2007 Ford Escape Hybrid User Reviews

Pros

Good emissions, high clearance, quiet, 110-volt AC outlet

Cons

Uncomfortable seat, poor traction, few amenities for the $30K cost, modest mileage gains

After 11 months and 14,000 miles, I have mixed opinions about my 2007 Escape Hybrid.

On the positive side, I am putting less nasties into the environment; the car is quiet and very effective when creeping up on a bird while bird watching at slow speeds; its superb in stop-and-go traffic; and it has adequate air conditioning. I like that my driving habits dictate my mileage and the car has trained me well to drive 'gracefully'. I love the 110 volt AC outlet as it allows me to bring my expresso-maker with me when camping. I use the AC outlet frequently and no problems with that. The transition from gas to electric is practically seamless. I love the huge windshield washer tank and the liberal window spray.

On the negative side, I want an engine more reliant on electricity and I want to influence when the car runs off the battery. Very rarely does the car rely on the battery above 30mph and that is frustrating. The driver’s seat is very uncomfortable because it has terrible lumbar support, a concave seat back, and an un-removable headrest that forces my head forward. What was Ford thinking when they made this seat? Also, my dealer was unwilling and had no options to help me shape the seat to my body. What’s with that?! I place a pillow behind my butt and a folded towel behind my spine to get the right position.

On gravel and going uphill there is not sufficient weight up front to get this 2-wheel drive car up the slope. This is the only high-clearance hybrid on the market and to have it not work well when traveling off-road is frustrating. With the rear windows open the thumping begins at 40mph.

The car is shockingly sparse on amenities. To not have a sun visor extension seems primitive. The control panel is too simple. Why not have a compass, outdoor temperature gauge, more places to put stuff such as sunglasses. My arms are often uncomfortable when driving as nothing seems to be in the right place to support my elbows. The console has an AUX device button, but no slot to plug anything in to. I need to have my iPod in my car. So, I am forced to use a FM transmitter and that has problems as radio frequencies shift when traveling and when in big cities with lots of radio stations jammed together. No iPod slot? What was Ford thinking? I’d like to have an adjustable steering wheel.

On a 200-mile trip to LA yesterday I averaged nearly 34 mpg. Each day I descend 2200’ in 8 miles from home to work and I get a nearly all electric performance. On the way home, I get 17 mpg.

On the whole, I remain intrigued by this car although never fully satisfied. For $30K, Ford could have done better to please the user. I would be immensely impressed if Ford were to come out with some kind of an upgrade or a plug-in conversion kit that would allow better use of a stronger battery.