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Comments
Try to not hit the gas so hard when starting on wet pavement. Your front tires might also be sitting on the painted white stop line, which will make them spin if the road is wet. Hang back a little at the stop light and when it turns green, let the car roll forward just a little before hitting the gas.
I got my remote starter installed today. Way cool! With this heat wave we've been having, I'm looking forward to having the air conditioner already cranking before I get in. I'm also looking forward to hopping into a warmed-up car when winter comes.
Ladyblue
Also, as far as Bluetooth goes and Ford Synch, blame the Tribute. Ford has exclusive rights to Synch for one year. So no Synch in the Escape which shares production line with the Tribute.
We'll be taking delivery of a new 2008 Escape Limited within a few days. Does anyone have a checklist that I could use at delivery, to identify anything that needs to be looked at before I accept the vehicle? I know that the factories and dealers these days try to be very quality-focused, but we've all read here about problems. I'd just like to be able to catch them early if I can. Thanks.
NORTSR
Obviously we'll be having a frank discussion with our dealer, but wanted to check in here to see if anyone else has encountered similar problems.
Thanks!
Mark
Dealers are well aware of what commodities are available and I have known for at least 3 weeks that the Hybrid had 0% available for NEW orders in my region.
The mistake that Ford made this year was that they are treating the Hybrid like a trim level of the Ford Escape instead of a model with its own allocation.
Accordingly, dealers are able to throw up orders even if they don't have a good history of selling hybrids.
Since 2005, it has been known that Ford cannot get enough transmissions or battery packs to build more than 24,000 or so Escapes and Mariners. Whats sad is that the situtation has not really gotten any better.
The other problem is that some of the people buying them have no real business buying them.
With the Ford Escape, if you are not going to drive at least 15k or better, 18k of mostly city miles per year and keep the truck for at least 5 years, then you will never get back back the extra cost of the hybrid vs the gas Escape.
Also, if a smaller vehicle such as a Focus will meet your transport needs then buying the Escape Hybrid is completely pointless.
Mark.
That's exactly what my dealer told me when I expressed interest in buying the hybrid. My driving habits would not have gotten me the benefit and I was better off getting the standard Escape. I'm glad I listened.
My only complaint about the whole ordering process is this: I would have gladly gotten the Limited if it came in blue. Okay, that may sound shallow, but I really wanted the blue. Why would they offer different colors for different trim levels? I would think the body is the same for the XLS, XLT and Limited, no? Years ago you had more choices when ordering a vehicle. Now only certain interior colors come with certain exterior colors, and not all colors are available on all models.
If I'm going to spend that kind of money, I should be able to get what I want. They should give the consumer more choices, if you ask me.
Incidently, if you want choice, take a look at a F-Series SD order guide.
All choices do in these times of cut production is piss the guy off who thinks he can walk onto a lot and find a certain car he built on the website. Like a 5 speed 4 cylinder Premier Milan. No dealer wastes there limited allocation to order a car like that.
Mark.
-Ron
We should all be thinking in terms of how to improve our "green report cards". Buying a hybrid vehicle rather than it's comparable gas-engine model is only one method among hundreds of others. It's a fact that hybrid vehicles contribute to a better environment. To what degree is not always clear, but doing something is better than doing nothing at all. (Even if gas prices exceed $4.00 per gallon, most hybrids will unlikely recoup their extra cost at the pump).
Making a determined effort to reduce greenhouse emissions is a sensible step toward preserving our environment. Even if what we do eventually turns out to be not enough, at least we will have slowed down the warming process allowing us and technology more time to adapt to the changes that come from climate change.
Hybrids burn cleaner, and as a result their emissions contribute less to smog. Hybrids by nature get more MPG than their gasoline equivalents, and every gallon of gasoline we burn produces 20 pounds of carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas into the atmosphere.
Per Kermit the frog, "It's not easy being green" and I accept that, so I will continue to wait for my "backordered" Ford Escape.
Rnarg
While I agree strongly with everything you say, it was explained to me that the hybrid only runs on electric power when the vehicle is traveling under 45 mph. Once you exceed that speed, it switches over to gas power.
Very rarely do I find myself in stop-and-go traffic nor do I travel many roads with speed limits under 40 mph, so I'd be using gas power most of the time, except when stopping at occassional traffic lights and stop signs. With its 4-cylinder gas engine, the hybrid just didn't provide the kind of power I'd need for the kind of driving I do.
