2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

Rating from Scotsman

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		3 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I didn't buy one, but rented one from Budget Rent A Car in Indianapolis. I was truly impressed with it. The previous renters (about 5,000 mile) averaged 27 MPG. I drove it on I-69 and mostly country roads and raised the overall mileage to 29 MPG."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Recovering Angry Driver

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"As a first time SUV AND a hybrid vehicle driver, I'm happy to report that owning the 2009 FEH has been a positive experience so far! What attracted me to FEH was its fuel economy. After doing some research online before buying, I found out that the 2009 FEH is LITERALLY the BEST SUV in term of MPG - hybrid or otherwise. After breaking in the vehicle (which, btw, will take at least 1K and up to 3K), my 09 FEH does indeed deliver the advertised MPG numbers. With my new hybrid driving habits, I'm only expecting my MPG numbers, which are not unlike the gas price, to go up. I got the cheapest trim level, but in term of features, it is still on par with a high-end non-hybrid Escape model(6-way power driver seat, dual-zone temp control, Sync, Sirius, auto-dimming rearview mirror etc). And to me, that's enough. I did the math - if I were to get all the standard FEH features on an 09 non-hybrid Escape, I would have saved around 4000 bucks. However, with the $3000 tax credit for this tax year, the "hybrid" premium pretty much disappears for the 09 FEH. So all things consider, 09 FEH is heck of a deal (not to mention comparisons with other hybrid SUVs)! Can't really comment on quality/reliability yet, but it was pretty much my only major worry. I've had some spectacularly bad experiences with Ford back in the early 90s (the memory of my mom's old Taurus burning by the free haunts me to this day :). But people are saying that Ford has really gotten their act together over the years, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed on that front. One thing worth mentioning is that driving a hybrid vehicle has literally changed my driving style. Before, I was an aggressive driver and I got easily angered into killer road-rage. Now, almost like a game, I want to get the highest MPG possible :) As a result, I'm a much more mellow driver. And, this may be a sickening thing to say, I actually ENJOY traffic from time to time. It makes me feel mighty nice when I'm burning ZERO gas under 40 mph or stuck in a moving parking lot. So all in all, I find driving to be much more relaxing and enjoyable, and that, my friends, is priceless."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Retired

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I have had this little SUV for 6 months now. It has proven to be an excellent means of transportation. I bought the 'Limited' package and found I really use the navigation system, voice control and 'Hands free' cell phone interface. I find the security system an A+, as well as the interior/exterior design/implimentation. Best of all, the reason I bought the hybrid, is the gas mileage. So far I have averaged 32 mpg with each tank full. I live in California's Central Valley, so the drive is pretty much level which ever way I go. That helps a lot with the mileage. I find it easy, after 6 months of practice, to get the SUV into Electric Vehicle (EV) mode and hold it there at 39 mph, or less. When ever the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) kicks in, fuel economy drops. This occurs typically when going up a hill, using heating, or air conditioning, accelerating to get up to speed, or driving above 40 mph. Aside from the fuel economy, I really like the cargo space in this little SUV, the 'Button pad' keyless entry on the drivers door, the USB, 12 Volt DC & 110 volt AC connections and the lighting options. This is one 'Cute Ute' and a joy to drive. The only thing I am unhappy with is the center console ... it is at my elbow and I cannot easily open the top and look in to get something. Unfortunately, a compact vehicle is indeed compact."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Newbie Hybrid Owner

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"First city mileage after two days, 39 mpg. Worth reading manual, had to learn how to drive differently but that was amazing! City, got 31 mpg! All the bells and whistles are nice, love the Sirius radio and navigation but especially the on dash pictoral showing when you are on electric engine vs gasoline. It becomes a challenge, like a video game. Would highly recommend this little car for busy people who want great mileage, good options, and a little space!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

Primary use for this car: N/A

Rating from jrs

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"25,000 miles now on our hybrid (late 08 model) terrific in snow, great mileage in warm weather (30-32) worse in the cold (26-28) but still very good for a SUV drives nicely and can fit alot of stuff in it no problems at all, only oil changes needed interior styling is not great, exterior styling ditto Fix this and this could be a national best seller"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Too Many Miles

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I've had this '09 Exscape Hybrid for almost 5,000 miles and the gas mileage got better, as Ford stated in it's owners manual. Surprise! I average 33 mpg city/highway. The 4 cyl hybrid engine has better than expected acceleration (as good as most v-6s) and is smooth and seemless, switching between battery and gasoline engine modes. There is more to this hybrid technilogy that is worth looking into. Ford would be wise to bring this info to the public."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from just bought it

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		3 out of 5

"I just bought an '09 and in bay area drive, have 25.6 mpg. I expect this improve with habits. The overall drive experience is excellent"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting