16 Votes

VIDEO AND GALLERY- An SUV That REALLY Gets 30+ MPG? And It's A Ford?

Agent001 submitted on 5/9/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 3:45:29 PM

35 user comments | Category: Reviews | Source: www.autospies.com

Tag Link: 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

Agent 001 had a chance to test the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid and was pleasantly surprised.

True 30+ MPG obviously is the highlight but add onto that good looks, a nice nimble drive, compact and easy to maneuver/park, plus great cargo flexibility and an affordable $27k sticker makes this one of the best around town grocery getter's than you can buy today.

Believe it or not, I like driving it better than Edge I had as a rental.

The Edge felt heavy and awkward to drive compared to the Escape.

Now if Ford could just get the recalls to stop and the Explorer's to stop igniting themselves due to faulty wiring (Recalls have been issued and people have been notified), more and more people would buy their products.

The Spies say great job Ford on this new Escape.

VIDEO AND GALLERY- An SUV That REALLY Gets 30+ MPG? And It's A Ford?

About the Author

FWD Torque Steer. Absolute proof the Devil exists.
— Agent001 (View Profile)

User Comments

30 mpg....is that highway or city? Highway would not be a big deal.
— Brembo (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2008 4:14:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

City

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2008 4:19:17 PM | | Votes: 3

impressive.
— Brembo (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2008 7:35:32 PM | | Votes: 4

Sorry 001 - the Escape Hybrid is really only driveable by soccer moms because it has a tow capacity of 1000 lbs. There's definitely no tailgating, boating, etc. possible ...and I imagine that tow number goes down with the number of passengers riding in the vehicle.
— budfrogS4 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/12/2008 11:23:36 AM | | Votes: 1

Can't wait for the New Ford 4.4L Baby Diesel to power the next gen of Crossovers. Then we will have true 50MPG and performance.

Now if only Ford could build a Flagship Diesel Sedan with a 6-speed stick. If BMW, VW and Audi can do it so can we.

The Lincoln MKS is just another Front Drive, Lexus chaser designed more to be a lady's car.
— mercuryguy (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2008 4:15:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

A 4.4 diesel will give nothing like 50 mpg.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2008 7:55:03 PM | | Votes: 2

Diesel is so expensive these days...
— indifferent (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2008 1:08:36 AM | | Votes: 1

With a 4.4L diesel, you'd be lucky to get 25MPG. Just like a 4.4L hybrid.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2008 11:54:08 AM | | Votes: 1

Wow. I see the Audi R8 Diesel produces 500HP at 25MPG. What a great new milestone!

Now these are the stunning numbers that only Diesel can give you.
— mercuryguy (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2008 4:17:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

It's called the Z06.
— TataPower (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2008 4:24:48 PM | | Votes: 1

The Z06 does not get 25MPG.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2008 11:54:57 AM | | Votes: 2

I see the 2008 Grand Marquis is now Flex Fuel.
— mercuryguy (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2008 4:52:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Agent 001 the Ford recalls and explorers igniting are only on older crappy products. I havent heard any newer models that have been extensively recalled or the newer explorers catching fire.
— jt716 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2008 5:03:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

Here are some of the latest Explorer articles in the news

http://www.fox6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=8ADD7DF1-CDC8-4BEB-8D66-08E5FE08ECD1&gsa=true

http://www.fox6.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=34285A07-AC1C-4E9C-9E46-2773B25C1DBA&gsa=true

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/2783834/

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6101797

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/ford_fires5.html

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2008 5:05:07 PM | | Votes: 1

Does this Ford have the same crappy interior door handle as the Explorer? Ford interior designers are good? To throw rocks at!
— Agent004 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2008 5:29:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

I was referring to their color/texture choices not quality...very pleasing to the eye and in style.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2008 5:50:31 PM | | Votes: 0

And its taken Autospies this long to figure this out?? Its only been on the market for 4 years now....
— drew630 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2008 5:40:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I didn't like the last version..crap

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2008 5:42:13 PM | | Votes: 0

prius of suv wtf! this thing looks way better than a pos prius.
— carguy68 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2008 5:41:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Agent 001 I meant that the newer models have been definitely better than the older models and you are right with it spoiling Ford's image, but the incident with the woman avoiding the piece of metal with her explorer flipping over is jst plain stupid. The recalls are new but for older models and are voluntarily and its good thing that they are at least taking care of the situation instead of ignoring it.
— jt716 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/9/2008 6:39:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Sad to see you 001 go down the wrong road, how much were you paid to do this advertisement for Parry dealership? honestly i do 8-8.5 l/100km (canada) meaning 27+mpg for you american folks. And thats in a luxurious suv. Bmw x5 3.0l + huge subwoofers in the back (extra weight of 1 person constantly) ofcource those mpg ratings are for highway just like you were talking about on that news broadcast, now on city i get 10l/100km meaning 23mpg, not bad i think? and i dont have to drive an ugly, cheap plastic ford for that.

so all in all, hybrid is not the way to go unless we go full electrical then we can really save money, untill then the only way to save some cash is to buy a tdi jetta or anything along those lines.

hope u get what im saying there 001. keep up the good work none the less, just please dont ruin your name in the automotive industry by getin that good discount on perrys parkinglot :)

ps what kind of luxury is that when you have to press "LOAD" botton to inject the cd? LOL. this is the first i have seen
— Kiriller (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2008 12:09:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

How much did they pay me? LOLOL!

They can hardly pay their salespeople and their bills there!

Let alone me.

Of course, I personally would rather have a BMW than an Escape...WHO WOULDN'T?

But there are people out there looking at Highlanders and Prius's and we want people to know that there are some good American products out there from time to time and the Escape is one of them.

