Topic: CD Article: 2008 Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid

[Autos_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
First Drive:


While not a complete redesign, the 2008 Ford Escape offers new exterior styling, a new interior design, and suspension refinements to improve the ride, says Senior Editor, Paul Williams.  The '08 Escape Hybrid benefits from improved drive-train management software and a refined CVT gearbox. "It is notably smoother than the previous model when accelerating and decelerating," he says.  
   
   More...

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I've seen so many of these already. Unlike the new Explorer which I truely dispise (it may ride well and have a smooth powertrain, but just don't like the new look or pricing - seems like a dino), think the Escape refresh is well done. And lower pricing never hurts. It's affordable, with the choice of 4 or Hybrid or V6, 2WD or 4WD, is roomy, and has a decent list of options.

[jww]

..., think the Escape refresh is well done. And lower pricing never hurts. It's affordable, with the choice of 4 or Hybrid or V6, 2WD or 4WD, is roomy, and has a decent list of options.

Tough to argue with you on these points. Not the prettiest small SUV out there, but it's affordable, reasonably reliable (with the emphasis on the word 'reasonably') and you can get one dressed up just about any way you would want. I wonder how this sells compared to other Fords in north america. Focus, I think is still #1 worldwide - but then they have a different Focus than we do in other parts of the globe.

[Cord]

I wonder how this sells compared to other Fords in north america.

For the first 3 months of 2007 the top 5 Ford sellers in Canada:

1. F-Series 16174
2. Focus 4913
3. Escape 4796
4. Ranger 4575
5. Fusion 3197

[inco]

The Hybrid is gaining a longer than usual attention span around here. Should we, should we not? New job for other half means a 44km round trip to work every day as opposed to the TTC. Maybe this should be worth considering and with $4,000 being thrown at you from the governments, well I'd be a fool not to at least pitch the idea.

Let's see how this test turns out.

[The Mighty Duck]

A little interesting side note: the "lost and found" ads airing for these cars were shot on Vancouver Island.  I prefer to think we're not "lost"! 

[johngenx]

A little interesting side note: the "lost and found" ads airing for these cars were shot on Vancouver Island.  I prefer to think we're not "lost"! 

One good tsunami away...

[avtoller]

A little interesting side note: the "lost and found" ads airing for these cars were shot on Vancouver Island.  I prefer to think we're not "lost"! 

One good tsunami away...

Smile when you say that, son! 

[Ex-airbalancer]

A little interesting side note: the "lost and found" ads airing for these cars were shot on Vancouver Island.  I prefer to think we're not "lost"! 

What adds
Are you back on the island yet? or do you still have exams to write?

[ggweci]

The Hybrid is gaining a longer than usual attention span around here. Should we, should we not? New job for other half means a 44km round trip to work every day as opposed to the TTC. Maybe this should be worth considering and with $4,000 being thrown at you from the governments, well I'd be a fool not to at least pitch the idea.

Let's see how this test turns out.

Hey inco, just wondering how this turned out?  Did you end up going with the Escape, or at least testing them?  any insights?

[inco]

Because we lease, the leascos can't come up with a value that works in your favor at the end. They don't know how the value will stand up and so they lower the resids and this means a higher lease payment and interest rate.

Buyers don't have that problem with grants and all, but will still face the uncertainty if and when they sell. It's a gamble and so we decided to pass. Back to tried and true Subaru.

[ggweci]

Because we lease, the leascos can't come up with a value that works in your favor at the end. They don't know how the value will stand up and so they lower the resids and this means a higher lease payment and interest rate.

Buyers don't have that problem with grants and all, but will still face the uncertainty if and when they sell. It's a gamble and so we decided to pass. Back to tried and true Subaru.

Thanks for the reply.  What Subaru did you end up going with? Forester?

[inco]

Depends on who you ask. Me: Legacy. The decision maker and grand marshall of the event likes the Tribeca. I'm scared.

[ggweci]

Depends on who you ask. Me: Legacy. The decision maker and grand marshall of the event likes the Tribeca. I'm scared.

The Legacy is really nice... I prefer the looks of the sedan, but the utility of the wagon.  The new-nose Tribeca looks really nice too though.

[websurfer1313]

escape HYBRID does look great, love the new tail lights as well as space and fuel economy

BUT THE PRICE IN CANADA , ( ONTARIO , i know, its just the centre of the Universe)   is far too much that the USA cost

SO LETS ALL CONSIDER BUYING THIS USA BUILT, DOMESTIC SUV IN USA AND IMPORT IT PERSONALL.
TO AVOID PAYING FAR TOO MUCH FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF BUYIN AT OUR LOCAL CANADIAN FORD DEALERS, EVEN CONSIDER THE UPGRADE MERCURY MARINAR WHICH IS THE MERC VERSION EVEN BETTER UPGRADES AND STILL LESS THAN THE FORD ESCAPE IN CANADA

STOP THIS MINDLESS CANADIAN RIP OFF , LET THEM HAVE A REASOPNABLE PROFIT BY USING THE USA PEICING AS A FAIR STANDARD IN cANADA TOO CONSIDERING  THE BUCK IS PAR 

[inco]

Did someone let the cat in?

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Hybrid AWD in Canada is $33k, just over $27k in the States. Certainly not the most egregious example of the exchange rip-off.

The Prius is $29K here and $21k in the States.