2008 Ford Escape Review

PROS
Lots of passenger and cargo room, Reasonable prices, Easy to drive and park

CONS
Sloppy steering, Too noisy, Bouncy ride

With more than 165,000 sold in 2007, it is hard not to think Ford Escape when considering compact sport-utility vehicle. The popular utility wagon was first introduced in 2001 and slots in third overall in compact SUV sales behind the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Lately, the compact SUV marketplace has come under attack by a flurry of smaller crossover-utility vehicles like the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass, and Nissan Rogue. Similar to the compact SUV, these smaller crossovers are more station wagon than they are rugged off roader and that makes them appealing to a wider audience.

To combat this new wave of competition, Ford freshens Escape for 2008 with new exterior and interior styling, additional features, and, most importantly, lower prices. The '08 Escape is dimensionally identical to the model it replaces. It's still a five-passenger wagon with front bench seats and a split folding rear seat that shares engine and chassis with the Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute.

XLS, XLT, Limited and Hybrid models are offered in both front and all-wheel drive. XLS models are powered by a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 153 horsepower. XLT and Limited models get a 3.0-liter V6 that with 200 horsepower. A five-speed manual is standard on front-drive four-cylinders. A four-speed automatic is optional on front-drive four-cylinders and standard on other models.

Escape Hybrid uses a system similar to that found in the Toyota Prius. It features a 133-horsepower 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a continuously variable transmission. Like the Prius, Escape Hybrid can operate in electric only mode at low speeds and does not need to be plugged in.

Escape's all-wheel drive system does not have a low range and is not intended for severe off-road use. A towing package is available and it increases maximum capacity to 3500 pounds on V6 models.

Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability system with rollover sensors on gas-only models, tire-pressure monitor, and front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags. A rear-obstacle-detection system is optional. Stability control is not available on hybrid models.

XLS models come with air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, power mirrors, locks, and windows, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with digital-media player connection, and theft-deterrent system. XLT models add cruise control, power driver seat, automatic headlights, rear-privacy glass, roof rails, alloy wheels, and fog lights. Limited adds leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors, and outside temperature indicator with compass. Hybrid models add automatic climate control and a power-flow display with trip computer.

Key options include power sunroof, navigation system, satellite radio, 110-volt power outlet (hybrid only), and remote engine start.

Ford slashed prices on most Escape models with the '08 redesign. The front-drive XLS now lists for $18,005, which is $315 less than last year. The XLT V6 AWD now lists for $24,055, a reduction of $805 from the '07. Hybrid models saw a price increase of $1050 to $26,505 for the front-drive model. All 2008 Escapes carry a destination charge of $665 and are built in Ford's plant in Kansas City, Missouri.

Get up and Go
Though never overwhelming, the V6 provides good power for around-town driving and expressway merging. Escape is able to race from 0 to 60 mph in less than ten seconds and the engine is docile when cruising and smooth when accelerating. That's something that can't be said for all compact SUVs, however the Toyota RAV4 V6 has considerably more power.

Smooth is not a word you'd use to describe Escape's four-speed automatic, perhaps workman like. It shifts up through the gears with noticeable pauses and hesitates too long before downshifting for more power. It's time for Ford to upgrade the transmission, and word has it that a six-speed unit is on tap for 2009.

Escape uses a full-time AWD system that doesn't have a low range and is not intended for severe off-road use. However, in the snow it performs like a champ, keeping wheel spin to a minimum and allowing the driver to focus on the road.

The V6-powered AWD Escape is EPA rated at 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Those numbers are among the lowest in the compact SUV class, no doubt thanks to the four-speed automatic. In routine driving expect to average about 18 mpg. Straight highway driving will net you about 21 mpg. Ford says that all Escapes run on regular-grade fuel.

On the Road
When it was introduced in 2001, Escape set the standard for small SUV ride comfort. Times have changed, and Escape hasn't. The ride is still tolerable, but large bumps pound through the suspension and the ride is busier than on newer designs like the Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue. It's not terrible, mind you, but Ford needs to put a little more effort into smoothing out the rough edges.

When the roads grow twisty, Escape isn't as nimble as new compact SUVs either. However, it feels more comfortable than midsize SUVs. The biggest hindrance is the sloppy steering. It's slow and doesn't impart a lot of road feel. Also, the tires are tuned for grip in the rain and snow, so they don't have as much dry-road grip as you'd expect. While all of this doesn't make for a sports car, it does make for a SUV that's actually somewhat capable when the roads grow slippery.

Body lean in quick maneuvers and lane changes is modest. Brakes on the gas-only models are strong, aided by an easy-to-modulate pedal. Hybrid models seem short on braking power and have a mushy pedal, which is probably due to the regenerative braking.

On the highway, Escape isn't as quiet as vehicles like the CR-V and Rogue. There's too much wind rush and road rumble. Noise levels aren't overwhelming, but you'll have to turn the radio up a notch or two on the highway.

Behind the Wheel
Ford did a good job freshening the interior of Escape. Materials aren't class leading, but they are pleasant enough and assembly quality is good. The design is also pleasant to the eye and functional.

Gauges are large and easy to read. Radio and climate controls are clearly marked and easy to operate. Window, lock and mirror switches are right where you'd expect them. The optional navigation system is easy to program and responds quickly to last-minute course deviations. About the only grips are an emergency-brake release that's too far under the dash and trip-computer buttons that are obscured by the steering wheel.

Front seats are typical small SUV fare, meaning they are upright, firm, and long-haul comfortable. Lateral support is lacking, but it isn't like Escape is a sports car. Head room is great and leg room more than acceptable.

The driving position is higher than most compact SUVs, though step in is not much higher than a traditional wagon. Visibility is good to all directions and the optional rear-park assist works well to warn of objects that might be below the driver's view.

Rear seats offer more head and leg room than most competitors. The seats themselves are somewhat hard and flat. The floor is devoid of a driveline hump and that's a boon for three-across seating.

Escape's cargo area is generous, even by compact SUV standards. Its functionality is enhanced by a large tailgate with separate opening glass and a low load floor. Rear seatbacks fold flat to increase cargo space, but not before first tipping the seat bottoms forward and removing the headrests. Interior storage is adequate and no more.

Bottom Line
Despite substantial improvements for 2008, Ford's Escape is showing its age when compared to newer competition. Still, that doesn't mean it's not a good vehicle or a good buy. It's got great passenger and cargo space, plenty of maneuverability, and, with three different engines and an extensive options list, a price point for every compact SUV shopper.

Speaking of price, Ford was wise to trim the bottom line on most models for '08. That not only makes Escape more competitive in the marketplace, but also reduces the amount of customer incentives necessary to spur sales, which helps resale value. Topping things off is Ford's 5-year or 50,000-mile powertrain warranty.