Ford Escape Hybrid Testimonials
Dear fellow hybrid owners,At first I was disappointed that my 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid SUV purchased in May in Florida was getting only 23.5mpg. I realized, however, that when the Fall came I did not use the A/C so much, and my economy is now pretty consistently to 30.8 mpg around town, etc. So I am delighted. On a 1250 mile trip in October to Charlotte, NC, and around town there and back I got up to 29 but mostly around 26 or so.
I know not to trust the car-makers advertising 36 around town and 31 otherwise for the Ford Escape Hybrid. They have been doing that ever since I bought my first new Ford in '53. They can drive the test car on a track at reduced speeds that we could never repeat to get that mileage out on the highways. I accept 30.8, since my car before it was getting 16.3 mpg (2001Chrysler Town and Country with a V6 in it.)
H. B.
DeLand, FL
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Labels: Escape hybrid, Ford, Ford Escape hybrid, Hybrid Vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
2:50 PM
40 Comments:
How you drive plays a VERY important role in your MPG. I have a 2wd Escape Hybrid and live at altitude near Denver. When I was "green" I got 34 MPG right from the drive home. Now, with practice and experience, I can get 45-54 MPG around town ( speeds under 35 MPH ) and up to 41 MPG over the highway ( speeds up to 65 MPH ).
I always get 500 miles per tank, and a few times, 600 miles. All from a 14.5 gallon ( usable ) tank. Absolutly fabulous.
John
My one-week old 2008 Escape Hybrid FWD delivered 29.7 MPG for its first tank of gas in combined city and highway with A/C on condition. I am very happy about the performance and styling of the new Escape Hybrid.
Someone said they get between 500-600 miles per tank with their Ford Escape Hybrid. They must drive about 40 mph constantly. They best I have ever gotten is 465 miles per tank.
I previously owned a 4 WD Jeep Liberty which got 16 mpg at best which led me to buy the Ford Escape Hybrid. The mistake I made was buying a 2 WD and not a 4 WD. After owning a 4 WD it is senseless to go back. However, I am very happy with the Hybrid in the mild seasons, which is 3 out of 4 in the midwest. I would go back to my Jeep anyday in the winter months. But luckily winter doesn't seem to last all that long and I am once again happy that I switched to a Hybrid. The tax credit was a huge selling point for us.
Candy
Illinois
I am beginning my third week with a 2008 2WD Escape Hybrid. I got 31 MPG the first week (mixed highway and city traffic) and only 29 MPG the second week, but the temperature has been in the 90s all week, so the AC affect is noted.
I enjoy driving it and am getting used to thinking the engine has stalled because the electric engine is so quiet when idling.
The only thing I don't like so far is the headrests. I feel like my head, neck and shoulders are being pushed forward. Too bad they aren't adjustable (front & back) or reversable.
I've owned my escape hybrid 4wd for about a year and a half now and average about 26 miles per gallon. I always check it when I fill it up, because the information on the mileage screen is often off by up to 3 mpg. I do a normal mix of city and highway driving. It is possible to get slightly better mileage by accelerating slowly, but this isn’t really practical most of the time, especially when there is a line of cars behind you wishing you would get moving. Overall, I’m pretty happy, but the mileage is definitely not as advertised.
I own a 2008 Escape Hybrid FWD. The mileage is 32.1 MPG for the first 2500 miles. This is is mixed urban and freeway driving. The air conditioner is always running in the Hot Salt Lake City Summer. There is a fair amount of steep inclines as I live at 5000 feet on the bench of the Wasatch Mountains.
We also own a Prius, which uses the same same hybrid technology.( Ford Licensed the Hybrid tech from Toyota.) They drive pretty similar, except the Prius (45.5 MPG) starts in electric mode, and the Escape always starts the gas engine. I read somewhere that Ford wanted the car to feel like a conventional Escape, so the engineers programmed the electronics to start the engine the first few minutes. I also understand Ford is now rethinking that issue, and may also change the initial start to all electric mode. I hope they can reprogram mine to start in a all electric mode. The only other big difference in the hybrid operation between the two vehicles is that the Prius has electric A/C and the Escape is conventional gas engine driven A/C. That can make for some toasty moments while in all electric mode in 100 degree weather. There is a switch to turn of the economy mode so the gas engine never stops just for this purpose. Hopefully future Escape Hybrids will go to the electric A/C.
All in all, I am very pleased with my 2008 Escape Hybrid. It is solid, quite, and the hybrid system is very solid.