Some people won't buy anything but American.

In the Hybrid SUV market it is the most affordable truck that ACTUALLY gets the mileage they say it does which was my MAIN point in the video.

So many others LIE about the TRUE fuel economy.

It is refreshing to see honesty for once!

Is it the greatest thing since sliced bread?

NO.

But it's not a bad little vehicle.

Don't look any deeper into it.

Sometimes i can't win here...ALL YOU TALK ABOUT 001 IS BMW'S!

So I talk about something else and you write in 'WHY DIDN'T YOU MENTION THE BMW?

LOLOL!!!!

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2008 12:29:31 AM | | Votes: 2

Glad you pay attantion to people who read your articles or watch your reviews, but the way you put it in that news report as if it was the best thing out there right now when for the same amount of money a person can get a used realiable suv from a different make that has better reputation then ford. yes i get the fact that some are only pro-ford but if you have mentioned anything about anyother car im sure they would of done their own little research and perhaps followed a different brand path =)

please, dont tell me you did that for free, we all know its not true, especially that nice close-up shot on that nice perry ford licence plate :)

anywho, keep up the good work 001, i just thought it would be nicer to recognize other suvs that can easily compete/destroy that hybrid =)

ps,not sure if it was on this site that i found out about the airpowered engine? but imo, that is the way to go in the future, compressed o2. 4-5$ and 4-5hours and your good to go.

also one more thing, its not just about bmw as u replied, its about the competition that can easily save the consumers alot of money and headache. after all, whats spies are all about? saving money and spying before buying? Good night 001
— Kiriller (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2008 12:48:30 AM | | Votes: 0

We NEVER take money for the reports.

If a dealer supplies the car for the report we give THEM a free plug on the air and let them put their plates on it.

End of story.

SPY before you BUY!

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2008 1:00:23 AM | | Votes: 1

Killer, there is quite literally NO WAY you are getting 27MPG on the highway (consistently) in an X5 3.0si. I am a member of a board "X5World," where people are constantly talking about this issue, and most 3.0si owners are very lucky to see 24MPG on a road trip. I have a 4.8i and I would be surprised to see more than 22 or 23.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2008 12:02:09 PM | | Votes: 2

I'm sorry, I just don't consider anything that seats 5 or under and has less cargo room than many cars an SUV.
— CLK63BlackSeries (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2008 3:09:28 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

?

Don't you have a two-seat performance coupe with a small trunk?
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2008 12:03:04 PM | | Votes: 0

Yes, but I don't call my two-seat performance coupe with a BIG TRUNK a grand tourer, do I??? It is what it is, and it's never been labeled otherwise. I think you are missing my point altogether...
— CLK63BlackSeries (View Profile)

Posted on 5/11/2008 4:45:55 AM | | Votes: 1

p.s. I also have a GMC Yukon, a Mercedes G55, and a minivan--all cars that fit perfectly into their classes and do not pose the least bit as something they are not.
— CLK63BlackSeries (View Profile)

Posted on 5/11/2008 4:49:36 AM | | Votes: 1

001, those were some rash-unwaranted comments you made about the Explorers put in peoples garages. In fact since your impressed with the Escape so much, that should provoke you to say that things are on their way up at ford, not backwards. Im not a big fan of ford either, but If I were they, I would have a serious bone to pick with you.
— no1listensanyway (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2008 12:35:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Buying a Forien Car isn’t really the answer.

These foreign cars are really gas-guzzlers in disguise.

I looked at the Audi Q7. It is a GAS 4x4.

Subaru Forester is bigger this year. And is again a Gas guzzling 4x4.

Toyota Sequoia is a GAS 4x4, and bigger than ever.

All these foreign vehicles are similar in size and Horsepower and have 4x4.

They get about the same mileage as a Ford Explorer.

The BMW 5 and 7 series are guzzlers as well, although somewhat less since they are 2 wheel drive.

Why does Audi and Subaru insist on the dinosaur technology of 4x4?

This market needs 2wd, Diesel sticks, today, not a decade from now.
— mercuryguy (View Profile)

Posted on 5/10/2008 5:52:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

"All these foreign vehicles are similar in size and Horsepower and have 4x4."

If you think the Subaru Forester is the size of an Audi Q7 or, even worse, a Toyota Sequoia, you really don't know your cars.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/11/2008 6:44:58 PM | | Votes: 1

"The BMW 5 and 7 series are guzzlers as well, although somewhat less since they are 2 wheel drive.

Why does Audi and Subaru insist on the dinosaur technology of 4x4?"

LOL! You have got to be kidding me!
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 5/11/2008 6:46:18 PM | | Votes: 1

I can think of several SUVs that get 30 mpg plus.
CR-V diesel
Rav-4 diesel
LR2 diesel
Tiguan diesels
BMW X3 diesels
X5 3.0d (just)
Mitsubishi/Citroen/Peugeot Outlander/C-Crosser/4007 diesels
Ford Kuga diesel
etc
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 5/11/2008 6:11:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

I was excited about the Tiguan diesel until I got behind the wheel. It is just too small inside and it won’t protect you well enough in an accident.
Another problem is that Diesel cars and crossovers are outlawed in New York State. It has to be a commercial vehicle to be regerstable Diesel.

A Diesel Audi Q7, 2wd stick would be perfect, if I could legally register one here in the Land of Hillary.

Time for the domestics to build Diesel, because with the falling US dollar, who will want to pay $80K for an Audi Diesel, even if it sturdy and efficient.
— mercuryguy (View Profile)

Posted on 5/11/2008 11:22:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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VIDEO AND GALLERY- An SUV That REALLY Gets 30+ MPG? And It's A Ford?

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