Now, if I didn't believe in improving the environment and reducing emmissions, I wouldn't have been shopping for a hybrid in the first place. I still wish it would have worked out for me, but until they can improve the technology to increase the capacity of the electric engine, I will have to stick with what I have.
Good luck with your new hybrid and let us know how you like it!
Ladyblue
We looked seriously at all three. To begin with the excessive cost of financing for Hyundai and Toyota were early turnoffs. Neither has satellite. We really liked the Santa Fe, but couldn't understand why (in Canada) a 6-cd, satellite or aux-input wasn't available. We're both tall, and lack of leg room in Toyota, Hyundai and Mitsubishi was also an issue. In the end, we were able to get a better deal with the local Ford dealer, and I'm willing to accept that quality is approaching Japanese / Korean territory. The 4-speed tranny and rear drum brakes were early turnoffs for the Escape.
3rd, any minisule contribution done by the individual as far as carbon emission is concerned is already off set a hundred fold by increases in China.
China plans to open an average of 1 coal fired electric plant per week for the forseeable future.
Now for Lady Blue.
The FEH runs in electric launch mode up to 25mph. This is the point at which Ford determined that continuing to run on battery discharges the battery pack so quickly as to be less effecient than starting the gas motor.
2nd, just because the gas motor is running, does not mean you are using the same amount of gas as you would use in the exact same circumstances in the Gas Escape.
Remember that in a Hybrid, all three power sources can be called upon. The ICE, the ETM, and the HVB. (Internal combustion engine, electric traction motor, and high voltage battery).
All three can work together. For instance if you pull quickly into traffic, the gas motor is running, but if you have a full charge in the HVB, the ICE my run at a lower RPM and call for acceleration assistance from the ETM and the HVB. Remember, the ETM is more effecient than the ICE at producing low rpm torque to get you moving.
The hybrid is a transition technology.
Mark
1. when you start from a standstill, pressing the accelerator lightly and gradually (watching the instrument panel guage to make sure it doesn't leave the "green" electric mode) you can get to 40MPH without the gas engine kicking in. This for some drivers may take some change in "driving habits"---(can't gun-it from a standstill. The driver must press the accelerator as though there is an egg between his shoe and the accelerator or else the gasoline power may kick on.
2. Run your AC only when necessary. It's been my observation that when the AC is on the gasoline engine is also on no matter what the speed. ( You can press the economy mode button if you desire to shut down the gas engine when you are at a standstill) Obviously, the gasoline engine will run more frequently in the year round warm climate areas of Florida where AC may be a must.
Also I agree that the "hybrid in itself" isn't what is contributing to better air quality. It is the fact of the better MPG of the hybrid when compared to the SAME VEHICLE in gasoline form that contributes to better air quality. As mentioned earlier, every gallon of gasoline we burn produces 20 pounds of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere. Logically then, for every gallon of gasoline a hybrid saves as compared to its equivalent gasoline powered twin, there is 20 lbs less carbon dioxide placed in our atmosphere. That's not "B.S.", that's a logical conclusion.
RE China comment: Just because one's neighbor continues to drive their V-8 SUV rather than an Escape gas or hybrid SUV shouldn't be reason enough for one to give up hope on helping out with improving our atmosphere. Sometimes there are other reasons and conditions people do the things they do, but regardless, that gives us the challenge of convincing them to change their ways. It may take some time, but eventually they will change. (I believe it's just a matter of time until the Chinese realize that a BUICK is NOT the most desirable car in the world, so I think pollution will eventually be on their change agenda as well)
In any event, my advise (for what it's worth) is don't throw in the towel quite yet. Everyone should do what they can to help out our environment. Even if we fail, at least our future generations of children will be able to look back and say, "hey, at least they tried".
Rnarg
I have had this same problem in my 2008 Escape and it was just fixed last week... only took three trips to the dealer and pushing them. Did you also notice that the problem does not happen right from the start but only after 5-10 mins of driving?? Thats what I had in my car
At first they thought it was a brake shoe in the back then they checked the suspension. This problem is not very common but is known to Ford Engineers as my dealer
eventually had to call them since they could not determine what the problem was. Tell your dealer that Ford has a fix for this and that their engineers know how to fix it.
