Day 1 of Escape ownership I posted "moonroof makes noise at 50 mph....." Day 2: Inspected moonroof...it LOOKED closed...played with switch anyway....only driving was slow and local. Assumed noise would still be there at higher speed.
Escape then sat in garage for a week! Pneumonia. Me, not the car. Finally drove it yesterday, X-way, NO NOISE!!!
Henry Ford can now stop spinning in his grave saying, "try the roof switch dummy, it probably isn't seated." Sorry, Henry.
Moral: Don't look for cars in freezing weather without a parka and try the switch before you tell the world the moonroof makes noise.
Gawd, I love this Escape. Even more than when I bought it.
Don't feel too bad. You were probably just so excited about the new car, you didn't notice. Glad to hear it's not that loud. I'm getting closer to my own purchase... Hope you're feeling better. I had pneumonia while traveling in China in the winter. It was horrible!
Does anyone else seem to think that their Escape is colder when you get in than normal vehicles? When I got in the other day my rear view mirror and dash was fogged over.
I read a post on escape-central about insulating the doors. Has anyone done this?
Also there is a lot of air coming through the speakers when moving, can anything be done about that.
Also has anyone taken their door panels off, and if so how hard is it?
I am still very satisfied with my Escape. Already 3000 miles in a months time. Only getting 16/20 mpg, but that is the price you pay for driving an SUV instead of a wussy car.
That Ford is not releasing 4x4 Escapes into dealer inventory right now. I took this to mean that if you want a 4x4 you have to place an order. Has anybody else heard this?
The salesman told me this today when I called to let him know that I am unable to take delivery of the Escape I ordered. I'm so dissapointed because I really, really want this car. But I guess that some lucky person is going to get my baby. It was to be an XLT 4x4 in the not-officially-available color of Dark Shadow Grey. When I saw this color in person I just had to have it. It is leaps and bounds better than the normal Escape colors. If anyone is interested in it, email me (my address is in the profile) and I'll let you know which dealership it is going to and the options it will have. Oh by the way, I'm in the Chicago suburbs.
You've hit yet another case where a salesman from a particular dealership tries to speak for all of Ford Motor company and its dealers..
Here is the more likely story: The dealership you spoke to has no allotment left to order Escapes for inventory.. Other dealerships with higher allotment numbers probably do..
you're probably right, but the fact still remains that I have to give up my new car There are 5 or 6 dealers in my area and in the month leading up to my order, none could get a 4x4 on the lot and all told me that if I wanted one I would be smart to order. I drive by a couple of them on a regular basis and it is pretty rare to see even a base model on the lots. Apparently around here they are VERY popular.
Well I have now had my 2001 Escape XLT 4x4 for 6 1/2 months and just turned 9900 miles today. I have not had a single problem except all the traffic lights seem to turn red when I'm approaching. The Blue Hornet has handled everything mother nature is throwing at it with no problems. I'm now looking into adding a Tornado Fuel Saver ( http://www.tornadofuelsaver.com ) under the hood. I'm getting about 18-25 mpg's but if this thing can add between 5% - 25% to your gas mileage and increase you horsepower, I think it may be worth it. My wife wants one for Marvin (her '00 Civic EX) also.
I'm also a happy camper! The Escape handles great in snow and ice (now that we HAVE some up here!).
I just bought a new Toro snowblower last night. It too is a dream to use--cleans all the way down to the pavement, eats up the nasty stuff at the end of the drive, and has a lot of oomph. (Sorry, I know this is OT!)
These two machines make winter almost a pleasure.
Would love to have the doors better insulated on the Escape, though. I have to run my heater full blast (highest fan, highest heat) for a good 15 minutes before I'm anywhere close to warm; then I can cut it down to highest heat and fan at #2.
Anyone hear anything about the possibility of a split-rear seat on XLS models? Or if they are offered in the US?
Its almost the only reason I can't see myself purchasing an Escape. I'd like to get an XLS w/V6 as an option, but from what I can gather, XLS only comes with folding bench (in Canada, at least). Going to XLT adds upwards of $2500.
My Escape handles just great in the snow and ice! All this hoopla about how incapable the Escape is garbage. I have had mine up skiing over a dozen times now and its gotten my family back safe and sound, never stuck, never losts traction.
I.M.H.O. this can't be. Under certain conditions, cold & damp, my last vehicle did that fast fogging bit. Solution: get in, start car, don't breathe until you turn on blower motor. Worked for me.
