pretty much a necessity.
 
Thanks!

#106 of 167 Re: No available winter wiper blades [antoninb] by aldagenais

Dec 10, 2007 (9:03 am)

Replying to: antoninb (Dec 09, 2007 3:23 pm)
I'm in the same boat..
I have found that silblade.com sell flexblade GVM technology, but they don't list the 2008 Escape. I sent them an email but no reply yet.
 
Ford tells me to bring in my Escape to have checked and they might have to redesign to wipers.( yeh that's going to happen)
 
Volvo also have this conector type.
 
If someone knows where to buy Silblade wipers in Canada let me know.
 
Thanks
 

#107 of 167 Trans. Cooler. by mschmal

Dec 10, 2007 (1:05 pm)

The Trans cooler was part of the tow package in Escapes up to the 2007 model year.
 
For 2008 the Trans cooler is STANDARD! (about time). So if you don't tow, save your $300.
 
Mark.

#108 of 167 Hopping over from the Freestyle board by freestylegal

Dec 19, 2007 (9:38 am)

Hi all,
My Freestyle has 70k on it, the mpg is going down, the price of gas is going up, and I'm being guilt-tripped into downsizing. I know the hybrids don't save money in the end, but still, I'm interested. It says on the brochure that it has a CVT tranny--the same one that is in my Freestyle? I love that transmission and haven't had a moment's worry with it. I had heard that Ford was discontinuing it on the Freestyle (which they did on the 500s/Taurus X). So, is this the same tranny?
 
And is there a special forum for the Escape hybrid?
 
Thanks!

#109 of 167 Re: Hopping over from the Freestyle board [freestylegal] by tidester

Dec 19, 2007 (12:06 pm)

Replying to: freestylegal (Dec 19, 2007 9:38 am)
And is there a special forum for the Escape hybrid?
 
You bet! Here they are: Ford Escape Hybrid
 
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

#110 of 167 winter wiper blades by woogsie

Dec 19, 2007 (4:24 pm)

Has anyone found winter wiper blades for the 2008 Escape? My mechanic even said NO ONE has any to fit this vehicle.He called everywhere! I called Ford Canada today and they said "Oh there is only 1 type of blade made for that vehicle and its for summer most likely"....of course.....summer blades on a 4wd truck in Canada..duh! Help!

#111 of 167 Re: Auto-dimming rearview mirror [ladyblue] by woogsie

Dec 19, 2007 (4:32 pm)

Replying to: ladyblue (Aug 06, 2007 3:14 pm)
I took a teeny piece of paper rolled up and stuck it in the little sensor hole.Worked like a charm!!! If you put your finger over the sensor on the mirror you will see what I mean.

#112 of 167 Escape Hybrid eCVT Trans. by mschmal

Dec 23, 2007 (10:15 pm)

This is not the same CVT that was used in the Freestyle, it isn't even based on the same principles.
 
The eCVT in the Hybrid uses a planatary gear set as opposed to the belt and pulley system in the Freestyle. The eCVT is similar to that used in the Prius not exactly the same though. It is built in the same Aisen factory in Japan that builds the Prius Trans.
 
If you keep your Escape Hybrid for 5 years, and you drive at least 15,000 miles per year you will. break even in fuel economy savings around the 60k mark. This assumes you able to take the full available tax credit and do most of your driving around town. It also assumes that you would have purchased a conventional gas Escape if you didn't buy the hybrid.
 
For about 10k less, you can get a Ford Focus which about as much passanger room. You can buy a lot of gas for $10k.

Messages Page 12 of 18

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