Ford Escape Hybrid Review
| Ratings |
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| Overall: |
 
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| Comfort: |
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| Performance: |
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| Quality: |
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| Comments |
Favorite feature: |
Nav system and engine feedback info |
Least favorite feature: |
The actual mpg |
Advice to buyer: |
Wait for the (hydrogen) fuel cell |
Detailed review: |
NO WAY!
I do not know about the rest of the hybrid pack, but this one is a gimmick to get you to spend more money for less. Based on my research, my (educated) guess is that they are all the same.
Please understand that I actually like this vehicle. Performance, comfort, quality, and appearance are all average to above average for a modern mid-size SUV. The problem is the hybrid technology itself. Ford has done a very good job of mating the gas and electric engines. They bought some of Toyota's technology so it has a strong lineage.
However, hybrids make their claim to high mpg numbers by using the electric engine only while under minimal load below twenty or so mph. That is why their mpg numbers are the reverse of a gas-only engine = the hybrids (should) get better gas mileage in the city than on the freeway.
The important piece of this equation is 'While under minimal load'. In order to get anywhere near Ford's published mpg numbers, this car has to be driven ultra conservatively. Even then, the best you will probably ever see is no more than 30 mpg in the city. And while you might say 'That's pretty darn good, especially for an SUV', the only way to attain it is to ALWAYS drive like that archtypical little old lady from Pasadena on her way home from Sunday services! And I do mean ALWAYS. If you drive like a 'normal' person you may get 20 -25 mpg in the city and about the same on the freeway. If your foot is a little heavy on the pedal, you will be lucky to see 20 mpg.
So, you have to ask yourself if the extra cost of the hybrid is worth it. Until we are paying over $5.00 per gallon of gas, my answer is a resounding 'NO'! This is especially true when you factor in that this is a relatively new technology that will most likely continue to evolve along a steep curve.
My suggestion is to wait for fuel cell vehicles.
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Also considered: |
2005 Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab
2005 Nissan Maxima
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| About This Reviewer... |
Name: |
Mike Romeyn |
Email address: |
michaelRomeyn@excite.com |
Location: |
San Mateo, California |
Other vehicles owned: |
2000 Dodge Dakota
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Review submitted: |
April 11, 2005 |
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