Make sure HVAC controls are set as follows: 1.) Defrost 2.) Air conditioner compressor on (if there is a separate switch) 3.) Use fresh air setting NOT Recirculate 4.) Turn blower on hi.
The air conditioner acts as a dehumidifier. You can still use it even though it is winter, just turn the heat control knob up.
Does the 02 (01 ?) Escape have 4 wheel disk brakes ? Edmunds, carpoint & ford.com all say 4 wheel ABS but I couldn't find anything about disk brakes. There is some question about this over on http://www.hybridford.com
On a vehicle as light as the Escape is, rear discs probably aren't worth the added cost. Most of your braking is done with the fronts anyway, and the real advantage of discs over drums is fade resistance and heat dissapation. The rear drums aren't likely to be taxed too much unless you take it to the track and brake from 120 down to 40, speed back up to 120, brake down to 40, and on and on...
I'd expect the discs to be larger on the Escape than a Accord. Can't argue that the Escape has some of the best brakes in class cause it does. I like the Escape & when the 35 MPG version comes out will like it even more (grin)
Hybrid? When the Escape was being developed there was talk of a new 4cyl 2.3 engine. This engine is now available in the Ranger. It develops about 145 - 150HP and 140-145ft/lbs of torque. Ford really needs to put this into the Escape and drop the Zetec in order to half-way compete with other 4cyl mini-utes..
Is that Ford cannot build enough of the new Duratec 4cyl engines at the moment. Valencia engine plant #2 is scheduled to go online in the 1st half of 2002 and will be able to produce over 700,000 engines. Also, the SPI engine used as the base Focus engine is built in the same plant as the new 2.3 Ranger engine. The SPI is due to end production in 2003, so maybe Ford will comvert that space to building more of the new Duratecs. Supposedly, the Zetec (the current Escape 4cyl) will only be used in the Focus by the end of 2002, so if Ford can ramp up production of the 2.3, expect it to debut in the Escape in 2003.
Haven been told by the sale rep.s that the Escape and the Tribute are the same I compared their spec.s. It appears the Tribute is designed better for off-roading and the Escape for a softer road ride, I have read this also in articles. Here is noted spec. differences. Escape Tribute - axle ratio 2.93 3.78 - Ground Clearance 7.8 8.4
Edmunds ground clearance for the Escape is based on the smaller 215/15" tire.. The ground clearance for the Escape with the 16" 235/16 tires is 8.43, same as the Tribute with the 16" tires.
According to the Ford Service manual, the final drive (aka front diff) ratio is 3.92:1
It is my understanding that all of the chassis and driveline components are identical in the Tribute and Escape..
Take them both for a drive, see if you can feel a difference..
Here's one the Mazda saleman mention that the Tribute has variable steering power assist, more assistance at slower speed less at higher speed than the Escape. Any info on this?
A little while back i was shopping around and the mazda trib caught my eye. i took it for a test drive and asked the sales person about the frequency of recalls/problems the escape and tribute had. he told me that "they may be somwhat the same vehicle but they are different" said "the mazdas are built better and they have a higher quality control standard at the plant than ford does" siad "mazda inspects vehicles more thoroughly than ford and catches the problems before it leaves the factory unlike what ford does".....now i thought i knew a few things about the twins here. arnt they the same vehicle? built at the same plant? and was this guy talking some bull or what?. just thougth i would throw this out here.
Here's one the Mazda saleman mention that the Tribute has variable steering power assist, more assistance at slower speed less at higher speed than the Escape. Any info on this?
I drove around in an Escape for a while and the biggest complaint I had was too much steering assist (at low speeds). If the salesman was telling the truth (highly unlikely in this case) I would be afraid to drive the Trib - it would be hard to keep in a straight line. More likely is that since the Trib is supposed to be more sporty than the Escape it would have less steering assist.
Salesman is just feeding you a line of crap. The Tribute and Escape are built in the same plant by the same people:
ref: www.uaw.org Local 249 represents 5,000 UAW members at Ford Motors’ Kansas City Assembly Plant in Pleasant Valley, Missouri. Members build the Ford F-150 Super Cab, F-150 Super Crew Cab, and F-150 King Crew Cab, as well as the new Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute sport utility vehicles.
It is true that Ford and Mazda are 'targeting' different audiences for the Escape vs. Tribute. The differences are mainly in marketing, sheetmetal, and interior look. The engine, driveline, suspension and chassis components are basically the same..