The Escape is a great buy, and the government tax rebates are still a full $3000 on the FWD and $2300 on the AWD. This is a no brainer if you need a small SUV. Get One.
As I was recently waiting in a long line of cars at the McDonald's drive thru behind a smelly diesel truck, I realized if all 10 or 12 cars in line were in electric mode the whole time waiting, how much fuel would be saved!
I am pleased to due a small part in saving our natural resources, and helping limit greenhouse gases, in addition to my personal savings at the pump.
I do hope more people will look at the 2008 Escape Hybrid,
as we meed to stop global warming together.
Michael
What a great truck! I love my Ford Escape Hybrid. I'm averaging about 27.5 MPG in south Florida, but I'm only on my 2nd tank of Gas.. I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee and was getting about 14.5mpg which was pretty unbearable! People and dealers say the price is not worth getting a hybrid in south FL and that you should just get the gas engine Escape.. BS!! With the $3000 Tax Credit, the ability to drive in the HOV lane "ALONE", and I get to do a small part in helping the earth. It's about the same price, OR LESS! In miami beach, they are actually going to make some parking spaces for HYBRIDS and electric vehicles.. SWEET!! Now I just need to save water by not washing it so much!
More people should learn about electric vehicles as a solution. "Zero emissions" is something that's going to be required by law one day (you know it will). Making the decision to go electric is far cheaper anyway, like 10 cents on the dollar vs. gas. (source: zapworld.com)
I will have had my 2007 Escape Hybrid one year this March 25th. It replaced a 2001 Ford Ranger with V6 that got a real-world 15mpg. My highest mileage for a tank of gas has been 37mpg, though normally I average between 30 - 32 Overall with just under 15K miles, I've had a lifetime average of 29.8mpg. I'm ecstatic. Over twice what I used to get in the Ranger!
Plus, I can and do offroad it, it easily hold 5 adults (and usually does when my work buddies and I go to lunch) and has reasonably good cargo space. I drive typically 5 mph over posted speeds, which is typical in Southern California and still getting close to EPA spec for miles per gallon. I couldn't be happier.
It also has been exceedingly reliable so far. Only one tire rotation at 5K miles and an oil/filter change/tire rotation at 10K miles. Next service is due at 20K. Total maintenance cost has been under $60. Color me satisfied!
RX400H
I am getting 27mpg around town my best is 27.5. Go 400 miles on a tank of fuel.(tank is only 17.5 gallons). VERY responsive when you want to go with NO jump just steady fast exceleration now. Like driving a high powered speed boat. Really a thrill to drive. Tight and Quick!!
Ron Sarasota Fl.
Yes all these reviews are great but what about safety factors with the Escape. Roll over and stability problems in testing are turning me off. Also when I drove the Escape hybrid it was very noisy on acceleration and had very poor pick up when trying to get onto the freeway.
My 2008 2WD Escape Hybrid has averaged approximately 30 mpg in Oklahoma City. There was a break-in period and also a road trip to North Carolina with a car top carrier that got me the worst mileage 24-27 mpg. Now that spring is here I have averaged 35 mpg for 3 tankfulls. Driving in the "green" is difficult because other OKC drivers are pretty intolerant of slower drivers. But late at night ....
My calculations for what I paid for the Hybrid over a 6-cylinder top end Limited Escape was approximately $5500. Last Friday, I received my Federal and Oklahoma Hybrid Tax Credits - $3000 and $1500 respectively and with my gas savings I can expect to reach the breakeven point by August.
Ford has designed a great SUV - no ifs, ands or buts. If only Ford would compete directly with Toyota Prius and produce a small hybrid car and if our governments would extend Hybrid Tax Credits for only American built hybrids ....
I just bought an 06 Escape Hybred & I'm very unhappy with it. It runs in EV mode under 20 mph only for the 1st 1/2 hr of driving the rest of the day it never hits EV mode whether or not Im stopped or going under 20 mpg. The engine is always running resulting in lower gas milage. And yes the A/C IS OFF!! I was told thats just the way 06s run. I find this hard to believe considering that the 2005s did not drive that way. Whats wrong?
what kind of mileage are you achieving, despite your EV mode problems?
Excuse me thats 20 mph.
