2007 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD

Pros

Decent fuel economy for a 4WD SUV (avg 28 mpg), heated seats, great for hauling my golden retrievers

Cons

Annoying highway noise vibration if only rear windows open, roof rack cross-bars should be standard

I've been happy with my Escape. I've got 13,000 miles on it over the past year with no major complaints.

Pros

The car has great fuel economy and has met or exceeded all of our expectations

Cons

We wish it had radio controls on the steering wheel.

We love it and we get 31 and 32 mpg. Occasionally when we have a strong head wind and a lead foot, the mileage has dropped to 29 mpg. Overall, it has been a great car.

Pros

fuel economy, GPS , 8yr drivetrain warranty.

Cons

Crude Ride is rough, really, so much road noise will drive you away from Fomoco.

First off, I am a 40+ yr old who has owned several cars over the years and mostly FoMoCo vehicles, the trade for the new Escape?-- a 1997 Expedition 4x4- which I really liked- but had high miles--bad fuel mpg-- Go green for the Earth's sake, At first I thought it was ok. After a few hours of driving I realized I made a very costly error in picking out a new car. Of the several things to point out to any potential buyers. Numerous items needed to be be reworked. 1. The road Noise-- is just awful!- little noise dampening features---apparently left out to reduce weight? 2. The hybrid part of the Escape-- this is over-rated as to how much it's really going to do during normal operating- approximately 5-6% highway-- It does come in well-- for rush hour stop-and-go about 45% . 3. There needs to be some features on the steering wheel other than the cruise control, you'll get tired of fumbling around looking for a new radio station, hybrid mpg, all conveniently in the center of the dash--- it's within reach as long as your sitting just a few inches from the steering wheel, also reaching around for the trip info is really better done without the vehicle in motion. The visors would be more functional if they were 5" longer and were able to rectract and extend- similiar to Volvo, the Escape visor when placed on the side against the door- does you very little for reducing glare msince it falls about 7" short of covering the side window of the driver--and--look out in turns- the visor will swing around from g-force of turns and hit you in the face -or- block your view during a turn- pretty much a hazard- so your going to need to put it away during turns. 4. when I got on FoMoCo website and voiced my concerns- each correspondence from FomoCo- they didn't understand any of the qustions of engineering and workmanship- "I don't understand your concerns with our product, please explain further" said Ford when I complained, so you'll definitely get the run around on trying to get anything done on the vehicle or have an independant CO fix the problems you'll void the warranty--- unless something visible is damaged or non-functioning.

WTW-- if you think you like it- try to talk the dealer into letting you keep the vehicle for a while-- and get out and drive it on the freeway--open roads --and city to determine if it's going to be right for you before signing on the dotted line to commit to purchase.
LOL...read morehide

Pros

Does everything it is supposed to; a roomy, responsive, and "green" suv

Cons

Nothing significant... I don't talk trash about the things I love!

I have about 15000 miles on my Escape. I love this SUV because: 1)Mileage is within 1 mpg of the advertised numbers 2) Perfect reliability so far, absolutely no "new car" issues and nothing but oil changes every 5000 miles required! 3 Quiet and good ride 5) Decent cargo volume 6) Attracts the right kind of attention 7) Love the upgraded integrated stereo/GPS/peformance monitoring

In summary, who says Americans don't build quality cars! Perfect is hard to beat. You too can have your SUV while still supporting America's working class plus preserving the world for future generations. Please buy one to help make our country an even nicer place to live.

I am a practicing electronics engineer with over 40 years experience. I demand and understand quality products....read morehide

Pros

Good fuel economy for a 4WD; GPS is a kick; Comfortable, quiet

Cons

Wife believes it could have been designed to get even better mileage.

We have owned it now for about one month clocking 2,800 miles. Nearly half of that is one trip from Vancouver, WA to Palo Alto, CA and back at mostly freeway speed. Mileage on that trip was about 27 1/2 MPG. All around town with some highway driving is averaging 30 MPG.

Nav system is fun to use, but have encountered some "cannot map" in rural areas, even though roads have been there for many years....read morehide

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

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

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

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

Pros

Great fuel economy, tight handling, it is the least hybrid like hybrid!!!!

Cons

Heated seat buttons are in a poor location, nav. screen too small.

I have owned the vehicle for 4 months now,and have'nt had a single problem with it . The hybrid drivetrain is smooth,and the transfer of power between gas, and electric modes are seamless (way beter then any Prius I've driven)
I am getting an ave. fuel econ. of 30mpg, not bad for a 4wd suv. The 4wd syst. is also great. totaly automatic no driver input needed.
The nav. syst. works great and calculates my position fast, however the screen is small and the maps are stored on cds not dvds. There is also a power flow screen that allowes you to visualize what the drivetrain is doing, this along with the fuel econ. screen teaches you become a more efficient driver. The exterior is small enough so parking is quite easy, yet there is always enough room for my family of 4 and there gear. The hybrid Escape is only rated for 1000 lbs. towing, thats enough to tow my 15ft fishing boat to the lake so I do'nt mind.
I have owned several new vehicles, and never have I been as satisfied as I am with this one!! Ford has a real winner on it's hands here, too bad no one knows about it....read morehide