2008 Ford Escape

ORC REVIEW
The Escape definitely gained some muscle for 2008 and now better embodies Ford’s beefy truck image and genetics. The Escape is near the proportions the Explorer was when it first came out. It made its public debut at the North American International Auto Show in 2000. And in 2004, we got the Escape Hybrid, the world’s first hybrid-electric SUV. The Escape definitely helped ignite consumer demand for more fuel-efficient small-utility vehicles, which almost doubled in 2006.

Ford touts its redesign interior and exterior as its headlining improvements for 2008, which includes a new dash design. Also, the all-new interior features the industry’s first fabric seating surfaces made from 100 percent recycled material. The company also talks up its electronic power steering and advance safety features.

Usually my vehicle descriptions come with a sticker price, but not this time. Based on experience, I expect that when the sticker price is not placed on the vehicle description sheet for the media, it's because the figure is rather high.

Therefore, I decided to drive the 4-speed automatic 2008 Ford Escape Limited 4x4 with a 3.0-liter V6 engine without price in mind until the end of my research. That way, I could conclude whether or not I thought the vehicle was worth the revealed cost.

ESCAPE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Aside from the higher beltline, raised hood and new front design, the first smaller exterior detail that caught my eye about the 2008 Ford Escape were the 17-inch chrome Alloy wheels.

2008 Ford Escape redesigned front end

My next thought was the lower front fascia would have looked nicer color-coded, but that's a style preference. Closer upon inspection, manufacturers like Ford are using a lot of plastic where front and rear bumpers are concerned. I suppose it is cheaper and safer if an accident occurs. There are very interesting C-shaped rear brake lights on the new model.

The Escape Limited 4x4 I drove came with the available 200-horsepower 3.0-liter, 24-valve V-6 Duratec 30 engine with 193 lb-ft of torque at 4,850 rpm. The standard engine is a 153-horsepower 2.3-liter, 16-valve Duratec with 152 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm and comes with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Gas mileage is approximately 22-mpg city and 28-mpg highway driving – a couple of notches above average for a compact SUV with a V6.

I decided a great place to take the Escape would be to the racetrack. Not to race it, but to attend the Indy 300 and see how the vehicle performed as a tailgate gathering under the scrutiny of additional passengers.

ESCAPE TO THE RACEWAY
I had five passengers at my tailgate party to the Indy 300, and all said they felt comfortable, whether sitting in the front passenger seat or middle second row, during the drive.

2008 Ford Escape has great traction and handling

The Infineon Raceway sits on a Northern California hill in Sonoma County, and the terrain to park in isn’t always the kindest. It's sort of a free-for-all, to be honest. This is where, a year ago, I ran a Dodge into a concrete pole. Loaded with five people, the Escape had stellar traction on steep dirt hills riddled with washboard ruts. I loved the feel of the 3.0-liter V6 and thought it gave a lot for having just 200 horsepower. It never disappointed during high-speed acceleration, and was never sluggish holding full capacity on slopes, both on pavement and off-road.

The turning radius on the 2008 Escape was another plus as I dodged out of long lines for the best parking space and when navigating past slower cars upon exit. Lots of braking as hundreds of vehicles jockey out of the field parking lots, and I saw an accident based purely on not having good traction in combination with brake response.

Although we had a fine tailgate party, I really didn't appreciate the liftgate. It was impossible to open the liftgate with one hand while cradling groceries. Busy families don't need that. Ford needs to step it up and have a liftgate that opens upon command from the key remote.

2008 Ford Escape provides ample room for tailgating

The low gas mileage warning goes on about three-quarters into a tank of gas. I didn't like that premature warning, especially when I was trolling about on Northern California back roads near the coast, or when I got stuck waiting for construction to clear out on a road being repaired.

The 2008 Ford Escape is one of the first Ford Motor Company vehicles to use speed-sensitive Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS). This system helps correct road irregularities and improves overall steering feel. The system uses an electric motor rather than the engine’s accessory drive. This new system eliminates the hydraulic noises typical of conventional hydraulic power-assisted steering systems and improves fuel economy as well. The Escape models achieve up to an 8 percent improvement in fuel economy over the previous model.

Because there are no hydraulic lines or fluid, supposedly the maintenance costs over the life of the vehicle are reduced.

Engineers made a host of changes to the 2008 Escape to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels inside the vehicle. This list includes thicker glass and relocated alternator from the right side to the left side of the engine.

UNLIMITED OPTIONS ON THE LIMITED
The 2008 Escape trim lineup: XLS, XLT, and Limited.

I've really warmed up to Ford's high-end interiors. The leather seats and leather-trimmed wheel must are so plush I don't feel guilty for not having (nor desiring) the new recycled fabric interior. The Escape has a well-constructed wood and glossy plastic center console, including their new "top of the dash" information display, Ice Blue lighting and redesigned controls. There is a real luxurious feeling here. I think Ford really deserves recognition for their interiors.

With a very superior sound system, I even warmed up to the Navigation system, which I have cited in the past as being complicated. Eyeglass holders are way to small to hold sunglasses. If I wore eyeglasses, I imagine I'd be using them when driving. Standard on the Limited are: air conditioning, power windows, power doors, leather seats, power seats, CD player, ABS brakes, Traction Control, Stability Control, airbags, and 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive.

Additional Optional Equipment with my model included the Limited Luxury Package (i.e. auto climate control, dual heated seats, rear electronic parking aid); Rear Cargo Convenience Group (i.e. retractable cargo cover, locking storage); Chrome Appearance Package (i.e. chrome grille, chrome garnishes); the Navigation System; SIRIUS radio; the Trailer Towing; 17-inch chrome Alloy wheels.

CLOSING
Total vehicle cost for my 2008 Ford Escape Limited 4x4 with all its options finally revealed: Approximately $33,280. That's $7,095 for the options and $25,520 for the base price, not including destination charges. I'm impressed. That's completely affordable and well worth what you are getting – this is Ford's top-of-the-line Limited Escape with 4WD. There is no logic to short-changing yourself on the extras here.

I had a lot of wonderings about the Hybrid 4x4 in regards to gas mileage and price. Are the figures better? Total vehicle cost for a 2008 Ford Escape 4x4 Hybrid (no Limited trim) with all the fixings is approximately $32,760. Gas mileage on this Hybrid is 34-mpg city and 30-mpg highway driving. If you could give up the leather and handle the recycled material, do it.

Either way, you now have two excellent choices for a compact SUV that are affordable, capable, and strong on the gas mileage.