25 mpg
Only getting 25 mpg. Not the 30 or so everybody claims
20 mpg sounds too low. is it 4 wheel drive?
does your dealer sell a lot of hybrids so that their mechanics know how to deal with these types of vehicles? with that kind of mileage, if your not driving like a maniac with your ac full bore, that mileage is just seems unacceptable.
could you try another toyota dealership?
gpsman, can you tell us how exactly you drive to obtain that mileage? Where do you live? Hills? Mountains? Flat land? Do you annoy other drivers? shift to low? let us know.. I average about 28mpg and I've owned my Escape for about 6 months.. I'm happy with that, because I don't drive like a turtle (sometimes I do)..
Again. The EV mode only works in the morning,after things warm up,it never shifts to EV mode the rest of the day. The a/c is off,battery is fully charged,Im ez on the peddle,the computer has been checked out. The motor is always running whether Im stopped or not.The EV mode only kicks in the 1st 1/2 hr. of driving. Has anyone had EV problems on their Escape? To bad Ca.Lemon Law doesn't apply to used cars.
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid - 6600 miles. First tank was 32.5 mgp. Next few tanks varied between 31 and 35. Last tank was 36.5 with very deliberate efforts at keeping rpms under 2000 (acutally closer to 1500 rpms). On flat road, at 1500 rpms, I can cruise at about 45 mph and observe the mpg meter will hold right at 41 mpg, but I do think this meter may be 2 or 3 mpgs high from actual. Was very alarmed at the lack of emergency braking response and somehow felt it could be related to the function of the hybrid recapture mechanism tied to the braking system, but I can't find any details on how this system works. I like the car's utility and gas performance, but to maximize the economy, you must go through a complete metamorphosis of old, fast driving habits. It has become a bit of a game for me to see how far I can push the electric vs. the gas. Next goal: 40 mgg. (actual)
I have had my Escape hybrid for a little over six months now. It is 2WD and loaded. I do both highway and city driving and it has never gone below 34 MPG. In city, I consistenly get 38 MPG. I don't drive like a little old lady but also don't jackrabbit either, just drive normally and consistently. I absolutely love this car/truck. Plenty of room, nav works great, stereo is also good. I highly recommend it......
I got my 2008 my Escape hybrid after talking to my brother whom had bought his 6 months earlier. While visiting at a get together a few weeks after i had purchased mine he asked what was my mileage, when i replied 36 mpg he asked me what i was doing to get that. He stated he was only getting between 30 to 32 mpg. I told him i just drive like i have been, nothing different. I now have had the car for 8 months and get 36.1 mpg without the A/C and 34.5 with A/C, it is mountain driving being up here in Bagdad, AZ. I am very happy with the 2008 Escape Hybrid and would buy another in a heart beat.
I also get over 500 miles per tank, and i just love it
I have owned a Ford Escae Hybrid since 2004. The gas milage is good and the car runs well. The problem is Ford mage it. I had a Exploer before and every six months a switch on the transmission would go out and have to be replaced. With the Escape the car will shut it self down while you are driving. There was a recall a couple of years ago stating it was a sensor. I never had a probelm till recently. You are driving the freeway with your son and the car turns it self off. Ford no longer acknowledges this problem and the Ford techs have no idea how to fix it. Hybrids are great, but not the ford. I am going to buy a new car for my wife it will not be a Ford or any American enginered car.
I bought my '07 Escape new last year and have noticed an unpleasant odor in the cabin when I get in it in the morning. As soon as I turn on the AC (which is usually right away since I live in Hawaii) it sends an extremely unpleasant "sour & musty" smell out of the vents. It dissipates after about 30 seconds but never fails to be there in the morning. I've had the dealer replace the AC evaporator and checked the filter for the battery compartment and they say everything is in working order-but it is still happening. Has anyone one else out there had an odor problem?
I own an '05 Escape Hybrid 4WD. I live in Boulder, CO, which is approximately 5340 ft. above sea level. At first I was getting around 26 mpg, but since making an effort to accelerate more slowly, coast more, drive the speed limit and use cruise control more often I average about 29.5 mpg. At lower elevations one should have little problem going about 400 miles on 12 gallons of fuel. This is a great vehicle, and I can't wait for the plug-in HEV's to start rolling out!
I have a 2006 4wd Escape Hybrid with 47,000 plus miles. In the summer I regularly get 30-32 mpg. In the winter I regularly get 26-28 mpg. I have kept track of all miles and all gas since it came off the lot ( it is a business vehicle ) and have gotten 29.9 mpg over its life so far. It is a wonderful car and and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Not one issue with the car to date. Just oil changes, rotate the tires and go. Mix of probably 40% city, 40% 55 mph, 20% 70 mph.