It has been rumored that the automatic tranny in the Mazda has different shift points. However it should be noted that both have automatic tranny's that adapt to how they are driven..
It has also been rumored here that the Tribute is more geared towards the off-road community.. I think the Tribute is marketed to just the opposite.. see www.autonetwork.com's site..
"Where the Mazda separates itself from the Escape is in the ride and handling. It comes with 16 inch P235/70R16 all season street tires instead of the off road rubber found on the Ford. "
"First exterior styling helps the Tribute stand out from Ford. While the Escape is a very squared or boxy looking arrangement Mazda is more rounded in its front end treatment and even carries that concept over to the roofline and wheel wells. While the Escape stays close to its corporate roots the Tribute is dressed to impress with chrome accents, body cladding and fender flares. Although available with a 4 wheel drive the Mazda tends to look more like a vehicle to keep on the highways than a logging trail. "
when I hear about all this offroad talk.. Rock crawling?? OK, when is the last time anyone took their SUV's rock crawling? Jeep tries to get you into a state of mind of offroading... Ok, Jeep does have the advantage of offroading.. Now, how much will I offroad? 5 percent of my time? 10 percent tops? How harsh am I going to offroad? Class of trail? In every review so far I have read over and over how the Escape/Trib just can't "offroad". Well, mine has taken me into my fishing spots just fine, skiing, and has even towed my jet skiis. All this offroad talk is just that talk.. Image, of I have a 4x4 that is tough.. but do I really use it as a 4x4? I would place bets on not.. Stats show over and over that more than 90 percent of SUV and 4x4 owners haven't even seen gravel. Ford/Mazda/Toyota/Honda and even Saturn are targeting the masses that want the availability of a 4x4 system, yet have car like manners. Smart in my book. Mazda had quite a bit of input on the Tribute. I feel its just a styling preference.
Unfortunately I was too late to qualify for the X-plan through EAA membership. I did, however, find another, easier (and free) method to qualify and received my X-plan PIN number a few days ago. I don't plan on purchasing a new Escape for several months but had to get the PIN number now (offer expires 01/31/02). I was wondering if anyone knows how long an X-plan PIN number is valid?
If anyone else is interested, information on obtaining an x-plan PIN number is on the message boards at http://www.escape-central.com/
Better hurry, only a few more days to fax or send in your application.
Bess...... thanks for your insight. i like testing the knowledge of the sales staff by playing dumb. if i find a salesperson that isnt giving a line of crap then he/she is the person i deal with, unfortunatly they are hard to find.
Scape2......I couldnt agree with you more. my wife and i own a grand cherokee and love the utility that an suv offers, but have taken it off road 0% of the time. i acutually like that the current trend of suv's are based off of car platforms(only when they look more truck like and less like a jacked up wagon or minivan) i appreciate the fact the trib/escape are esentially front wheel drive and then automatically go to 4wd when needed, unlike my jeep which has to be put in 4wd when needed (rear wheel drive good in dry but sucks in anything else), although i have the capability to leave it in 4wd all the time it does take its toll at the pump if i do. I soon will be making my decision on what vehicle to buy next to replace my jeep and the trib has caught my eye.
Got my XLT Premium 4X4 last night. Wanted to thank all of you for all the great info and advice. Found out about the X plan through here and was able to save quite a bit of $$. Thank you! Love the car!
I've noticed that when I turn the ignition switch all the doors lock. When I turn off the car, all the doors unlock. Does anyone know how to change this feature? I do not mind them locking, but I think having all 4 doors unlock at once is unsafe. Can't find anything in the manual about it.
Your doors lock/unlock via ignition switch????Whaaat???? Mine don't. Same car, remember?
In about 2 weeks, you'll get an email from x-plan/Ford asking neat questions. I told them they need a light at ignition...I'm still taking too long getting the key in. Also told them (because I miss this) they need a light at liftgate. Other than that... ? I'm getting 18.5 mpg city...but only 2 tanksfull so far.
Ok, here's what I think happened. I think the car was pre-wired for the "Ultra Guard" alarm system they tried to sell me. I declined. I think the locking feature is part of the alarm system. I really don't mind the auto-locking, it's the auto-UNlocking I dislike. The salesman wants me to bring it back so they can "fix" it. Not sure what to do.
