2008 Ford Escape Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.15/5 Average
214 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 2008 Ford Escape gets a makeover inside and out. This means new sheet metal that mimics the look of newer and recently redesigned Ford models (such as the Edge and Expedition) and a more attractive and functional cabin. Under the skin, however, the chassis and powertrain are virtually unchanged, meaning this "redesigned" Escape has the same running gear as before.

Pros:
  • Comfortable interior, impressive list of standard safety features.
Cons:
  • Lackluster performance, braking and fuel efficiency compared to rivals, folding down second seat a multistep process.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 214.00
  • Value, man. Value. - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    Ive been very pleased with my Escape. My wife and I put 1,500 miles on an Escape that we rented in Alaska in the middle of the winter. When we got home, we bought one. Its been great.

  • It Stinks! - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    We are new customers to ford vehicles and will never again purchase another! Ever!!! Every time we get this vehicle on the road we have to wear masks over our faces. The catalytic converter (we are told by the dealership) has a problem that we/they are unable to alter. Everytime this vehicle accelerates the smell insde the vehicle almost makes you dizzy. It smells like cooked S_it! The season does not diminish the degree of smell except that winter seems to augment it when we are driving on snow covered roads. Apparently no one lese has this trouble!If you have encountered this problem, please drop us a line and let us know how it was rectified if it was even rectified. Sad and Sorry Owners

  • TCCF and Steering Assembly - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    We like so many have had the same TCCF- Transmission Cooler and Condensor Failure in our 2008-Escape limited V-6- the 1st time at 27,000 and the 2nd time again at 21,000 miles later at 48,000 miles--as all say this should be a recall by Ford-there are so many - wonder if Ford has corrected with different updated replacements- consumer will never know-also as to the TSBs as to this problem. We also had a problem of a Klacking noise from Stering -they replaced the steering assembly at our dealership-where we have had all our service on this car done--we have kept all records on our 13 Pages of Our Ford Service History-- Come on Ford--step up to the line- dont wait for an investigation like Toyot

  • Bad Tranny Cooler, Windshield Noise - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    Same problem as others on transmission/ac condenser cooler. Ford will not issue recall due to not being a safety factor. Ours went out at 35,800 miles, but didnt get to dealer until 36,400 due to out of state trip. Didnt cover under warranty, even if 36,001 per the dealer. Our third Ford, will be our last, due to Ford not standing behind their vehicles. Would like to buy American, but my Nissans have been so much better. Also have the same windshield noise as others.

  • never again - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    Very disappointed in this vehicle. Price was a big consideration in the purchase decision. Repairs have canceled out any original savings. Transmission cooler leak, lower steering unit failure are two of major items not covered under warranty or power train warranty. Problems were not correctly diagnosed until 3/36 warranty had expired. Unlike GM, Ford customer care department doesnt care, and dealership service departments leave much to be desired. No more US made vehicles.

  • Totally dismayed at quality of product - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    46000 miles, trans. coolant assembly had to be replaced, leaking badly. Water leaves stains on interior upholstery. Horrible squalling wind noise from right front windshield area. Unable to be fixed by dealership without foam insulation & duct tape. Yep, have to keep duct tape on windshield, started a couple months after purchase. Mult. failures of instrument panel,goes dead. After being very cold for 3 days outside & weather warmed up, battery went dead. RSA jumped it, instrument panel was out again-no heat, blower, stereo, read outs-until SUV warmed up 40 mins after driving it. Then heater blew snow. It always has electrical issues after cold down to 20-30 below & then warms up & im down.

  • Leaking Transmission Cooler - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    At 39000 miles the transmission cooler is leaking transmission fluid. As you may have noticed this is a common issue that Ford is well aware of and is doing nothing about. It was close to $900 to repair (not covered under my warranty). I was upset and filed a complaint. I got a response and they were sorry to hear about my issues with my 2008 Edge (which I dont own). They then told me I should take it to a Ford Dealer to have the problem diagnosed. In my complaint I explained to them the fact it was already diagnosed and being fixed. They have poor quality products and poor quality service. I am from Detroit and was trying to do the right thing buying a Ford. That will not happen again.

  • A nice all around vehicle. 6cyl 2WD - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    I have had this vehicle for almost 3 years now. Note this is the 2WD XLT with 6 cyl. My lease is up in May. Overall the vehicle is a nice equipped ride. Gas mileage as been decent. I have traveled to canada 2X and averaged 26 to 27 mpg at 75mph plus the truck loaded down with fishing gear. Back and forth to work I avg 24 in the summer and 21 om the winter. This is combined HWY and city driving (35 mile commute). Ride noise is a little high but the std tires are not the greatest. I did have to replace a brake sensor ($200 plus) at 30K. Overall I am happy with the vehicle.

  • Not a winter SUV!! - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    I owned an Explorer before,and wanted to down size. Big mistake!This Escape is worthless in the snow. Living in IA we can expect anything from Mother Nature. I did not purchase the 4x4 trying to save some money,but you NEED it for winter driving. When you come to a stop you can barely get the thing going,it has NO traction!I will be trading this thing in this summer for an Explorer,it will NOT be in my garage next winter. Also the carmel interior was a wrong choice.It picks up every stain you can think of.The material is cheap and when you try to clean it yourself you end up with a bigger stain when it dries!Folding of the rear seats require you to remove the head rest not practical. Avg MPG 18

  • Not bad for a 4 cylinder - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    I bought this car because I was moving upstate. It has been extremely reliable and has handled the 140 miles per day with ease. It has been great in the snow & the rain and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an economical SUV. The engine does have something to be desired when it comes to power but I knew that I had to comprimise on that if I was going for a 4 cylinder - great on gas. So far it has 69,000 miles and I have replaced 1 tire, 1 brake job, and a small transmission coolant leak ($180 to repair)..So feel free to buy it. I planning to give it to my son when he graduates college in 2 years..That is how confident I am in its reliabilty.

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