I need some advice, please. I ahve a 2009 Escape Hybrid - I have had the can in previously due to failing breaks. I don't believe the dealership believed me as they claimed they could not find anything in the log. This has happened since and the vehicle will reset itself and the breaks will work just fine. I thappened again after i got off the freeway this morning and it is now in for service - they now claim they found the error message in the logs and are ordering a new computer part. Has this happened to anyone else? When does the lemon law kick in?
I don't think the lemon law would kick in yet. See what happens after your servicing, especially now that there is an official service record and an acknowledged and verified problem. If this doesn't fix the problem, write back and we'll help in whatever way we can.
I have a 2008 Escape Hybrid that has been nothing buy trouble. It does have a ton of miles for a 08 (73000)but still too many problems. It has been towed to the dealership 6 times in the last year. They finally think that they know what the problem is, they are changing the hybrid battery this time. I will never buy another car from Ford after the way they handled this one.
last anon -
Can you clarify a bit? It's not just the car, but the way your dealer's servicing department handled this problem?
I own a 2008 Escape Hybrid 4wd - I have driven it about 20k miles. When the temperature is above 40 deg, I get consistently 31-32 MPG in mostly around town driving (in hilly Pittsburgh). In the cold weather, mileage can drop 5-6 MPG.
In all, it has been a great car - it is comfortable to drive and fun to show off. I do wish Ford would redesign the Escape chassis/suspension, which is a bit dated and leads to mediocre handling relative to the best-in-class non-hybrid competitors.
A/C SMELLS MOLDY
I HAVE A 2005 4WD ONLY 43,00 MILES. EVERY YEAR I HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO FIND OUT WHY IT SMELLS. SOME TIMES IT SMELLS SO BAD I HAVE TO TURN THE OFF AND ROLL DOWN ALL THE WINDOWS. IT ONLY SMELLS IN HYBRID MODE. WHEN THE COMPRESSOR TUNS ON THE SMELL GOES AWAY. THE DEALER HAS DEODORIZED IT 4 TIMES THAT ONLY WORKS FOR A FEW DAYS, TOOK THE EVAPORTOR OUT AND CLEANED IT ONCE, REPLACER THE EVAPORATOR ONCE, AND UNPLUGED THE DRAIN HOSE 2 TIMES (SO THEY TELL ME),THE LAST TIME THEY TIPPED THE PAN TO GET IT TO DRAIN. IT GOES BACK TO THE DEALER NEXT WEEK AGAIN. YOU THINK BY NOW THEY WOULD HAVE FIGURED IT OUT. THEY ALSO TELL ME THAT FORD HAS NOT POSTED ANY KNOWN PROBLEMES LIKE THIS. IF ANY ONE ELSE IS HAVING THIS PROBLEM PLEASE LET ME KNOW. lilfergy@yahoo.com
I just bought a 2009 Escape HEV in August 2009 and am only getting about 20MPG. I always use the A/C and I notice that if I don't use it I get better mileage, but overall, about 20MPG. Dealer says wait a few weeks for break in. I think that is just a stall but I bought the car so I will have to live with it. Aside from the MPG, I love the car.
I own a 2008 2wd Escape Hybrid which I bought on Ebay from a Houston dealer new last year. Drove it home to Austin and have loved it every mile I drive.
Getting 29+ with the A/C going during our 60+ days of 100 degree temps. Now it is cooling off I should be going back to 32+ as I did last winter.
Now I am looking for a good plug in conversion kit. Any suggestions?
Hybrid car is truly a very amazing car. Great in speed and value. You won't look for another car anymore, I can assure that because I test it myself. used forklifts
renee - i love love love my 2007 escape hybrid. in warm weather i can exceed 35 combined hwy/town (about 50/50). it is so quiet, so spacious. never have any problems. i am looking in to a plug-in upgrade. you will have to pry this SUV from my cold dead fingers!
We have a 2006 with about 29000 miles on it. It has been reliable for the most part but recently began to give the message "stop safely" and then the car just stops! We had it towed to a local repair shop and the next morning it started with no problems. They did an oil change since it was due anyway and my mom drove about 10 miles when it happened again. Now the wrench and engine light are on too and it starts but then shuts off right away by itself. The Ford Store has yet to call me back about it so I guess it is another towing charge to get it to them now. We were thinking about a Fusion to get better mileage but I am a little nervous now.
I have a 2006 with 166,553 miles and aside from frequent oil changes, it has never been serviced. LOL. This has been a great car. Also, initially I never got over 23mpg. Now after all the miles I get 27-31.
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