Imdecidn2- Color: Dark Shadow Gray and it's beautiful! The color blends nicely with the cladding so it doesn't stand out so much. I love this car! Light at liftgate-Do you mean a light that goes on inside when you open the liftgate? I believe mine has this, but I think you might have to flip the switch to get it to turn on.
Oh, good grief...there IS a light. I never looked for one..just noticed that the others went on..yeah, I had to turn the switch. Dumb me.
H.D. floor mats: Wanted them but didn't buy. Here we have slush and need them; Calif? sand and granola flakes? Anyway, this week Target's ad...great sale on the kind that you can make ice cubes in, fore and aft. Good fit, Car and Driver brand. Am I going to get in trouble for saying a company name? Hope not. Saved lots of $$.
Dark S.G. great color..any options? Happy motoring.
Besides everything that came with the Premium, I got side air bags, MACH stereo, and side step bars. Essentially everything. Didn't feel the need for the MACH or the side bars, but couldn't find any without on the lots. Didn't want to wait to order once I made up my mind to buy the car.
Floor mats-did you get one for the cargo area? And, do they make them so they cover the entire cargo area when the seats are down?
Have you noticed that the 4X4 has nothing on the outside to indicate it has 4WD?
Hey, I just returned my first Ford Escape. What do I mean? Returned keys to Hertz. My impressions. It's a good on the road 4x4, but I felt Ford could have done better on the interior. Seats just weren't plush enough. Also, did not like on column shifter. Yes, it saved space on the floor, but I kept setting off the wipers, when I put the thing in PARK.
It handled the snow very well. I just returned from a computer project in Maine. In fact, it was quite fun in the snow. Never questioned it's ability; however, the 4x4 F150 I had the week before was so much better. Gave me the feeling of security to drive in the snow as well as luxury.
On a personnal note, in the past 5 weeks: I've rented a Mustang, a Contor, a Legacy, the F150, and the Escape.
The Mustang was the worst; however, the girl at Arby's liked my car. Yes, it got stuck in a snow bank left by a snow plow. Yes, it got stuck in a bank parking lot, because it could good up hill. Yes, the traction control light flashed. No help. Yes, I almost hit a pole driving out of the parking lot.
To conclude, buy the Escape if you like. Gas mileage didn't appear too bad. ( I turned in more fuel receipts for the Legacy than any car I've had so far.)
Have fun everyone. I read the 4x4 forums because my wife now drives a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited.
Myself, my personal car is a Sebring Convertible.
And, you know, when the Hertz agent asks do I want the Windstar or the Escape, my answer is "yes, I'm willing to pay the extra $15 dollars for a 4x4 in Maine."
Point probably never discussed. ???? Highway driving in a 4x4 forum.
Hey, I was working in Augusta, Me. I had tickets for Southwest in Manchester, NH, and had to travel 158 miles.
The Escape can handle 80+ mph for a lengthy period of time w/o a problem ( 2 hrs). We, three consultants, made the earlier flight and were grateful. It was steady, reliable, and felt natural to drive at this speed.
Escapes made after Nov 5, 2001 are supposed to have better seats. You may want to try those.
As well, most 2000 4x4 Escapes came with the dreaded Firestone Wilderness HT's. They barely work in some snow conditions. I put on real winter tires on the Escape and it was night and day.
unlock feature did not come on my 2001 Escape XLT!@!?? I would have really like to have this feature. My wife has it on her Honda and I find it kind of nice. Also would like to see fuel door release and a nice coin holder. Seems like the 2002 folks made out pretty good. I do have a remote alarm system, I wonder if the dealership can add the autolock/unlock to mine?? Time to make a phone call.... I ordered Yakima bike racks for the top of the Escape today.. I will keep you all posted on how well they work out..
Comments
Escape then sat in garage for a week! Pneumonia. Me, not the car.
Henry Ford can now stop spinning in his grave saying, "try the roof switch dummy, it probably isn't seated." Sorry, Henry.
Moral: Don't look for cars in freezing weather without a parka and try the switch before you tell the world the moonroof makes noise.
Gawd, I love this Escape. Even more than when I bought it.
Hope you're feeling better. I had pneumonia while traveling in China in the winter. It was horrible!
I read a post on escape-central about insulating the doors. Has anyone done this?
Also there is a lot of air coming through the speakers when moving, can anything be done about that.
Also has anyone taken their door panels off, and if so how hard is it?
I am still very satisfied with my Escape. Already 3000 miles in a months time. Only getting 16/20 mpg, but that is the price you pay for driving an SUV instead of a wussy car.
