2008 Ford Escape Review

Specifications

Ford’s Escape has always been a strong seller, so when it came time toredesign the vehicle everyone from product planners to engineers knew not to mess too much with the original formula in order to ensure its success. Instead, the new for 2008 Escape dons a set of handsome new threads and hits the street with a vastly upgraded interior. Mechanically speaking, though, the modifications are minimal, sharing plenty with the outgoing model.

One of the redeeming qualities of the first generation Escape was that it allowed buyers a taste of the SUV pie without some of the unwanted drawbacks. Because it was designed as a car based vehicle from the outset, the Escape offered sharpened dynamics not normally associated with vehicles of its type. It also boasted all weather capability with the option of four-wheel drive. Even front-wheel drive examples proved capable in inclement conditions, although neither drivetrain configuration would have been ideal for tackling any serious off-roading. The Escape felt most at home on snow and rain covered roads, and maybe the odd scramble up a rock-strewn cottage driveway. Still, with the high seating position and SUV-like proportions theEscape offered buyers a chance to be part of the truck craze without having to take endure some of the negative characteristics of beefier vehicles.

For 2008 the Escape sheds its rounded exterior for something a little more aggressive. More than a few people commented on how striking a resemblance the front end bears to Ford’s actual trucks, specifically the brand new Super Duty. The blocky, angular look of the new chrome plated grille and bumper on our tester continues on through the rest of the car, with revised taillights at the rear of the vehicle as well as blacked out B-pillars and integrated running boards. Our sampler was finished in Tungsten Gray, which subdues some of the aggressive styling cues, though there are some pretty eye-catching colors available including Kiwi Green and, on the Hybrid model, Light Ice Blue, which resembles a rather garish metallic shade of baby blue. The gray was fine by us, as we generally like to fly belowthe public radar so to speak. We spoke to a couple of current Escape owners who were divided on the new look, with some really happy with the new appearance and others thinking it looks a little too butch. The general consensus, however, was positive.

The interior is the main recipient of the new design direction Ford is heading in. If you’ve ever spent time in the previous model, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you’ll find now. The overall flavor conveys a sense of quality, with a much improved overall ambiance when compared to pre-facelifted models. Plastics that once looked cheap and flimsy, with a clearly fake leatherized grain, now have a low sheen, upmarket feel to them, not to mention that they’re two-toned. The off-gray and black scheme isn’t really noticeable, but on cars with the beige interior there’s plenty of contrast. We also like the piano-key finish on the door trim and console, though it’s a magnet for fingerprints.

Another big thing Ford is talking about with the new Escape is the new “ice blue” instrument cluster. Out goes the old “alarm clock green” hue of the IP in favor of a Timex Indiglo inspired blue, which we must say is really quite cool. There’s also the new dash-top display that reveals info about the climate, fan speed and exterior temperature. Even the way the driver interacts with the machine has been upgraded with new “poke through” buttons that give the substantial console a more organized look. The Escape can now be had with Ford’s corporate touchscreen navigation system ($2,395) and satellite radio (part of the Sun and Satellite National Value Package, $545); once you figure everything out, it’s a joy to use. We wondered out loud why Ford has eschewed its two steering stalk design (one for lights and signals and the other for wipers) for one that does all functions. It feels like taking a step back instead of one forward, but at least it moves with a slickness that would feel at home in a luxury car.

And luxury in mind the Escape is a comfortable place to log miles, thanks to its comfortable seats and ergonomic driving position. Only drivers over six feet tall will find conditions a little cramped, but still livable. Outward sightlines are great, which is comforting in its own right. A Park Assist feature (part of the Limited Luxury Package, $795) integrated into the rear bumper provides an extra measure of safety when backing up in tight areas.

Before a wheel was even turned, our expectations of the driving experience were elevated, but unfortunately the Escape has not made any significant improvements in on-road behavior and feel. The V6 engine, while adequate in power, sounds labored and coarse under hard acceleration, although the noise is more subdued on the highway thanks to long gearing in the automatic and better sound absorbing materials around the cabin. Fuel economy can best be described as decent for a compact SUV with a V6 engine, though we expected to extract a little extra out of each tank.The Escape’s anchors work reasonably well, although pedal feel is tepid and mushy, and despite being the most expensive model on the roster, our Escape Limited still had drum brakes in the rear. It also felt like I had to provide greater than expected pressure on the pedal to invoke ABS.

This so-so driving experience also extends to handling, which can best be described as reluctant. Now electrically assisted, the power steering is ultra light, which makes for extra-easy maneuverability in parking lots and tight areas, but out on the open road we found it to be somewhat vague and non-communicative. Body roll was another area which could use a bit of work, as the Escape’s soft ride yields plenty of lean, although we must admit it’s a pretty stable machine. As with all of Ford’s other SUVs, Roll Stability Control (RSC) is standard. We mentioned earlier that the brand’s product planners and engineers concentrated their efforts on styling and the interior, and it shows.

With all that in mind, we think the Escape should be well received by the public; already in the few months that they’ve been on sale they’re simply everywhere. Its eye-catching styling and heavily revised interior are a sure bet to win over new buyers, plus more than a few who already own Escapes are no doubt moving up to the new model. But we really do think that next time Ford provides a completely new skin, inside and out, that it really should spend more time on the rest of the vehicle.

During the time that we had the Escape we also had two other compact SUVs in our fleet, a Toyota RAV4 Limited and a Land Rover LR2 SE, which impressed us duly. While Escape buyers are more likely to cross-shop with the Toyota, we couldn’t help but think about the Land Rover every time we hopped into the Escape. Wouldn’t it be great if the next generation Escape shared its platform, and perhaps a bit of its suspension tuning? We hope so, although with the sale of Land Rover looming our wishes might not come to fruition. In the meantime, Ford should be happy with the response from its buyers, which have already made the new Escape a best seller. The Blue-Oval bunch certainly has a keen understanding of the light truck and SUV market, the new Escape being proof positive.

Specifications (Escape Limited):