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2008 Ford Escape Full Review
Date Published: 5/02/08
2008 Ford Escape Review
The 2008 Ford Escape is updated with freshened exterior and interior styling, new features, and lower prices. This compact SUV is nearly identical in size and has the same powertrains as the 2001-2007 version. It remains a five-passenger, 4-door wagon with a liftgate with opening glass. XLS and XLT 4-cylinder models have a 153-hp 2.3-liter engine. XLT V6 and Limited versions have a 200-hp 3.0-liter engine. The 4-cylinder engine is available with manual or automatic transmission, the V6 with automatic only. A gas/electric Hybrid model is available. It teams a 4-cylinder gas engine with an electric motor. It requires no plug-in charging. Hybrids have a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb for non-hybrids; hybrids are rated to tow up to 1000 lb. The 2008 Ford Escape is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Available safety features include curtain side airbags, front side airbags, and ABS. Traction control and an antiskid system are standard on all Escapes except the Hybrid, where they are unavailable. Also available are leather upholstery, heated front seats, rear obstacle detection, and a navigation system. Escape shares its basic design with the Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles; some offer seating for seven.

Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.

News
Escape follows cousin Mercury Mariner with a 2008 redesign marked by cleaner styling and claimed reductions in noise and harshness. Powertrains and chassis components are largely carryover, but the power steering switches from hydraulic to more-efficient electric operation. The Hybrid model is updated to make quicker transitions between gasoline and electric operation, or so Ford says. Outside, Escape sheds plastic bodyside cladding while picking up a few design cues from Ford's big Expedition SUV, especially in front. There's also a new dashboard, but dimensions inside and out are not appreciably changed. All Escapes are expected to include curtain side airbags, and all but the Hybrid model will come with Ford's Advance Trac antiskid system with rollover sensors. Noise-reduction measures include a new laminated "sandwich" windshield, thicker side glass, and additional sound insulation. Most all these changes also apply to Mazda's Tribute, which is renamed CX-5 for 2008. Keep checking back with us for further news on all these SUVs.
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2008 Ford Escape Road Test
Pros Cons
Automatic transmission performance (CVT) Fuel economy (V6)
Fuel economy (Hybrid) Interior materials
Rear seat room/comfort Ride/handling
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

4WD Limited 2WD Hybrid Class Average
5 4 4.7

No opportunity yet to drive a non-hybrid 4-cylinder model. With the V6, Escape moves with acceptable vigor, though the transmission can be slow to downshift for passing or merging. Escape Hybrid seldom feels underpowered, delivering good around-town response and decent enough highway merging, all with the help of the unobtrusive CVT. Our test Escape Hybrid ran exclusively on electric power under gentle acceleration up to about 30 mph as long as the air conditioner was not on.
Fuel Economy

4WD Limited 2WD Hybrid Class Average
4 9 5

In Consumer Guide testing, a 4WD Limited averaged just 17.6 mpg. Far more frugal, our test 2WD Hybrid managed an impressive 31.2 mpg. All Escapes use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality

4WD Limited 2WD Hybrid Class Average
5 5 5

Escape is reasonably comfortable for the most part. However, it suffers from a crude feel that betrays the nearly 10-year-old age of its basic design. Pavement imperfections reveal an unsophisticated suspension that allows big bumps and sharp ridges to register with a jolt.
Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD Limited 2WD Hybrid Class Average
5 5 4.7

Competent in gentle driving, but quick changes of direction show the steering to be slow and imprecise and trigger debilitating noseplow. The Hybrid's hard tires, which are designed for maximum fuel economy, squeal loudly in even modest cornering.
Quietness

4WD Limited 2WD Hybrid Class Average
5 5 4.6

Coarse pavement sets up intrusive roar from the tires and suspension. Wind noise isn't well muffled, and our test Hybrid example suffered an annoying wind leak around the driver's window. All Escape and Mariner engines emit an unpleasant growl during rapid acceleration, a sound made worse by the tendency of the Hybrid's CVT to allow the engine to stay at high rpm for long periods. Mercury Mariner has additional sound insulation and is notably quieter in all circumstances.
Controls