The salesman told me this today when I called to let him know that I am unable to take delivery of the Escape I ordered. I'm so dissapointed because I really, really want this car. But I guess that some lucky person is going to get my baby. It was to be an XLT 4x4 in the not-officially-available color of Dark Shadow Grey. When I saw this color in person I just had to have it. It is leaps and bounds better than the normal Escape colors. If anyone is interested in it, email me (my address is in the profile) and I'll let you know which dealership it is going to and the options it will have. Oh by the way, I'm in the Chicago suburbs.
Here is the more likely story:
The dealership you spoke to has no allotment left to order Escapes for inventory.. Other dealerships with higher allotment numbers probably do..
Happy Driving
Odie
The accessories to improve mileage and extend engine life
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I just bought a new Toro snowblower last night. It too is a dream to use--cleans all the way down to the pavement, eats up the nasty stuff at the end of the drive, and has a lot of oomph. (Sorry, I know this is OT!)
These two machines make winter almost a pleasure.
Would love to have the doors better insulated on the Escape, though. I have to run my heater full blast (highest fan, highest heat) for a good 15 minutes before I'm anywhere close to warm; then I can cut it down to highest heat and fan at #2.
Its almost the only reason I can't see myself purchasing an Escape. I'd like to get an XLS w/V6 as an option, but from what I can gather, XLS only comes with folding bench (in Canada, at least). Going to XLT adds upwards of $2500.
The only 4x4 complaint was that the stock tires didn't work very well for climbing. They said new tires would do wonders.
Make sure HVAC controls are set as follows:
1.) Defrost
2.) Air conditioner compressor on (if there is a separate switch)
3.) Use fresh air setting NOT Recirculate
4.) Turn blower on hi.
The air conditioner acts as a dehumidifier. You can still use it even though it is winter, just turn the heat control knob up.
In any case, it still had a better braking distance than any other mini-suv out there..
Escape Tribute
- axle ratio 2.93 3.78
- Ground Clearance 7.8 8.4
Has anyone else noted other differences?
According to the Ford Service manual, the final drive (aka front diff) ratio is 3.92:1
It is my understanding that all of the chassis and driveline components are identical in the Tribute and Escape..
Take them both for a drive, see if you can feel a difference..
The trib's suspension is tuned for better handling at the expense of a firmer ride.
And, the tranny in the Trib is programmed to shift more agressively.
The Tribute and Escape are built in the same plant by the same people:
ref: www.uaw.org
Local 249 represents 5,000 UAW members at Ford Motors’ Kansas City Assembly Plant in Pleasant Valley, Missouri. Members build the Ford F-150 Super Cab, F-150 Super Crew Cab, and F-150 King Crew Cab, as well as the new Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute sport utility vehicles.
It is true that Ford and Mazda are 'targeting' different audiences for the Escape vs. Tribute. The differences are mainly in marketing, sheetmetal, and interior look. The engine, driveline, suspension and chassis components are basically the same..
It has been rumored that the automatic tranny in the Mazda has different shift points. However it should be noted that both have automatic tranny's that adapt to how they are driven..
It has also been rumored here that the Tribute is more geared towards the off-road community.. I think the Tribute is marketed to just the opposite.. see www.autonetwork.com's site..
"Where the Mazda separates itself from the Escape is in the ride and handling. It comes with 16 inch P235/70R16 all season street tires instead of the off road rubber found on the Ford. "
"First exterior styling helps the Tribute stand out from Ford. While the Escape is a very squared or boxy looking arrangement Mazda is more rounded in its front end treatment and even carries that concept over to the roofline and wheel wells. While the Escape stays close to its corporate roots the Tribute is dressed to impress with chrome accents, body cladding and fender flares. Although available with a 4 wheel drive the Mazda tends to look more like a vehicle to keep on the highways than a logging trail. "
Rock crawling?? OK, when is the last time anyone took their SUV's rock crawling? Jeep tries to get you into a state of mind of offroading... Ok, Jeep does have the advantage of offroading.. Now, how much will I offroad? 5 percent of my time? 10 percent tops? How harsh am I going to offroad? Class of trail? In every review so far I have read over and over how the Escape/Trib just can't "offroad". Well, mine has taken me into my fishing spots just fine, skiing, and has even towed my jet skiis. All this offroad talk is just that talk.. Image, of I have a 4x4 that is tough.. but do I really use it as a 4x4? I would place bets on not.. Stats show over and over that more than 90 percent of SUV and 4x4 owners haven't even seen gravel. Ford/Mazda/Toyota/Honda and even Saturn are targeting the masses that want the availability of a 4x4 system, yet have car like manners. Smart in my book.
