2009 Ford Escape Hybrid User Reviews

Pros

everything but my 2 con's

Cons

slight hesitation when I stomp on it. the seats stain easily. I couldn't power my house off the AC

Purchased As New

After 3 tickets in about 6 wks, I slowed down to the speed limits + 3-5 to keep up with traffic, then I started getting a respectible 31-32 mpg on my route to work. One dark and stormy morning, I hydroplaned at ~ about 45mph , she held straight til I got it slowed down. The anti-lock brakes have saved me 2x while watching out for people texting. We charged our laptops off the AC after hurricane IKE, but it didn't have enough juice to run my refrigerator, dern. My FORD dealership WOULDN'T fix a slow leak in a tire, but would sell me a new one, that's about 20k miles ago and it hasn't been replaced. It's been a good vehicle for me...read morehide

Pros

Very good fuel Economy. Comfort , especially head room. Good Power

Cons

The engine is noisy under high acceleration

Purchased As Used

I looked at these for some time. I was driving a 2003 Ranger and I would constantly hit my head any time the road got bumpy. I wanted something that got better mileage and had more head room. The only things I could find with enough head room were a full size pickup, van or a VW Beetle. The trucks and vans got worse mileage than the Ranger and the Beetle is just too small if I have to move anything.

In March of 08 I found a used 07 for sale in my price range. With the 6 way adjustable seat I can get good head room in this. I have moved Lumber (by putting down the back seats and moving forward the passenger seat I have carried 8 foot boards inside with all the windows and doors shut. ) and bicycles in side with me. Since I got it I have driven about 14000 miles and over that I have averaged a little over 37mpg. Better in warm weather and worse in cold.

I highly recommend this vehicle....read morehide

Pros

Great fuel economy, navigation, media center

Cons

lots of distraction using controls

Purchased As New

I have had this 'Cute UTE' 6 months now. I've average 32.5 mpg over that time. There have been no problems with anything. The ride remains easy and well controlled. The sound system is really a fine setup. I've loaded perhaps 40 CDs into the Hard Drive and enjoy the use of the system. I really find the navigation system a plus. I like keying in a destination address and letting the computer direct me to my destination ... my hands and mind are on my driving the entire distance. I have never ended up in the wrong place. I think it a great system.

I've had no problems with the breaking, the steering, roll, noise, or any other item for that matter. I had a 1991 Ford Tempo that had the 2.3 liter engine, the one bored out to make this 2.5 liter engine in the Escort. Now it was noisey ... lots of engine noise on acceleration. Maybe that influences my opinion that the engine noise of the 2009 Escape Hybrid is a non-issue for me.

The only issue I have with this 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid is the distractions I experience by taking my eyes off the road to check the map, set the cruise control (by use of the cruise control and gas pedal maipulation I can get cruise control at 40 mph in full electric mode), using the voice recognition system, or using any aspect of the navigation system. Maybe this distraction will diminish with time and useage. However it all still really fascinates me.

Ford really put together a great package with this 2009 SUV Hybrid....read morehide

Pros

Pretty much everything so far

Cons

have had some problems with the SYNC system linking it to my blackberry

Purchased As New

pretty much all i expected and waited for (ordered it in june, got it in december) through the cold winter in philly i averaged 33 mpg and now with the warmer weather the average has gone up almost to 35mpg. i cross checked it manually, and the math is right. once warmed up, i can pretty much use the battery drive under 40mpg unless accelerating. value versus a non hybrid model will not be as strong at $2 gas, but that will likely not last long. reliability with 400 miles has been perfect so far...read morehide

Pros

Good Looking, luxurious, great audio sounds, loaded, hot!

Cons

Coat hangars very weak and lame. Noisy engine, but peppy.

Purchased As New

I have owned this vehicle for 2 months and have continued to have extended new car bonding. I have 2500 miles so far. I love the Sirius XM radio, the sync controls on the steering wheel, the navigation system, the ambiance lighting, the leather seats, moon roof, power, economy, and comfort.
One glitch: At 1300 miles the "check Brake System" light kept coming on and it took a Ford Field Engineer to locate the "loose ground wire" and make the repair. Vehicle in shop for 4 days and fix not known to shop techs. Frustrating until repair completed. Hybrid performance corrupted when this light comes on because the system "thinks" the brake recharge of the 300Volt battery for the motor is out, and so the hybrid will not operate properly using motor only for maximum economy with this condition....read morehide

Pros

Great Fuel Economy! Sync System is wonderful!

Cons

Ford needs to advertise this more!

Purchased As New

I have had this car since August and it just gets better everyday!
My current MPG is 36.2 and this has been consistent over the past three months. The sound system/navigation system is wonderful. The ride is smooth and often quiet. Getting $3000 back on my taxes was an extra plus! I am very pleased with my purchase of this car....read morehide

Pros

Fuel economy, design, power, technological features

Cons

Acceleration and start-up engine noise, "hybrid cost"

Purchased As New

Bought this car as a more environmentally friendly option and have been extremely pleased with the purchase. Gas mileage is great but you do have to work on changing your driving habits to maximize fuel efficiency. Initial startup and acceleration engine noise is loud which is not something I expected but Ford explains in the owner's manual as necessary (salesperson could not tell me why). Love the more box styling of the newer version. Cargo space could be better but is more roomier than most hybrid cars on the road. Great value when you compare against the Highlander which runs 5k to 10k more but the car does have the "hybrid cost" in the sticker price. In the long run I think it is a small price to pay....read morehide

Pros

Good fuel mileage, smooth ride

Cons

Hard to get good milage without patience, nav system, price

Purchased As New

I have only had this vehicle for 2 weeks. I am getting 25 mpg so far but I was only geeting 14 with my F-150 4WD so I think its great. I have always had a truck so it was hard for me to "down size" but I'm getting usd to it fast. I can't get the electric motor to run alone for long. The gas engine seem to kick in alot even under 40 mph on smooth level road with no heat or air on. The ride is very smooth aftter driving a truck for years. Over all I like it so far, but the nav system was a big expense and my $200 Tom Tom works better! I love all the other toys that come with it though. I don't think its worth the 2 grand extra....read morehide

Pros

Fuel Economy, Quiet Ride, Sound System, CVT transmission

Cons

rattles, squeeks, rattles

Purchased As New

Mileage is seasonal. In Summer, about 33MPG with AC running mostly. In Spring/Fall about 37MPG. In winter, about 35MPG.
It performs quite well, but disappointed I couldn't get a small hitch installed for my bike rack. Also, no door stability handles/grips available for some odd reason. Never had a failure/breakdown, but the 'service ' light lit up a few times, where they had to replace a couple mysterious parts. LOVE the CVT transmission. Makes cruise control on hilly roads work very well....read morehide

Pros

Good Fuel Economy

Cons

Ride Quality

Purchased As Not Purchased

This is one piece of wonderful machine. The power it leaves for the driver is incredible.