Ford Escape Hybrid - Questions?

Please post any questions or problems you may have about the new Ford Hybrid SUV. I will try to answer them.

I have gained a wealth of information during the time I have owned and driven this great car. I enjoy communicating with owners of other hybrids. I think it helps the entire community to learn more about all of its vehicle segments.

At my disposal I have technical manuals, some Ford contacts, and many friends who also want to pass on what we have learned.

Mike

 

Thanks Tisza.

[BTW, What is your gas mileage like in the Escape? Do you have an MFD (Multi Function Display)? How does it handle compared to the non-hybrid version? ]

My mileage has been well above that reported by others and the EPA. I live in the High Desert near Palm Springs and drive to school downhill 2,000 feet and then back up again over 40 miles. I use many of the tips given to me by Prius owners (braking regen, coasting, anticipation). My last 7 tanks have been over 30 MPG and currently I stand at 34.7 for the week as the weather here gets warmer.

I have the Visteon Audiophile Navigation System and love it because it gives me instant feedback on making decisions on how to max out mileage.

I have not driven the regular Escape but both should be about the same except the additional several hundred pounds of rear batteries. The car handles very smoothly on corners. The electric-assist steering is very responsive and smooth. The drive-by-wire accelerator and brakes were not hard to get used to.

Mike

 

Hiya Eak354 -
I went to the U of H in 1964. Loved it back then!

[how much was your Escape Hybrid and we'd love to see pics of the dash or display!]

I ordered mine back in September '04 for MSRP and it was delivered in late November. It is the AWD (4WD) model with Appearance Pack, and Nav System. There were not too many options available. I added Aires step sides from the after market and spend months trying to get a hitch installed before finally hooking up with Curt Manf. and Hitch.Com to modify a hitch assembly. I use the hitch to pull a drag maintaining my dirt road. The total price, including tax was about $34,000. There are better pics of the Nav Display at the Ford Hybrid site but when I get home I will try to upload a couple of mine.

Mike

 

[How would the Escape respond to a heavy foot? What kind of MPG would one get?]
The mileage definitely goes down. I would guess an overall MPG of about 25-27 or less with aggressive driving. Not long ago I met another member on this forum and he gave my wife and I a drive in his 2004 Prius. Even though he was aggressive his mileage did not decrease as much as the Escape does, minute to minute.

[How is the build quality?]
I was impressed. It is still tight after 7,000 miles. I do have a rattle from the ball insert into the hitch and sometimes I can feel bumps from the suspension.

[What aspects of the car would you change?]
I complain about being unable to run the defroster and also stay in EV. Also, the sun visors are not long enough for tall people. I think the computer instructions could be a bit looser and allow better mileage in the first few minutes.

 

Gee - Trying to keep up with all these posts while trying to also entertain and teach 20 seven and eight year olds is tough!

I have not driven any other hybrid but have ridden in them so please take what I say as anecdotal. I cannot compare the handling because they are different types of cars. I can compare the FEH with my old '89 Bronco II. Turning radius is less even though it is a longer wheelbase. I certainly do not miss the steering wheel lurching back and forth in tight turns in 4WD. Very smooth now. On rough terrain the ride is bumping like a truck but not too bad. Ford uses 16 inch Continental tires which are hard and loud. I can accelerate with anyone off the line or onto the freeway but the gas is really sucked up. Braking is exceptional and I often ride the regen portion of the brakes whenever possible.
It is hard to decide whether the mileage is getting better because of total miles or better weather. I thought I saw a change at about 3,000 but that is strictly a guess. I believe my car does not like cold or wet weather.

The warranty is California mandated the same as any other SULEV.

Whoops - in walks the Principal - Back to work.

Mike

 

There is no manual EV switch although many people would like to have the option of making that decision. The firmware decides based on a multitude of inputs.