Just in: 2008 Ford Escape
The May issue Consumer Reports magazine featured a comparison test of small SUVs, including the redesigned (and impressive) Hyundai Santa Fe and Mitsubishi Outlander. However, more than one CR reader/subscriber wrote to us asking, "Where is the Ford Escape?" The Escape has been redesigned for the 2008 model year, and we recently bought one. That's why it wasn't included in the May test and didn't appear in the Ratings chart.
Our quite striking "Redfire clearcoat metallic" AWD XLT model just arrived and has been checked in. It's loaded with the 3.0-liter V6; Convenience Package; Sun and Satellite option; leather seats, and the top-level audio system. We consider the Escape a "small" SUV, and ours isn't priced too large: $26,525.
More importantly, Ford has finally added standard side-curtain air bags and stability control (except on the hybrid).
Still, we're a bit disappointed at what has stayed the same. For example, compared to the V6s in the Toyota RAV4 and 2008 Saturn Vue, the old Ford 3.0-liter unit seems behind the curve. And while the interior is restyled, it doesn't look a whole lot nicer than the previous version.
We'll have more to report on one of Ford's best-selling models soon.
Posted by: foobar | May 23, 2007 5:34:15 PM
Yeah, but the RAV4 has that stupid side opening rear door. And you guys might want to check out how far that door opens - past the right rear view mirror, so in a tight spot, that could be troublesome.
And when the hell is Honda going to offer variable intermittent wipers as standard in the CR-V? Talk about "behind the times".
Posted by: Nowis The Auto Man | May 25, 2007 7:59:20 PM
found a good bit of info on the hyrid info - would be great to see how that one weighs up in respect to other hybrid suvs?
i agree with foobar on the rav4 back door - a really hard situation in congested shopping centre carparks - don't get run over opening the back door to put in the groceries.
Posted by: Evan | Jul 17, 2007 9:54:20 PM
Mike,
This blog was posted in May... it is now mid July. Hurry up already with the Ford Escape... us readers would like your professional opinion. Also, did you happen to also buy a "striking kiwi green" hybrid model so we can compare the two? That would make sense.
Posted by: angela | Aug 12, 2007 11:30:39 PM
About the 2008 Ford Escape, I can find nothing really valuable...?? When are you going to post your test and findings..I recently purchased one, very similar to the one you bought for testing...just interested in what you all found with respect to comarision to other small SUV's in all catagorys...and most important...its safety ratings????
Thanks
Posted by: anana | Aug 20, 2007 7:10:53 AM
Waiting on current Ford Escape/Escape Hybrid and/or similar make/model 2008. Looking for: really good mpg, roomy cargo area (have two German Shepherd dogs), 4WD (Northern IL winters), reliablity, really adjustable driver's seat/steering wheel (I'm 5'0), moderate towing capability (kayaks, small trailer for dog shows).
Honda & Toyota's engines are seductive; their interiors are disappointingly behind the times-their staples show! Hyundai's Tucson, Santa Fe & Veracruz are very attractive but side doors don't open all the way and their cramped entry space make it difficult for (even dogs) to climb in with ease; back door's nice shape limits the width and height of what you can actually fit in, including large dog crate(s). It's curved down,(w/o separate window) opening significantly reduces cargo space!
Posted by: Frank | Jan 20, 2008 3:07:34 PM
I have been having problems with a creaking noise from the rear breaks on an 08 escape limited. Been to Ford 5 times and they can't fix it. Teck from Ford said that noise is norm. Anyone else have the same problems?
Posted by: Sarah | Apr 7, 2008 11:14:14 AM
I have a 2008 Ford Escape XLT and also have a noise from the rear brakes. It almost sounds like grinding. I have taken it to FORD and they say they can't hear anything and so they won't take the rear brakes apart to inspect better. I am going to keep taking it back until they get sick of us and atually fix it. Anyone else get this problem fixed?
Posted by: Donald Bales | May 25, 2008 10:52:07 PM
What about the Hybrid?
Posted by: tara | Jul 16, 2008 2:40:13 AM
I just had a leaking shock replaced in my '08 Ltd Escape, and wanted them to check out some "abnormal wear" on my tires. Apparently the "abnormal wear" is "a common occurence in Escapes" in general. Anyone else hear this? I'm not exactly impressed...
Posted by: Carel | Aug 30, 2008 6:16:57 PM
08 Escape XLT with 7500 miles.I keep getting a "clunk" sound when I steer either way. Took it to the dealer and they replaced the rack and pinion. It is doing it again. Anyone else experiencing hte same problem?