From what I was able to get out of the dealer, the problem is with the hydrolic fluid in the braking system and that after a couple of mins, once it heats up, it loses some of its ability to hold pressure so when at full load the shoes will pulse in and out thats what you hear.
Hopefully this helps, as I mentioned above, my dealer had to call Ford of Canada to figure this out since their mechanics were scratching their heads. From what I heard from the dealer, they had not seen this problem before and that Ford had told them that they have had 2-3 so far.
Later
I am also considering the Jeep Liberty, which has a true 4WD. The good points about the Escape were the ride, handling, and the one I drove had an I4 engine, so better fuel economy than the Jeep. Has anyone else compared the Escape with either a 2007 or 2008 Liberty, and if you chose the Escape, what features/functions helped you decide?
What should I be cautious of when considering an I4 vs. a 6 cylinder? Can an I4 really handle the job of powering and moving a truck-like SUV? I will never be towing anything.
Thanks.
ps. Please don't say its air pressure because its not; we checked all of that.
We receive about the same amount of snow that you noted and our Escape has been excellent in the winter. We have the Goodyear Wrangler tires and they help as well. If you are going to go off road a lot then a true four wheel drive with low range would be better, but then you usually lose mpg. and comfort.
buy a clay bar
YOU have to turn it on if you want it. There is also a 4x4 low. But 4x4 low is only useful to people who are going off pavement into extreme 4x4 situations.
Intelligent 4WD on the Escape uses electronics to monitor individual wheel speed, throttle input, steering input, and cornering forces. When a low traction situation is detected or anticipated, more power is sent to the rear wheels in about 50 milliseconds. 1 seventh of a wheel rotation, or about as long as it takes for you to blink your eyes.
This type of system is the best for on pavement use as it reacts to changing road conditions with no driver intervention.
Most sales people who are only ID10T certified incorrectly describe this system as sending more power to the rear when the front wheels slip. The fact is that more power goes to the rear BEFORE the front wheels truly loose traction.
This is different from the Explorer system for instance which uses a hydraulic clutch instead of an electronic clutch. In the Explorer, the rear wheels actually have to spin to send power to the front. Thats why they give you an override button.
The original pre 2005 Escape also used a hydraulic clutch. So they give you an override switch.
Mark.
The Forester is a 4 cylinder, but has a little more horsepower, but I like the Ford's fresh styling and the fact that you can mix options like sunroofs, 6-disc players, etc. How does Intelligent 4WD stack up against Subaru's AWD?
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
I am replying to your msg about Escape verses Jeep Liberty. I don't know if you made your choice already but if I could change my purchase, I would go for the Jeep Liberty. They are far more of a machine than the Escape. They also burn more gas. But if you want reliability and good off-roading with good traction, that's the way to go. I ended up buying a 2007 Limited Escape..... I wish I hadn't.
For hwy driving and city driving the Escape is good enough.
Janr
I am still considering the Escape along with a Subaru Forester w/premium package, and I'm still considering the Jeep Wrangler and Liberty as well.
What is it that you don't like about the Escape? Do you have the 4 cylinder or 6?
To help with fuel, I am hoping to find a 4 cylinder 4WD/AWD that I would be happy with. I like Subaru, but I would like to buy something made here in the U.S.
I have been impressed lately with what seems to me to be the innovative stance Ford is taking. Their prior Escapes had safety issues, and with the new Escapes, they've worked to improve and fix these issues.
Plus, I read two automotive articles recently from different sources, and they both referenced people from Ford that were discussing certain industry topics such as the future of paint colors.
I like it that Ford is out there talking and giving input in the industry. Even though some experts sayd Ford is in bad shape, to me, they are trying hard to put out quality products that are innovative, safe, and fresh.
Future Sync applications (which will be available to previous owners through updates) will provide the same type of features as OnStar.
Mark.
If it's true that SYNC will become Ford's answer to GM's OnStar, in future, then I DEFINITELY would purchase a Ford in time!
Just how long in future do you think SYNC will become the "new" OnStar, so to speak? :confuse:
Peace!<-AladdinSane- :shades: -
Has anyone here had (or heard of) problems with the AWD system? If so, what kind of problems?
How does the gas mileage compare between the AWD and the FWD?
Thanks!