2007 Ford Escape Hybrid User Reviews

Pros

Nice looking vehicle, room for a small SUV, gas mileage

Cons

None at this time

Someone commented that the fuel economy is not great, but they only have 2000 miles on the vehicle. if you know anything about a hybrid you would realize that the best gas mileage is when the engine has about 15000 miles on it. There is a technique to driving the vehicle to get good mileage as well.

I traded in a 1999 Jeep Cherokee for this vehicle and I am impressed.

I'm curious to see how the 4WD performs.

Ford giving 0% financing helps as does the tax write off....read morehide

Pros

Looks, interior space, maneuverability

Cons

Lower MPG than expected, lack of storage up front, wind buffeting w/windows down

Granted, after 3 months I'm at less than 2K miles, but my in-town mileage leaves something to be desired. I believe I'm getting about 30 MPG on the highway, but my local MPG is only around 25-26 MPG. I attribute part of that to the nature of my commute, which is very short. It's the GAS engine that needs to warm up before the full hybrid experience begins, and I'm nearly at work before the gas engine reaches that point. (That's also why cold weather will adversely affects your mileage - it takes longer for the gas engine to warm up). If you're just taking really short trips around town, you're not going to get the advertised MPG. Apparently slow-and-go freeway traffic is one of the most economical driving conditions (although admittedly not the most fun!).

I also had an interesting experience recently on a road trip to a hot destination (Palm Springs, CA: 100+ degrees). While on the highway, the A/C worked great, and I saw no dip in gas mileage. However, going through town at low speed affected the A/C performance. When the car is in electric mode, the A/C either shuts down or is decreased dramatically (I'm not sure which). Only by setting the A/C to Max will it keep the cabin temp cool, but that means the gas engine must stay on, decreasing your gas mileage. The heat of a So Cal summer should be interesting.

Let's see, what else...
Wish the thumping was less with the windows down.
Wish there was a better place for miscellaneous "stuff" up front. Maybe if I hadn't gotten the front power outlet there would have been an empty space at the bottom of the dash, but as it is, everything has to go in the center console/armrest, which isn't always convenient.
I agree with others who wish the electric engine would power the engine to more than 30 MPH. I got it up to almost 40 on electric once, but that was on a downgrade with no one behind me to get annoyed at my slow acceleration. Even better, if you could accelerate just a LITTLE harder from a dead stop before the gas engine kicks in, I think that would really help city drivers like me.

Hmm, sounds like I don't like my baby, but that's not true. After driving a "sports car" for 17 years, I love the cabin space and ability to carry more people and cargo. I'm 5'7" and can slide right into the driver's seat instead of having to lower myself into the seat. Love that! I also love that the security system doesn't honk or beep or do anything stupid like that when you activate it. I'm sure my neighbors appreciate it, too....read morehide

Pros

Great Gas mileage, Comfort, Excellent Value!

Cons

...

After first 1000 miles am loving this vehicle! Mileage is running about 33-34 on the highway (~60 mph). Bought this including a few upgrades on appearance and leather, and cost is still $10-15K less than our 4Runner, mpg is 68% higher, performance is solid (drives easy like a hybrid, but can accelerate when needed) and comfort is the same... no reason to be driving the gas guzzling SUVs anymore - this is a no compromise solution.

As an avid windsurfer and parent I had constraints including better windsurf-mobile, better gas mileage, and nicer vehicle (my previous was an Integra at 30 mpg). Most vehicles meet only 1 or 2 of these... the Escape Hybrid hit all three!

Cons? I did not get the Nav system and when I am in cruise control I can not see the mpg reading (uses the same display). Pretty minor issue... I can live with that!

When people buy the Prius (another great car), or Civic Hybrid they expect about 20% lower mileage than advertised. On the Escape Hybrid they advertise 31 highway, and I get 33-34 mpg... not often you get more than expected. Way to go Ford......read morehide

Pros

Sometimes good fuel economy, sometimes not

Cons

No power, squeaky on back side

It can hardly accelerate when entering a freeway. Pump the gas so hard in order to accelerate, and then offset all your gas savings.

Pros

Over 30mpg with 6300 miles on it so far. Dash computer and GPS is neat.

Cons

None yet.

Purchased 19 Oct 06. I opted for the leather seats, the dash computer/GPS and the safety package. I don't regret the extra costs. So far nothing has gone wrong, and I am impressed with the performance. I did notice that my mileage went down a bit in colder weather and up a bit since it has warmed up this spring although I am uncertain as to the cause.

My only wishes are for a plug in version, the ability to run on all electric faster and further. With a larger battery an onboard charger, a larger electric motor, and a tweak of the control circuit I bet I could cut my gas usage by 2/3rds....read morehide

Pros

great suv

Cons

rides great

have no problems with the suv. it gets grear gas mileage,and it has 10,000 mile service reg

Pros

Great fuel economy, plenty of power, very comfortable

Cons

Complete lack of storage compartments, only 1000 pound towing capacity

I have 6,000 miles on my FWD Escape hybrid now. I always drive for maximum gas mileage and I get 35 mpg on the highway and 37 in town. I even get 33 mpg pulling my 4x8 utility trailer.

Be aware that if you don't pay extra for the GPS navigation system you don't get all of the instrumentation necessary for monitoring instantaneous mpg, battery capacity, etcetera. (Not even a temperature gauge.) I bought a 3rd party device for $170 called a "scan gauge" that plugs into the computer port and gives me much more information than the basic instrumentation....read morehide

Pros

fuel economy, handling, size

Cons

light front end=easy hydroplane and easy tire spinning on wet street, noise level high

Traded a 2003 Hummer 2 in on 2007 Hybrid. Miss the size and comfort of H2. BUT don't miss the mpg. Driving real world exact same mileage and same speed(s) I saved 4,700 dollars on gas!!!!!! and yes my liberal friends love that I drive a hybrid now.

Pros

Power management, Transmission, nice to drive

Cons

Front end light causing tires to spin easy and hyroplane easier than most. Road noise a little high

Very happy with my Escape Hybrid. Front end is lighter than most FWD cars because of light motor/engine and battery weight in rear, so it can get a little squirrely on wet/slippery pavement. No problems yet in 33k miles and 18 months... Gave up my big F-150 Crew Cab 4x4 and saving $$$$!!!!

Pros

great fuel economy, fantastic ride, runs very smooth, what more can you say?

Cons

no cons

This is the best vehicle I have ever had the opportunity to drive, fun and peppy, this one has it all. With gas prices going up over the three dollar mark, you can not beat this. I looked at the Toyota, NO THANKS!! the Escape beats it hands down in every personal category for me. Great ride, handling, looks, and abilities....read morehide