4WD Limited 2WD Hybrid Class Average
6 6 6

Major controls are logically located, but buttons for some secondary information functions are buried to the left of the steering column. The navigation system is relatively easy to program, and on Hybrid models, includes displays for powertrain energy flow.
Details

4WD Limited 2WD Hybrid Class Average
4 4 5.1

Ford's intention to fashion a tough-truck industrial look results in an abundance of nonfunctional shapes and crevices molded into cheap looking, hard plastic panels. The main instruments and the auxiliary readout on top of the dashboard are covered by plastic that reflects surrounding trim in many light conditions, rendering them hard to read.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD Limited 2WD Hybrid Class Average
6 6 6.1

Good headroom and sufficient legroom for tall occupants. The seats may prove unsubstantial in size and support for larger folk and lack adjustable lumbar bolstering, resulting in subpar comfort on long drives.
Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD Limited 2WD Hybrid Class Average
6 6 4.8

Knee clearance and foot space are well above the class norm, helped by a flat floor. Supportive and well-contoured seat is wide enough for short-trip three-adult comfort. Entry and departure are obstructed somewhat by smallish door openings.

Cargo Room

4WD Limited 2WD Hybrid Class Average
7 7 8.1

Generous space enhanced by a low-level load deck and convenient opening tailgate glass. The rear seatbacks fold flat once the headrests are removed and seat bottoms flipped forward. Cabin small-item storage is only average.
Value within Class

4WD Limited 2WD Hybrid Class Average
5 6 5.9

The 2008 Ford Escape is little changed dynamically despite a freshening that brings "bolder," more truck-like styling. Compared with other compact SUVs with newer designs, Escape and the similar Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner feel dated. With the V6 engine, fuel economy trails class leaders as well. The surprisingly frugal Hybrid may be the best value here, offering acceptable performance while topping 30 mpg in our real-world testing.
Total Score

