2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Review

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Review
By Olivia Vizachero

2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID

Cars and Trucks for Women - Although Ford executives have named the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid the perfect vehicle for “married couples without kids,” I must disagree. After driving the hybrid, I found that the eco-friendly SUV is actually quite perfect for everyone, especially extraordinarily busy college students like myself.

With the ultimate bragging rights of being the “Most Fuel Efficient SUV on the Planet,” the new Ford Escape Hybrid appeals to any conscious car consumer aware of rising gas prices in today’s economy. Unlike other vehicles in its class, the 2008 Escape Hybrid achieves an astounding distance of 500 miles on a single tank of gas. Don’t believe it? Skeptical consumers are able to put the automobile to the test by adding on the optional Energy Audiophile and Navigation System which allows drivers to view the vehicle’s fuel economy with easy to follow graphs.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid in Ice Blue.

Lead foots beware! Once able to see how specific driving habits (for example, attempting 0-60 in 2.5 seconds) affect fuel usage, speed demons will be less inclined to Mario Kart their way thru traffic.

For those who are still a bit unsure of how a hybrid vehicle operates, the Energy Audiophile specifically explains the vehicle’s energy flow with detailed graphics. This allows drivers to see what part of the vehicle is actually in use a different stages of driving (such as acceleration, deceleration, and idle).

Returning to the topic of traffic, whether trying to get around it or lost in it, the vehicle’s navigational system is impeccable. Simplistic and easy to use, yet detailed enough to be more than helpful, the navigational system helped me on a handful of occasions, getting me around construction, back to the freeway after a detour, and out of a bad neighborhood as quickly as possible. The system’s voice command even blasts through the SUV”s impressive sound system to alert drivers when turns are necessary and when destinations are near. Even those with zero sense of direction are able to venture without fear of getting lost.

With the same touch pad screen used by the GPS navigational system, drivers are able to operate the radio, CD player, and most awesomely their own mp3 player. Accessible by simply attaching an mp3 player to an auxiliary port (conveniently located in the lower dash) with a cord provided by the factory, listening to an mp3 player in a car has never been easier or safer. Unlike most mp3 transmitters that use a cigarette lighter as a source of power, the cord allows drivers to focus specifically on the road instead of forcing them to glance down every five seconds in order to change an overplayed tune. Being able to hold my iPod in my hand when choosing a song was such a relief. Also, unlike many mp3 player after market FM transmitters, the sound coming from the mp3 player when plugged into the auxiliary port is crisp, clear, and static free.

The ease and convenience cannot only be found in the mp3 player attachment, but in the rest of the SUV as well. For example, the dual zone climate controls that are standard on the Escape Hybrid allow both drivers and passengers to be continuously comfortable without fighting over the temperature. Also quite handy on the SUV is the optional auto dimming rear view mirror that prevents drivers from turning into a deer blinded by headlights late at night. When designing for convenience, Ford did not forget about those with a tad more baggage than the average consumer. To accommodate for such individuals they included plenty of storage space in the vehicle’s rear. Although technically still a “small” SUV, the Ford Escape Hybrid has a possible 66.0 cu ft of interior cargo room that can be accessed by the rear liftglass (perfect for petite items) or the liftgate (best for heavy duty loads).

The Ford Escape has 66.0 cubic feet of cargo room.

Still in need of more room? Well, pack rats are in luck because this car is functional from top to bottom, inside and out. The roof rack on the top of the Escape is capable of carrying up to 100 pounds of extra paraphernalia.

Although the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid FWD was made to be accommodating to its passengers, the designers and engineers did not just focus on practicality when making this vehicle. Alan Hall, Ford’s Escape Hybrid Brand Manager, explained, “We like to refer to the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid as a no-compromise vehicle.” Not only do consumers get convenience with the SUV’s cargo accommodations and common “cents” with the SUV’s fuel economy, they get class.

The Escape’s new interior was definitely designed with style in mind. Alan Hall boasts, “The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is latest step in interiors in the company’s line.” Once inside the SUV, the advances are extremely apparent. The simplistic gauges in the car’s dash exude luxury and the lavishly redesigned center console defines expectations with its hidden versatility. After opening the center console, I discovered a whole new realm of hidden storage. Containing three separate tiers and two removable separators, the Escape’s center console is able to store a lap top or even a handbag. Ladies, we are in luck! When going out for a night on the town, women no longer have to worry about carrying a purse with them or leaving it in their car, visible to any passerby. Now they can hide their precious Prada totes and not have to worry about whether or not it will be there when they return.

My favorite flair in the vehicle’s interior is the sleek air vents that when not in use lay completely flush with the rest of the dash. Although buyers may opt for the standard eco-friendly cloth interior, those who choose the sophisticated leather with the premium bucket front seats will not be disappointed. Not only do they look fashionable, they are super comfortable.
At close to 20 miles per hour, the Escape's gasoline engine is off.

After turning on the ignition for the first time, I was hooked. Once I pressed the gas, I did not want to stop driving. This vehicle’s inviting creature comforts are sure to tempt any driver to veer off the intended path, hit the highway, and drive as far as the road will take them. I will admit that the idea of cruising until I found palm trees crossed my mind more than once.

Although the eco-friendly SUV stole my heart from the get-go, I did manage to find a few flaws. The one most noticeable while driving on a hot summer day was the air conditioning, or lack there of. Although the hybrid blasts crisp, cool air when cruising on the freeway, driving with the air on in residential areas is a whole different story. Even with both driver and passenger climate controls bottomed out, I still found the outside heat to be a problem when idling at stop signs or traffic lights. The only other problem I encountered with the Ford Escape hybrid was not in the vehicle’s design, but instead in the price tag. Although the trendy exterior colors and technologically advanced options attract a younger consumer, the price tag may drive them away. Those interested in saving in gas will be forced to dish out a little more dough up front. With an estimated starting stick value of $25,075, young adults in school working part time jobs may run into trouble when trying to afford this exceptional vehicle.

Many parts on the Ford Escape, like the engine cover are made from recycled materials.

Even though the automobile is tad costly, it is worth every penny. When asked what he would tell auto consumers looking to purchase a vehicle in 2008 about the Ford Escape Hybrid, Hall exclaimed “The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is the whole package. It combines the best of both worlds, because not only is it fuel efficient it has all of the capabilities of a regular SUV.” With his final words, Hall declared, “It’s a great car.”

I couldn’t agree with him more. It took me only seconds to adjust to the luxury and convenience offered in the hybrid vehicle. The hybrid entices consumers of all ages by offering class and convenience to individuals attempting to lower monthly gas bills or to decrease their impact on the environment. Whether heading to the beach, hiking through snow, or just handling the morning commute to school or work, the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid FWD is able to travel the distance, no matter how long it may be, cost effectively, while toting any and all of its passengers personal belongings making it accommodating to each and every lifestyle and the baggage that tends to tag along.

The bottom line, Ford completely redefined what it means to be “green” with this one of a kind hybrid vehicle.

2008 Ford Escape Photo Gallery.