keith61 Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Just curious why those of you that chose your Escape made that decision and what else you looked at? I only drove a RAV4 in this class. I still haven't purchased the Escape yet and I guess it's possibble I will still go in another direction but if I can get the right price I think my mind is made up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billyk24 Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Hybrid, much lower operating cost than any other small SUV on the market, the ability to obtain AWD in a hybrid, price and reliability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryG Posted July 14, 2009 Share Posted July 14, 2009 Just curious why those of you that chose your Escape made that decision and what else you looked at? I only drove a RAV4 in this class. I still haven't purchased the Escape yet and I guess it's possibble I will still go in another direction but if I can get the right price I think my mind is made up. I needed the benefits of the SUV space and ride height to get in and out of, and road sight ahead like my '02 EB Explorer. In '05 Ford produced the first most efficient Hybrid SUV on the planet which has a reduced amount of space but not as much as any other SUV's such as the RAV or CRV. I was so happy with the everything with my '05 FEH I bought another '09 FEH which I love more than my '05 FEH that I still own. I'm getting a lifetime MPG average in my '09 FEH on E10 of 49.15mpg with 12,000 miles and I will be over 50mpg within the next year for sure with legal driving and with the flow of traffic. Even the gas Escape puts the RAV and CRV to shame in every respect but I'll let others respond who own them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atomaro Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 1. Better on gas than an Explorer 2. Crash safety for my wife and newborn (at the time) 3. Decent cargo volume Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keith61 Posted July 17, 2009 Author Share Posted July 17, 2009 I don't plan on getting the Hybrid. I am in a VERY rural area so almost all of my driving would be highway mileage and I don't think getting the hybrid would pay off. I am having trouble finding an Escape that has the features I want so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donaldo Posted July 20, 2009 Share Posted July 20, 2009 I don't plan on getting the Hybrid. I am in a VERY rural area so almost all of my driving would be highway mileage and I don't think getting the hybrid would pay off. I am having trouble finding an Escape that has the features I want so far. Even if you drive on mainly wide open, flat freeways with no stops or traffic, there are still benefits to the hybrid such as the shift-free transmission and lower maintenance/service costs. Even on a highway, it's pretty tough for a manual transmission Escape to match the hybrid. With any model, Ford tends to stock dealers with vehicles that they think will sell in a specific area. If you're looking for an Escape that's not typically purchased in your area, you may be out of luck Fortunately (from my experience), ordering one from the factory just the way I wanted it was a relatively painless process. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScapeNMontey Posted August 18, 2009 Share Posted August 18, 2009 It was a toss up between the Explorer and Escape. I have 2 dogs so I needed an SUV to haul them around when need be. The Escape offered the gas mileage I wanted from a car with the utility of an SUV. That and it looked good to me, and the Chevy Equinox was too ugly. Absolutly love it. Its like a little hot rod with that 240 hp V6 and 6 spd... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keith61 Posted August 19, 2009 Author Share Posted August 19, 2009 Even if you drive on mainly wide open, flat freeways with no stops or traffic, there are still benefits to the hybrid such as the shift-free transmission and lower maintenance/service costs. Even on a highway, it's pretty tough for a manual transmission Escape to match the hybrid. With any model, Ford tends to stock dealers with vehicles that they think will sell in a specific area. If you're looking for an Escape that's not typically purchased in your area, you may be out of luck Fortunately (from my experience), ordering one from the factory just the way I wanted it was a relatively painless process. Good luck! I agree about the Equinox, I just don't care for its looks at all. I also didn't care for the looks of the RAV4 or the CRV. It's kind of funny that Edmunds' review of the '10 Escape complained of its outdated styling but I think it's by far the best looking in its class. I finally bought mine. I had to drive to a dealer 200+ miles away but I got one with the features I wanted. V6 4WD, Sun and Sync, towing and cargo package. The cargo package wasn't a must but the others were. I also wanted Black Pearl but got black, it's very sharp. Black is going to be tough to maintain over time though. All in all I am very happy with it so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T'Cal Posted September 13, 2009 Share Posted September 13, 2009 (edited) I bought an '08 Mariner for my wife last fall. I was tempted by the '08 Equinox and moreso by the Pontiac Torrent because they were roomy especially with the sliding backseat. But a few things changed my mind. First, I didn't like that their standard engine (an OHV 3.4L V6) was the oldest engine available in any GM product. In all other models, that engine was replaced with a more up to date 3.5L that offered better power and fuel economy; some even offered a 3.9L V6. The Equinox did offer a 5 speed automatic, which at the time Ford didn't offer, though. Second, I had driven in a friend's new '08 Escape and was impressed by its roominess, features, and quality of materials. Then I drove an Equinox and found the interior roomy but cheap looking. The doors looked thin and sounded flimsy giving me the impression of cheapness and a lack of safety. As I left that dealership driving my '03 Mercury Marauder, I passed a Mercury dealership and saw a Mariner on the floor. I realized that I've owned a few Mercurys and my experiences have been extremely positive with all. I've also liked the idea of having something less common than Chevy or Ford models, which is why I was considering the Pontiac and the Mercury vehicles. So, I went inside and found that the Mariner I saw was loaded - a Premium model equipped with the V6, 4WD, sunroof, AM/FM/XM/CD/AUX stereo, power/heated leather seats, 17" wheels, etc. I drove it, liked it, and worked out a great deal. Then I surprised my wife with it and she loves it. It's very comfortable, extremely reliable, and quite economically, so I recommend the Mariner (and Escape) highly. Mercury targets their Milan and Mariner at women buyers whereas Ford tends to market their Fusion and Escape more toward men. It works for me in that the Ford looks tough and more rugged and the Mariner looks classy and more elegant. Edited September 13, 2009 by T'Cal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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