Mazda had quite a bit of input on the Tribute. I feel its just a styling preference.
If anyone else is interested, information on obtaining an x-plan PIN number is on the message boards at http://www.escape-central.com/
Better hurry, only a few more days to fax or send in your application.
Scape2......I couldnt agree with you more. my wife and i own a grand cherokee and love the utility that an suv offers, but have taken it off road 0% of the time. i acutually like that the current trend of suv's are based off of car platforms(only when they look more truck like and less like a jacked up wagon or minivan) i appreciate the fact the trib/escape are esentially front wheel drive and then automatically go to 4wd when needed, unlike my jeep which has to be put in 4wd when needed (rear wheel drive good in dry but sucks in anything else), although i have the capability to leave it in 4wd all the time it does take its toll at the pump if i do. I soon will be making my decision on what vehicle to buy next to replace my jeep and the trib has caught my eye.
Love the car!
Does anyone know how to change this feature? I do not mind them locking, but I think having all 4 doors unlock at once is unsafe.
Can't find anything in the manual about it.
Odie
Your doors lock/unlock via ignition switch????Whaaat???? Mine don't. Same car, remember?
In about 2 weeks, you'll get an email from x-plan/Ford asking neat questions. I told them they need a light at ignition...I'm still taking too long getting the key in. Also told them (because I miss this) they need a light at liftgate. Other than that... ? I'm getting 18.5 mpg city...but only 2 tanksfull so far.
Imdecidn2-
Color: Dark Shadow Gray and it's beautiful! The color blends nicely with the cladding so it doesn't stand out so much. I love this car!
Light at liftgate-Do you mean a light that goes on inside when you open the liftgate? I believe mine has this, but I think you might have to flip the switch to get it to turn on.
H.D. floor mats: Wanted them but didn't buy. Here we have slush and need them; Calif? sand and granola flakes? Anyway, this week Target's ad...great sale on the kind that you can make ice cubes in, fore and aft. Good fit, Car and Driver brand. Am I going to get in trouble for saying a company name? Hope not. Saved lots of $$.
Dark S.G. great color..any options? Happy motoring.
Floor mats-did you get one for the cargo area? And, do they make them so they cover the entire cargo area when the seats are down?
Have you noticed that the 4X4 has nothing on the outside to indicate it has 4WD?
Given the quickness of the Escape, its more likely that folks will see you from that angle anyway..
It handled the snow very well. I just returned from a computer project in Maine. In fact, it was quite fun in the snow. Never questioned it's ability; however, the 4x4 F150 I had the week before was so much better. Gave me the feeling of security to drive in the snow as well as luxury.
On a personnal note, in the past 5 weeks:
I've rented a Mustang, a Contor, a Legacy, the F150, and the Escape.
The Mustang was the worst; however, the girl at Arby's liked my car. Yes, it got stuck in a snow bank left by a snow plow. Yes, it got stuck in a bank parking lot, because it could good up hill. Yes, the traction control light flashed. No help. Yes, I almost hit a pole driving out of the parking lot.
To conclude, buy the Escape if you like. Gas mileage didn't appear too bad. ( I turned in more fuel receipts for the Legacy than any car I've had so far.)
Have fun everyone. I read the 4x4 forums because my wife now drives a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited.
Myself, my personal car is a Sebring Convertible.
And, you know, when the Hertz agent asks do I want the Windstar or the Escape, my answer is "yes, I'm willing to pay the extra $15 dollars for a 4x4 in Maine."
CU
I suspect that you'd get used to the shifter after a week or so.
Can you try a CR-V next?
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Point probably never discussed. ???? Highway driving in a 4x4 forum.
Hey, I was working in Augusta, Me. I had tickets for Southwest in Manchester, NH, and had to travel 158 miles.
The Escape can handle 80+ mph for a lengthy period of time w/o a problem ( 2 hrs). We, three consultants, made the earlier flight and were grateful. It was steady, reliable, and felt natural to drive at this speed.
As well, most 2000 4x4 Escapes came with the dreaded Firestone Wilderness HT's. They barely work in some snow conditions. I put on real winter tires on the Escape and it was night and day.