Overview & Reviews

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.

• Comfortable interior, impressive list of standard safety features.

• Lackluster performance, braking and fuel efficiency compared to rivals, folding down second seat a multistep process.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 214.00

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  Stop Safely now - 2008 Ford Escape
  By josephcallendr - May 22 - 6:37 pm

  I have been driving my parents 2008 ford escape hybrid for the past 6 months twice i have had the problem where a lights comes on and on the dashboard it says to stop safely now and the engine huts off and i have to coast to the side of the road and turn the car on and off again it is really scary and not safe when that happens

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  Dont buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By ch6 - August 12 - 8:29 pm

  I was so excited to buy my second Ford Escape, first one was a 2001 that I drove forever. I bought my 2008 Escape 18 months ago and at less than 90,000 miles needed a new transmission. Guess what?? The new transmission Ford put in doesnt work either!!!! I also need $3,000 additional dollars to put into including a new air conditioner, oil pan and the ABS sensor needs fixed. The word around town when you talk to transmission mechanics is that the 2007, 2008 Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute are bad news! Others who work at Ford plants say the Escape is called a parts car, aka they make it knowing that parts are going to need to be repaired quickly If you have this problem please call Ford

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  Transmission cooler - 2008 Ford Escape
  By jackdk - January 12 - 11:23 am

  After doing tons of research on line about the trans cooler defect, I see this has happened to 100s if not 1000s of people that owned 2008 Escapes. I was told Ford did do some repairs on these cars that where built early 2008, and that the CSP (Customer Satisfaction Program) expired in August 2010. My Escape was built in Sept. 2007, which should have covered it. Ford sent a CSP #09B10 to owners for a replacement because of the know defect to the cooler. Since I didnt not own the vehicle until November 2010, I had no idea of the problem, and since the original owner never took it in, I have to pay the price. Called Ford Customer Care, and both them, and the Ford dealer acknowledge the defect, but would not cover it. Since there is no recall, and the CSP is over, I had to pay $644.41 out of my pocket. This is ridicules I am paying for a defect that Ford knows about. They both told me to hold on to my receipt in case there is a recall I can get reimbursed I think this is the last Ford I will own.... Fords GREAT idea of making the transmission cooler, and the A/C condenser all one piece. This adds a big price for the part. When your cooler needs changed the A/C Freon needs to be emptied, then fill again, which adds to the labor cost. Good thinking Ford! Even though this is connected to the drive train, and keeps your transmission from failing, its not a drive train part, and not cover cause its not internal. ...

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  First AND Last Ford - 2008 Ford Escape
  By onthehwy - February 25 - 11:17 pm

  This was my first in last Ford. In the three years that I have had this SUV, the air vent fell off, the front window squeaks when let down (it was supposedly fixed), had 3 new batteries, a transmission cooler, and now my transmission has gone bad. Im sorry but all this should NOT happen within 3 years of owning a new car. Im going back to Toyota!

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  The Biggest Nightmare I Have Ever Faced - 2008 Ford Escape
  By ken1053 - January 28 - 10:32 pm

  This car was a really nice car to drive around, especially having a workplace full of BMWs and Audis. I liked the comfort of the cloth seats and the interior design. One thing I absolutely hated is the reliability. My car is only 2 years old (I bought it in 10/08) and it is the most unreliable thing I ever faced. The car shifts very roughly into gear and the car lurches itself forward. Im not sure if its something to do with the gas or with the transmission coolant recall... I absolutely hate that car now. It cant keep the value and if you did get into an accident with this car (airbags deployed) you will not like the fact that it is 10x more of a bumpier ride. I regret getting this car..

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  Do not buy - 2008 Ford Escape
  By marvnjenn - September 26 - 2:00 am

  You know I am American and always felt the need to buy an American car. Well this is one of the worst cars I have owned. I noticed after my warranty ran out that the paint on the trim in the wheel wells chipped and was rusting. The dealership told me it was from rocks hitting my car. I looked on their lot and there where 4 of the same trucks with the same issue. All of the 2008 are rusting and I will NEVER but American again. I have had other issues but if you are still under warranty check for rusting and they will fix it otherwise you are out of luck. Mariners owners this goes for you as well.

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  Trany Issues part 2 - 2008 Ford Escape
  By jon smith - April 30 - 2:15 am

  In March 2009, I wrote a review just after my tran. cooler went out after 38,000 miles. After more then a year and the car having 48,000 miles now, no problems have occurred. Its experienced -30 F for 3 weeks straight not to mention months of harsh winter snows in Montana. I can say that the car has held up well. I would suggest to anyone considering buying a used escape, is to get a warranty. Itll save you in the long round. Tran. cooler will cost $950 and they fail about 75% of the time. I have 8 friends with 2008 escapes and 6 have replaced them. If I were you get an Acura MDX instead youll thank me later.

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  No major problems - 2008 Ford Escape
  By L.Z.Patton - April 15 - 10:02 am

  I bought a 2008 Escape after my 2001 Escape started getting up there in miles. I have had no major problems at all. Im not crazy about the interior of the XLT- the console is worthless- but I wanted the V6, so I didnt get the XLS. Ive had no breakdowns, and only one repair (a recall for the AC/transmission fluid problem that others have encountered). I couldnt be happier.

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  Found On Road Dead - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Found On Road Dead. - March 15 - 7:23 pm

  I also purchased this car to stay with American made products. Along with others our transmission cooler went out and had to fix on my own. I called and reported it and nothing is being done. Its no wonder people are buying things made outside America. Ford you need to fix this problem or you will lose a lot of customers!

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  Totally dismayed at quality of product - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Sage - February 6 - 10:18 pm

  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.