I bought my Ford Escape after looking at and test driving a few other small SUV's. I was looking for a car with some good cargo space, 4WD, relatively good on gas, and some decent styling...all uder $25K.
So I went and test drove the Escape.
Engine/Handling
The first thing I noticed was that the handling on this vehicle is absolutely fantastic. This DOES NOT handle like an SUV. It 'feels' great and responds to steering wheel movement very tightly, grabbing the pavement firmly. This is something that I was specifically going for as I was previously accustomed to driving a compact car. Other SUV's I've driven have felt 'loose' through the steering wheel. The power of the engine was also surprising for a small SUV (3.0 liter Duratec w/200 hp), as it accelerated very quickly while changing lanes and had a real punch off a standing start. Besides that, all the interior controls were within arms reach and had an overall good ergonomic design.
Exterior
The Escape definitely had the look I was going for too, looking much more 'serious' than the competitors in it's class, namely the CRV, Pilot, Liberty, RAV4. This is a much sportier looking SUV, as opposed to the soccer mom, grocery getter look (not that there's anything wrong with that). The Escape also seems a little bigger than it's same class competitors (maybe it's just an illusion).
Interior
I wasn't very impressed with the interior of the test car I drove however. It had a VERY plain and cheap, plasticky look to it. That was a real turnoff actually. When I asked to see the nicest model they had on the lot though, I was immediately VERY impressed with the look of the leather option offered on the vehicle. Black/Grey leather seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, black vinyl dash, pewter grey control center. Very classy and sleek looking!
So the car was 2 for 2 on the most important things I was looking for, drivability, and styling. It came in a 4WD to tackle New England weather too, and as for gas mileage, the window sticker claimed 20 city/25 highway mpg. Pretty good for an 3.0 Litre V6. So that was another plus.
I decided to buy one. Here's the one I picked:
2004 Black Ford Escape XLT 4x4 Automatic
- 3.0L V6 Engine w/200 HP
- Leather Comfort Group
- Power Moonroof w/Shade & Mini Overhead Console
- 16" Alloys
- MACH Audio 6-Disc In-Dash, 7-Speakers
- Side Step Bars
- Retractable Cover Cargo Area
- Heated side view mirrors
- Convenience Group (alarm, floor mats, cruise control)
The MSRP was $27, 245 ($25,445 invoice)...ouch! So I talked the dealer down to $24,500 and then took the $2000 cash back option they were offering, for a total of $22,500. They made me go through their financing for that price, so they got me on the interest rate of the loan, but I can re-finance and pay it off without a penalty in 3 months (which I plan to do). Pretty good deal...at least I thought.
So I've owned an Escape for the past month and a half and I do A LOT of driving. Here are my impressions so far:
Pros
- Drives great!
- LOTS of power
- 4WD is awesome
- Loads of cargo space for me, my golf bag, a couple surfboards, bass amp and guitar and 3 friends!
- Great look..everyone compliments it.
- Leather option is an absolute MUST!
- Feels like a natural extension of me while driving
- Sound system is awesome!
Cons
- Gas mileage is a complete lie. I do a lot of highway driving and I've only gotten 19 mpg on my best tak so far. That's a whole 6 mpg below the claim. I would have been satisfied with 22...this is a real dissapointment.
- The range on the tank is dissapointing as a result. I have to fill up after every 250 miles.
- LOTS of noise on the highway. I just turn up the stereo to compensate, which is more than adequate.
- The placement of the gear shifter on the side of the steering wheel. They HAVE TO place it in the center. Reminds me of my uncles old Buick....Barf!
- The rear widow wiper makes WAY too much noise. I can hear it over the stereo from all the way in the front.
Summary
Overall, I would reccomend you go and at least take a look at a Ford Escape if you're interested in a small SUV. Do yourself a favor and test drive one of the nicer ones on the lot with leather, the good sound system, moonroof, etc.
The Escape's drivability alone will impress you. Top that off with the leather interior option and some other bells and whistles, and you got yourslef a great little SUV.
The only real down side is the gas mileage. But I hear they're coming out with a Hybrid option next year. I'll be waiting!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 22,500
Condition: New Model Year: 2004 Model and Options: Ford Escape XLT
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