2008 Ford Escape Review
The Escape is a crossover utility vehicle that debuted for the 2001 model year. It received a refresh for 2005, with a new base engine, new safety systems, an intelligent all-wheel drive system, and the removal of the reclining rear seat due to safety concerns. In 2007, the exterior was remodeled, the column shifter was replaced with a floor shifter, and the engine was made more fuel efficient. The Escape is brand new for 2008.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The new Ford Escape, while not much different from the 2007 model, is a worthy CUV. It’s improved interior and bundle of safety features make it a great family car. Overall, it costs the same or less than competitors and meets or beats them on features.
What’s New For 2008:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The Escape is too new for long-term reliability data to be available. J.D. Power does not yet have initial reliability information. The previous Escape earned an overall green rating from Automotive Information Systems, but notes moderate engine problems between 2001 and 2002. The last Escape had problematic door handles, heater cores, shifting, and steering. It was recalled ten times, eight of those being related to the 2001 model. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for three years or 36,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Escape earned perfect 5-star government crash test ratings, except for the frontal driver side, which earned 3 stars. IIHS data is not yet available. The Escape comes with full side airbags, anti-lock brakes, a rollover sensor, tire pressure monitoring, and traction and stability control.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Fully loaded safety features
+ Comfortable interior
+ Good looking exterior
Cons
- Unknown reliability
- Few mechanical changes from last generation
- Weak engine
Head-To-Head Competition:
For the same price, you can buy the Chevrolet HHR LT2 with 20 more horsepower, but it lacks the Escape’s traction control and side airbags. The Escape is very similar to the base Honda Element, except the Escape actually gets a bit better gas mileage. The Escape costs $700 less than the Saturn VUE and adds anti-lock brakes, traction control, and side airbags. However, it lacks the VUE’s automatic transmission.
What Others Are Saying:
“The Escape is a pleasant mix of lean and boxy, which gives it a rugged look without all the fat that weighs down larger SUVs.” – U.S. News & World Report
“Although it stumbled out of the blocks and didn’t impress us with long-term reliability, the Escape has somehow, well, escaped what could have been a disastrous introduction for an all-new vehicle. In the end, the Escape proves that sometimes the package is as important as the product.” – Automobile Magazine
“Two days in prototype Escapes on freeways, back roads and barely roads around here suggest Escape will be a vigorous competitor, perhaps the best of the lot.” – USA Today
Read more about the 2008 Ford Escape at the Ford manufacturer web site.
