Overview & Reviews

As with the regular gasoline version, the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid gets an exterior makeover. Inside, the cabin has been updated to improve its appearance and functionality, and there's extra insulation to quiet the highway ride. Side and head curtain airbags are now standard, as are automatic climate control and an MP3 player input jack. The optional navigation system runs off a DVD instead of CDs this year and has a larger display with a touchscreen interface.

• Surprisingly powerful hybrid drivetrain, gets 30 mpg in the real world, comfortable interior with roomy backseat.

• Noisy four-cylinder engine, mediocre handling for a small SUV, stiff brake pedal, no stability control.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 89.00

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  Impressed with our new hybrid - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By zeeman84 - February 6 - 12:10 pm

  So far the experience has been positive. Traded a 2005 Escape which had served us very well. Average MPG with about 50% highway and 50% city driving has been 31mpg. Very quite, handles well, interior layout is great. Very happy with this purchase.

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  Good Decision - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Rick - January 29 - 8:43 pm

  We were able to purchase one of the first 2008 Escape Hybrids out for 2008 and have found if a great vehicle for us. We are averaging about 26.7 miles per gallon that includes both highway and in town driving every day. The satellite and GPS system are worth the extra money and make driving that much more enjoyable.

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  Traded Hummer H2 SUT and Very Happy! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Craig Y in Dallas - November 10 - 2:13 pm

  When I bought my FEH in May 2007, I was looking for a more economical replacement for my Hummer H2 that I absolutely loved, that is until I had to feed it! I was spending $600 - $900 per month on fuel and could no longer justify that expense. I did not want to buy the 4WD FEH initially until I could determine whether I could be happy in the pint sized replacement. I purchased the 2008 FEH FWD and to my absolute amazement, it surpassed my expectations in every way! It not only delivers 2.5 to 3 times the gas milease I was getting in my H2 but it had more cargo space and great acceleration. From my home in Dallas, I regularly get 32 - 37 MPG driving to and from Austin.

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  Only a bit shy of perfect! - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Gary - October 21 - 12:20 am

  Ive driven Explorers and 1 Mountaineer since 94, about 600,000 miles altogether, you might say I liked them. This is definitey the next thing. Ill admit to driving around 70-75 mph far more than the cops would like, and am getting 28.3 - 29.7 mpg. Its very comfortable, and I love driving a hybrid and still have awd, 4 seats and doors, some cargo space, an actual suv, yknow! -I think (hope) that Fordll notch things up a bit in the next couple model years. Mine will kill the engine and then restart it 10 sec later (or even less!) regularly. You/it must start the engine to use the car. In this century all cars need locking fuel doors (actually they always should have had them)

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  6 month evaluation - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By City driver - August 21 - 3:06 pm

  Ive had the vehicle for about 6 months. Bought the top-of-the-line and enjoyed it very much. It looks good, get great mileage (31 average). About a month after I bought it, it would start. Turned out there was a loose wire in the built in security system Last week, wrench light went on. Had to have a vent to cool the batteries replace. Hope this isnt a sign of things to come.

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  So excited - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By meme - August 8 - 2:06 am

  I traded my 01 Escape for and 08 Escape Hybrid, and Im loving it. Im averaging about 32mpg. The engine turning off and going to electric takes some getting used to because it feels like your car has stalled. It also took some getting used to not having the power of the v6, but the car does great for the size and only being 4cyl. Its roomy enough for 2 children in the back. Blind spots are not that bad for a suv. Tons of storage space and little cubby spaces. Not that many out there so it was hard to find the color I wanted...black. This car makes my wallet happy

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  First new car, and happy with the choice - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Louise - July 29 - 4:23 pm

  I purchased my Escape after having to finally get rid of an 11-year-old Crown Vic. I wanted something that we could take camping and that would be safe/comfortable to travel in but that would get good fuel economy in the city. I have not been disappointed with my choice! The car is easy to drive. Since it is a hybrid that depends on braking to recharge the battery, it tends to get better gas mileage with long, slow stops (at least thats what Ive noticed). I thought that going from a V8 to the hybrid would be a shock, but this vehicle really has some get-up-n- go. The seats are easy to move and clean, and Ive never had any engine trouble.

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  Love it but it rattles. - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Redwoodmeg - May 30 - 10:46 am

  I love the idea of a hybrid SUV and I am happy to "buy American" I have had my new Ice Blue Escape (I call her Sky) for about a month and I am getting about 35.5 MPG! I am a high mileage driver and was driving a 2002 Explorer and getting about 15 MPG. That was my 2nd Explorer. I am dissapointed at the hardness of the center console and the arm rests. The leather is a little stiff and I have a rattle in the center console where it meets the dash. My biggest concern is a rather loud noise in the back hatch that appeared after I drove on a slightly rough road in the 2nd week. It seems to be coming from inside the door near the Ford emblem. I dont want to "accept" this or get used to it.

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  Proud owner of a Ford Escape Hybrid - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Bill S. - May 22 - 8:40 am

  The Ford Escape Hybrid does not only get great mileage for a SUV but also has very low pollution emissions. I like the styling and dont feel I compromised on any factors when I bought it. I have kept a spreadsheet of actual mileage and have maintained an overall 31 mpg. The worst case mileage is log distance highway driving at 70+ mph when my FEH got 28 mpg. Around town and using hypermiling techniques I have gotten 35+ mpg.

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  Disappointed in MPG - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Mater2 - February 24 - 4:30 pm

  I did my research and this vehicle stood out as far as looks and supposed mileage. I really love it in general. Very smooth ride, and fun to drive though the braking system takes some getting use to. I am however very disappointed in the mileage. I consistently get 25mpg MAX (after 1200 miles). From the other reviews, this is very low. I have a friend with a 2006 that gets over 30, has from the beginning. I dont know if I have a "lemon", but Ford will not even hear about mileage issues until 10,000 miles. Even though 25 is good for a SUV, its not that much more than my Explorer. And Im driving very conscientously. I recently drove a rented Charger, that got this mileage!