Posted by: Cheryl G | Sep 13, 2008 10:29:26 AM
My front door fell off on my 2008 Escape and now it almost did again. Anyone else have problems with that?
Posted by: Brenda Spencer | Sep 18, 2008 6:17:03 PM
OK I have a 2008 XLT Escape I have had it in to the dealer twice now because the battery goes dead and it wont start. 1st they replaced the smart junction box then 3 months later guess what it wont start again. I took it back in they kept it for 3 days and found nothing wrong. They actually asked me about my cell phone charger maybe being the cause. That Burned my butt good. So after they could not figure it out they decided to replace the battery.. Guess what 24 hours later the battery is already having problems again . I called the dealer back and they said "I dont know what to tell you". Well the suv gets amazing gas millage Im getting 25.9 on average so Im pleased with that But I have only owned this since Feb 27th and only got it because my taurus got crushed by a tornado and a tree. So if any of you have had this type of trouble please let me know so I can tell the dealer how to fix my SUV.
Thanks Brenda
Posted by: Carol | Sep 19, 2008 10:33:08 PM
I just had my 2008 Escape XLT at the dealer today because of the intermittent noise from the rear brakes. Can't figure out a pattern. They said they had a bulletin from Ford that this complaint was being reported. They removed rear wheels and greased all the pins (whatever that means!). The noise hasn't occurred since, but it's only been since this morning.
Posted by: Brenda Spencer | Sep 22, 2008 2:21:51 PM
Well It's me again ...and you guessed it my escape is back at the dealer for the 3rd time. They said Ford is getting mad because the dealer has no idea what to do to fix my suv...so rather then hook it up to a vat they just keep replacing parts. They say they ordered an alternator but they dont think that is the problem with it. So this leaves me mad as all hell.What happens when I get there the owner trys to sell me a new escape....What the Hell I have a new Escape...thats what I told him Also informed him of the states Lemon Law... cause if this trip dont fix it and it happens again Im done. Love My SUV but it sure would be nice to drive it.
Brenda
Posted by: Marvin | Oct 15, 2008 12:11:09 PM
I have a 2008 Escape and it was leaking tranny fluid. There is a hose connected near the radiator and they had to replace the radiator and some hose. I do not understand why the tranny is somehow connected. Wondering if anyone else had this problem.
Posted by: john | Oct 23, 2008 3:56:38 PM
i just changed the condensor on my ford 2008
Posted by: joe | Dec 7, 2008 4:54:57 PM
I drive a 2008 ford escape with a 4 cilinder 2.3 liter engine.When i come to a stop while it is in drive i get a rattaling noise coming from the engine and it evtualy goes awy,if i put it in park or nuetral it wont rattle.Had the dealer look at it they said it could be just the way the 4 cilinder engines are designed since they have not servised meny 4 cilinders, and told me to bring it back in a month or two by that time they may have more data on the 4 ciliders.Does enyone out there have eny sudgestios as to what it may be or if it is happening to them. Thanks.
Posted by: Patricia Slice | Dec 18, 2008 8:06:44 PM
Just replaced the battery on my 2008 Ford Escape XLT. If it sits more than 2 days without using it, the battery would go dead. I don't have anything plugged in and when my husband took the car to the Ford dealer they told him just "to hook up a trickle charger." So we took the car to WalMart and it said the battery was totally discharged. There is something wrong with it. So we replaced it with a 2-year warranty WalMart battery. We will see. I think the Ford dealer person was an idiot. I am really disappointed. This is my 2nd Escape and I have had several Explorers before this. What's up with the 2008?
Posted by: Mark G | Jan 5, 2009 8:25:12 AM
2008 Escape XLT V6 4WD. We purchased the vehicle in Feb of 2007 and have accumulated approx 47000km of light city and highway driving. We have unfortunatly had a number of both vehicle and dealer issues. This week was the best though. The vehicle had developed a very pronounced "clunking" from the right rear over the last couple of months. Second dealer finally diagnosed that both rear shocks were leaking badly. ??? I know the roads in Calgary are bad, but seriously, both rear shocks gone at 47000km? Now for the best part, I wanted a reason for this happening and the tech decided that because I had 80 pounds of stuff in the back of the vehicle it was the cause. ??? Apparently you cannot use the cargo are of the vehicle, who knew. Disgusted and dissappointed with the service and the vehicle at this point.