2007 Ford Escape consumer reviews

Upon purchasing the Escape Hybrid I immediately drove it 4,700 miles from Oregon to New Mexico and back. It consistently exceeded all my expectations in mileage, performance, handling, and interior and exterior dimensions. After breaking-in the engine over the initial 2,000 miles the overall mileage increased from 29mpg to 34.5mpg, exceeding the EPA estimated rating of 33mph. Driving on interstate freeway conditions (approximatley 2,000 miles) at cruising speeds between 55mph and 80mph the Escape Hybrid maintained mileage above 34mpg, and this was with 4 adults, 1 child and luggage (i.e. fully loaded) and with the AC on. Under the same conditions there was always plenty of power for rapid acceleration for passing slower vehicles at speeds of 85 to 90mph. Approximately 1500 miles were driven on rural state highways with more turns, frequent speed changes, and construction obstacles (loose gravel, potholes, uneven lane surfaces, narrow lanes, road grooves). Again the Escape Hybrid exceeded my expectations in ease of handling. The rear independent suspension provided great stability in all these conditions providing a carlike smooth ride with remarkably little twisting and rolling under these conditions. In city and low speed drving conditions the Escape Hybrid exceeded 36mpg for speeds between 25 and 45mph. On gravel and dirt roads and deeply rutted tracks the Escape Hybrid maintained very good traction, minimal sliding and slippage. The higher clearance allowed access to deeply rutted and rocky tracks beyond my expectations. This is a front-wheel drive vehicle, not the AWD option. The rear seat back support angle is very erect, which provides good support but becomes uncomfortable on long drives. Reclining rear seats similar to those in the Honda CRV would greatly improve comfort for long drives. Loss of rear storage space (due to the battery pack) could be partially recovered with better storage compartments in the doors, seats, dash and console. A problem the Escape has is the weakness of the roof carrier rack system. The tracks are plastic, support only up to 100 pounds, and twist with little manual pressure. While the Escape Hybrid is more expensive than the standard Escape and similar small gas-powered SUVs it is consideraby cheaper than comparable SUV hybrids and has the highest mpg of all SUVs.

Owned Escape Hybrid FWD 7 weeks. Thus far, averaging 34.5 MPG which is excellent, especially in HOT weather. Transmission shifts smoothly and the switch from electric to the gas motor is often unnoticed. Ford needs to improve internal storage and convenience items. There are no tie-downs in the back storage area. There is a huge center arm rest, but it's just a big box. They need sunglass holders, more accessible door storage, change storage since there's no ash tray, etc. I was somewhat disappointed that a thermometer, compass and auto dimming mirror were not available, especially given the price point. Other than lack of usable storage space, this vehicle rides comfortably, steers and brakes well, and gets excellent MPG.