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Comments
1. Will it run approximately 30 to 60 min (multiple stop start cycles but rarely exceeding approx 20 mph) on battery during in city operation?
2. Will the drive train hold up to extensive start/stop cycles? Can the gas engine startup be "over ridden" in an instance where speed between stops would just reach the startup speed (25mph ?) before slowing to a stop?
3. Can the huge center console be removed without causing driving problems?
4. Brakes are used more in one day than most people use in a week. Same goes for steering components. Any thoughts as to durability of these components?
Your thoughts would be most appreciated.
Tom
I was just checking the tire pressure in my 2005 FEH.
Crawling under the rear to check the spare, I noticed that both rear shock absorbers have stripes on them where the paint has been scraped off. I presume this would squeak, although I don't know if you could hear it.
http://media.ford.com/newsroom/feature_display.cfm?release=21998
"Will the Escape hybrid stand up to this type use?"
I would think so. And your mileage should be at the very high end of what is possible.
"1. Will it run approximately 30 to 60 min (multiple stop start cycles but rarely exceeding approx 20 mph) on battery during in city operation?"
It will not run that long on battery alone. If you stay below 25-30 mph and accelerate gently, it will run on battery alone until the battery is nearly discharged. Then the engine will start and run both to propel the car and recharge the battery. This is actually quite efficient.
"2. Will the drive train hold up to extensive start/stop cycles? Can the gas engine startup be "over ridden" in an instance where speed between stops would just reach the startup speed (25mph ?) before slowing to a stop?"
The engine normally starts and stops frequently in urban driving. I don't see anything unusually demanding in your driving. You cannot override the decision of the computer to start the engine. But I think you may be focusing too much on running in pure electric mode. The hybrid drive can be very efficient even with the engine running for part of the time. It is designed to work that way. There is virtually no loss from having the engine start briefly. Unused power is used to charge the battery.
"4. Brakes are used more in one day than most people use in a week. Same goes for steering components. Any thoughts as to durability of these components?"
You should get vastly longer brake life. Most braking is accomplished with the electric drive--not with a friction brake. Hard braking will cause wear, but normal braking (front-wheel regenerative) will not. As a clue, I have 21,000 miles on my '05 and it has produced no brake residue on the front wheels at all in all that time.
Jim
Near as I can find out, it involves a washer and special lubricant. Bye.
My use is 20,000 to 25,000 per year, with 65% city driving.
I have read in this forum of owners stating that they have received 33-36 on the highway....please let me know your driving patterns and actual mileage, so I can factor that information into my decision.
Thanks, in advance
26 mpg on the highway at 80 mph and fully loaded.
30 mpg highway at 55-60 mph.
Running the heat or AC in a mode that forces the engine to run ALL the time will reduce those figures. All are for my 2005 4x4.
I have gotten nearly 37 mpg on a long winding trip through hill country averaging about 40 mph.
They were originally white. I saw 5 of them (4 yellow, 1 white) at their garage in Long Island City, NY. And I saw the 6th on the road. FYI they're the FWD model.
When I have gone pure highway, I have gotten 28 - 31mpg. The 28mpg was in a hilly area (Adirondacks). The ability to stay in battery mode has a big impact on mpg. I have owned the Escape since June. I'm very happy with the Escape Hybrid and recommend it.
If all of you that only want to bash Ford – not just Ford but ALL American Engineering (we all American Engineers can’t do any thing original) – for what you perceive as "TAKING" something from the Great Japanese Innovators at Toyota and others. You just don’t get it.
The ONLY reason Ford did "LICENSE" some of the components from Toyota was to head off any future lawsuit infringement on these Toyota’s patents. The Engineers at Ford had come up with (On their own) some components that were so close to the ones that Toyota was using, and had already patented, it was just a LEGAL thing – NOT stealing, buying, using parts from Toyota or anyother car manufacturer. Every part in a Ford Escape Hybrid is “FORD” nothing from Toyota or any other car manufacturer – even down to the tires used on the FEH.
Love My All American Made Escape Hybrid
Thanks. Dan
Jim
There was some press material handed out although it was relatively basic. I did a short write up on the event over at GH that has a bit more detail of what was covered that you may be interested in?
Ford Escape Hybrid Fuel Economy Experience
Good Luck
Wayne R. Gerdes
Dan
Thanks.
Contributed by: xcel"
Plus there are some GREAT discussion threads "Ford Escape" on how to get the best MPG etc from your new Hybrid. Check out 'Ford Escape Hybrid FAQ' and 'The Low Gear Advantage' - Welcome.
