Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

The gas price roller coaster over the past few months has created a huge surge of interest — again — in hybrid cars and SUVs. One of the newest models is the redesigned 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. Mike Hanley sizes up the cute-ute’s green aspirations, along with the regular attributes every car shopper looks for. Check out the full review to find out where the Escape Hybrid really excels.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Expert Review (Cars.com)

Comments

Where's the stability control? Oh, wait, they couldn't get it to work with the hybrid system, which is a problem no other hybrid manufacturer has had. Thumbs-down to Ford.

The lack of a stability system is unfortunate. Ford expects to offer one in the future, so we'll have to wait and see.

Wow... Ask yourself how many other new vehicles do not have stability control... alot.... This is a small potatoes issue that's unfairly used to give the Escape a thumbs down.

I understand that the AC only functions with the gasoline engine engaged. What kind of mileage does the Hybrid get with the AC on. I'm looking to by a hybird, but I live in Dallas where summers are very hot and my AC is on almost year round...

Actually, most new SUVs have stability control. It's pathetic that Ford couldn't figure out how to make it work with the Escape Hybrid.

I've been driving the hybrid version for three months now and although the vehicle is relatively comfortable, interior engine noise is too high. Gas milage has not exceeded 22 mpg on the highway and handling could be improved.
Overall this vehicle is not a gas saver but is tollerable in all other areas.

I purchased my used, 2006 FEH on May 5, 2008 with 32,000 miles on it. My average MPG over 3,729 miles is 33.65. This is exceptional for a small SUV.

If you follow the owner's manual and Internet guidelines for operating any hybrid vehicle, you too can benefit from these lofty MPGs.

If I drove it like I drive my 1997 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer V8 (228,000 solid miles and still going strong), I'd be getting about 27MPGs in my FEH.

It's all about driving habits. "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." =-)

I purchased by Hybrid in June 2007 and I am averages 31 mpg on hwy. I love my Escape - the only problem I am having is with the AC - the driver side blows cool air which is what I want - but the passenger side blows hot air. I have had it to the dealer and was told to allow for a 20 degree temp change between the two. Does this seem right? Has anyone else had any trouble?

I have been driving my 2008 FEH for 10 months now and have put on almost 20,000 miles. In the warm months I have been getting 33 MPG in town even when using the AC in the economy mode (without the economy mode the AC will keep the engine running all the time). On the highway (1000 mile trip) the MPG dropped to 31 but on short trips is stays about 33 MPG.
Last winter my all-wheel drive worked well through our foot-deep snow un-plowed mountain roads. The MPG drops to about 29 MPG when using the heaters in the winter. There seems to be a load when the temperature is sub-freezing as I believe the batteries must have some sort of heater operating. Otherwise the SUV seems quite stable with excellent traction. The ABS seems a bit clunky as I slammed on the brakes on an icy road (just to test it) but it does it's thing.
The engine is a bit noisy as well as highway speed noise, but I accept it as a good trade off I assume less noise insulation means less weight on the vehicle means better mileage.
I have the MP3 compatible 5 disk changer. It didn't say it in the owner's manual and the dealer thought it was something to do with the audio input jack, but MP3 capable means you can burn MP3 files onto a CD and play them. That allows hundreds on songs on a CD! Works great! Only works with MP3 format files though (not .wma).
I have the 110v power socket option, which is great, but it can't handle anything over about 100W even though it's rated at 150W. Not a big problem.
It's nice to have a vehicle that doesn't waste fuel, shuts off at stop lights and drive-through, and reclaims energy when breaking or going down hill, but still having an SUV size vehicle which I need for my work and the conditions that I drive. It would be nice to get a plug-in (PHEV) option or higher capacity batteries as the technology improves. There are many times when I am going down a long steep hill and the engine will kick on (even when I'm going less than 40 MPH which when exceeded will always cause the engine to start) or not using low gear (which also will start the engine). It seems to be related to the battery charge getting too full?
This seems to be a great SUV. I highly recommend it!