4WD Limited 2WD Hybrid Class Average
58 63 60
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
42
Average Score
60
High Score
70
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2008 Ford Escape Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD XLS 4-door wagon, manual $19,140 $18,104 $695
2WD XLS 4-door wagon, automatic $20,140 $19,024 $695
AWD XLS 4-door wagon, automatic $21,880 $20,624 $695
2WD XLT 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, automatic $21,440 $20,220 $695
AWD XLT 4-cylinder 4-door wagon, automatic $23,190 $21,830 $695
2WD XLT V6 4-door wagon, automatic $22,440 $21,140 $695
AWD XLT V6 4-door wagon, automatic $24,190 $22,750 $695
2WD Limited 4-door wagon, automatic $24,140 $22,704 $695
AWD Limited 4-door wagon, automatic $25,890 $24,314 $695
2WD Hybrid 4-door wagon, CVT $26,640 $25,004 $695
AWD Hybrid 4-door wagon, CVT $28,390 $26,614 $695
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
XLS
Powertrain
2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/70R16 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 4-speed automatic transmission.
XLT adds to XLS:
Powertrain
2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine or 3.0-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, 6-way power driver seat, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, roof rails, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 235/70R16 white-letter tires .
Limited adds to XLT:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, keypad entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Bright alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Hybrid adds to XLT:
Powertrain
2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine, electric drive motor, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, outside-temperature indicator.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: traction control, antiskid system w/rollover sensors.
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
Hybrid
$1,195
$1,016
Rear-obstacle-detection system, leather upholstery, heated front seats and mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, 110-volt power outlet, cargo cover, roof rack.
Sun and Satellite Radio Pkg.
Hybrid
$995
$846
XLT, Limited
$990
$842
Power sunroof, satellite radio.
Convenience Pkg.
XLT
$295
$251
Keypad entry, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, message center.
Leather Comfort Pkg.
XLT, Hybrid
$695
$591
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel. XLT requires Convenience Pkg.
Luxury Pkg.
Limited
$795
$676
Rear-obstacle-detection system, heated front seats and mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate controls, steering wheel radio controls.
Cargo Pkg.
XLS
$395
$336
XLT, Limited
$295
$251
Cargo cover, storage bin, under floor storage bin, roof-rail crossbars. XLS requires roof rails.
Chrome Appearance Pkg.
Limited, Hybrid
$195
$166
Chrome exterior trim.
Class II Trailer Towing Pkg.
XLT V6, Limited
$345
$293
Trailer hitch receiver, 4-wire harness.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
XLT, Hybrid
$2,695
$2,291
Limited
$2,395
$2,036
Includes AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer. Hybrid includes energy-flow graphic display.
Power sunroof
XLT, Limited
$795
$676
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
XLS, XLT, Hybrid
$295
$251
Audiophile AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
XLT, Hybrid
$695
$591
Limited
$395
$336
Satellite radio
XLT, Limited
$195
$166
XLT requires Convenience Pkg.
110-volt power outlet
Hybrid
$180
$153
Remote engine start
Limited, XLS, XLT
$425
$361
NA XLS manual transmission, Hybrid.
Cruise control
XLS
$225
$192
Ambient interior lighting
Hybrid, Limited, XLS, XLT
$295
$251
NA XLS manual transmission.
Cargo tray
Limited, XLS, XLT
$85
$68
NA Hybrid.
Cargo net
Limited, XLS, XLT
$65
$34
NA Hybrid.
Front floormats
XLS
$30
$26
Rear floormats
XLS
$25
$22
Rubber floormats
Limited, XLS, XLT
$75
$57
NA Hybrid.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails
XLS
$95
$81
Side step bars
Hybrid, Limited, XLS, XLT
$345
$293
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Wheel locks
Limited, XLS, XLT
$60
$32
XLS requires alloy wheels. NA Hybrid.
Alloy wheels
XLS
$375
$319
Chrome alloy wheels
XLT V6, Limited
$695
$591
Includes 225/65R17 tires.
Full-size spare tire
XLT, Limited
$105
$89
NA w/chrome alloy wheels.
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2008 Ford Escape Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Ford Escape 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 103.1
Overall Length, in. 174.7
Overall Width, in. 71.1
Overall Height, in. 68.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 3465
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 66.3
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 16.5
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 40.4
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.6
Rear Head Room, in. 39.2
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.6
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I4 dohc V6 dohc I4/electric
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.3 /138 3.0 /181 2.3 /138
Horsepower @ rpm. 153 @ 5800 200 @ 6000 133 @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 152 @ 4250 193 @ 4850 @
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
5-speed manual 22/28 --/-- --/--
4-speed automatic 19/24 17/22 --/--
CVT automatic --/-- --/-- 29/27
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Ford Escape 4-door wagon
4WD Rollover 3
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Rollover Resistance 3
Side Impact, Driver 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 5
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 5/60,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 5/60,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2008 Ford Escape
Trim Level:  Limited
Arrival Date:  05/10/2007
Engine:  dohc V6
Bodystyle:  4-door wagon
Transmission:  4-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  Yes
Base Price:  $25,329
Price as Tested:  $25,330
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  698
Mileage at End of Test:  1068
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  21.004 gals.
 

Major Options:  Navigation system

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  17.62 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Damon Bell As before, Escape is a pleasant, practical vehicle, but its updates for 2008 seem mostly superficial to me. They don't mask Escape's aging basic architechture. Any of our CG Best Buy or Recommended compact SUV picks surpass the Escape in overall sophistication and refinement.

Rick Cotta Escape emerged from its "redesign" a better vehicle. Though much was obviously carried over, it seems more attention was paid to solidity and noise reduction, two areas in which the older version was sub-par. But despite these improvements, what was once a front-runner has fallen to mid-pack, as many rivals now boast more power, better interior storage, and improved interior ambience.

Tom Appel Escape got the macho machine treatment for '08, sporting Lego-inspired square shoulders and a more aggressive grille. Ironic then that that ride and quietness would improve. No matter, time has passed Escape up. Excellent compact SUV alternatives abound, my favorite being the Honda CR-V, though the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage present well, too. Escape is fine, but Ford merely freshened a truck that badly needed to be redesigned--a continuation of a pattern that got the company into the trouble it's in now.

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