Phillip (VietVet'67)
Thanks for the info. With each tank of gas our MPG is going up. We're learning how to drive it for the best MPG and it seems to be learning how we drive too. We live in the rural foothills of Northern California and there are very few places that are flat. We're learning how to get it to go electric when coasting downhill. Because of the terrain in our area we don't expect to get the highest MPG possible but so far we're very happy with what we are getting. Beats the heck out of the Mustang GT.
Thanks again.
Dan
My wife averages right at 28mpg overall.
I average 30 in the same conditions.
rural foothills of Northern California
Lake County. Rural, hilly. It would seem that the ups and downs would balance out
From here to Santa Rosa requires a climb from 1,000 feet to 2400 feet, and then down to 400 feet. That trip is around 35mpg, but coming home is about 26mpg.
I appreciate any feeback.
tpat
The engine is the same as for a standard Escape 4 cyl, except it has a different operating cycle. I don't think this I4 has variable valve timing. In any case it would be useless for the Escape Hybrid, because the whole point of the hybrid is to have the electric motor supply additional HP when needed. CVVT is used to burn more gas (and provide more HP) when engaged.
The Hybrid technology is not designed for off road use. If your battery drains you are left with an underpowered I4. The problem with "sandy" situations is that you might well be using the battery quite a bit, but since you are not slowing down a lot, the regenerative braking is not engaging; therefore the battery must recharge from the engine. For occasional use, OK, but if you plan to drive in sand a lot, get a conventional Escape with 4WD.
This would be for a short trip from a paved surface onto a beach -- less than a mile.
I'm only worried abbout getting stuck in the sand. Anyone have any experience with it in loose sand or off road generally?
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I have never heard of an export version of the FEH. The UK Prius has been reported to have such an option, sort of. Try checking out the Prius forums.
Electric only operation has to be huge drain on the batteries. Ford estimates that the Escape could run on electric only up to 40% of the time in bumper to bumper traffic. But even that is only going to be for very short times and distances.
And I would think that there's some risk of shortening battery life if you drain the battery past the point it was designed for.
Are you thinking that the electric only switch would allow you to say, run a short errand on electric only? I don't think that's going to turn out to be the case.
One word of caution about the FUEL PUMP to anyone who likes to distance test your vehicle--dont' do it too often. Most modern vehilces require constant submersion of the fuel pump to properly cool and lubricate it; if the fuel level gets below 1/3-1/2 tank, the pump will run hotter and lose some of it's lifespan, you really don't want to have to replace that, or run low and start sucking in contaminants :sick: . Once in a while--fine, but as a habit refill when you're about 1/2 full, and enjoy the cheaper fill ups! :shades:
The normal charges should apply, taxes, title, destination charge. If they can't get one shortly, ask them to search local dealers for you. Most that I have dealt with have relationships with nearby dealers so that they can quickly service their clients.
Unless you see another incentive from Ford in the near future, expect to pay msrp or above for this awesome vehicle!
Good Luck,
Marcus
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Thanks.
Dan
a) to make a statement
b) for the tax credit and other perks
c) because they’re environmentally friendly
d) to save money at the pump
e) to be the first to own new technology
Please submit a few sentences to support your response no later than Friday, January 27, 2006. Be sure to include your Forums username. Thanks! (wclarke@edmunds.com)
Which of the following best describes why you own a hybrid?
a) to make a statement: Nope.
b) for the tax credit and other perks: Found out afterwards
c) because they’re environmentally friendly: Yes, in part.
d) to save money at the pump: Definitely; traded in Chevy Blazer that ot 14city, 20 hwy.
e) to be the first to own new technology: Nope, but I admit people like to look at it.
1) We have an Irish Wolfhound pup that would not fit in the back of our Mustang GT when fully grown. The Escape is the perfect size and it's a 4x4.
2) I prefer to pass gas stations than to stop at them. Since the oil industry can charge whatever they want, whenever they want, for whatever reason they want I want to support them as little as possible.
3) The tax credit is a nice added bonus.
Dan
Thanks.
Wasn't that the sales pitch for the Escape Hybrid?
Did they get it backwards?
Seems like tests prove 0-60 times go from 9.5 to 11 seconds, and economy, according to Edmunds, is in the low 20's.
DrFill
The FEH has a de-tuned engine, using the Atkinson cycle, which produces better MPG but worse HP. The total HP is supplemented by the electric motors, but these are subject to running out of electricity, and can overheat (AWD) in certain circumstances. Without the electric motors, the FEH is lucky to pull its own weight, much less tow anything.
Added to that is the CVT, which is not optimized for towing.
If you want to tow, get the V6 on a conventional Escape.
Don