4 Star Reviews for 2008 Ford Escape

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 31 through 40 of 214.00
  • 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.

  • Very Unhappy!! - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    We purchased this vehicle and loved it until all the trouble lights started coming on after you started it and lost all power including steering,odo,etc.4x now it has been in shop ranging from battery to computer. Most unhappy, never be buying Ford again!

  • So far, Im pleased - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    I bought my 2008 xlt used with 11k miles. After almost a year of ownership, Im happy with the overall performance. Nice and roomy with good visibility. Handling is smooth. Could perform better in snow--dont think the OEM continentals are so great. Had several warranty issues (leaking transmission fluid, defective CD player, stained seats) and they were all taken care of efficiently by the local ford dealership.

  • "satisfied customer" - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    I received this car cas my first vehicle. I was so excited to be receiving soothing this nice for my first car. My parents said they wanted me to have something safe and reliable. So far this suv has been great true to my parents word. I bought it with 99,000 mile and i was nervous because all of the reviews said it went down hill after 70 or so. It was a rental car before me which means must have been under proper care ( regular oil changes and inspections ect..) so that easied my nerves a little. I have had it for about two years now. It is now at 140000 miles. I still have not had one single issue. I do take care of it though with oil changes and inspections. So over all im very happy.

  • Tails its Class - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    Bought this as my second Ford in 2007. Overall it leaves me with mixed reactions, the good: fuel economy in the low 20s (good for AWD), truck like front end, reasonably comfortable front seats. The bad: noisy engine, poor acceleration and passing power (better than what I expected from an I- 4, though), choppy 4 speed, electric power steering, and low grade, Saturn- like interior... lots of cheap plastic, horrible seat fabric thatss worn out after two years, disappointing fit and finish (especially the door panels), and goofy cell-phone button HVAC controls that are hard to use while driving. Bottom line...Ill easily buy another Ford but no more Ford SUVs!!! Next time Ill get an F-150.

  • FALLING APART - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    I purchased this car with 14000 miles on it. It had been a dealer demo. Great fun car to drive, cruises right along but.... now at 29000 miles the power steering pump is going out, the upholstery looks like kids have been in having a picnic ( I have no children) in the car, paint on the rear bumper is spidering, and there are ignition problems, I was told the tumblers were bad. Fading dome light works intermittently, wont come out of park, ignition wont accept the key almost leaving you stranded. Rubber seals on the doors fall off in the winter. Now the back window on the hatch has decided to open a random. The back seat wont stay latched so you cant have rear seat passengers safely. yuk

  • 08 Escape Saved My Life - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    Too quick to know exactly what happened, but I wrapped my brand new Escape around an electric pole this week and am here to talk about it. 08 handled my 52 MPH head on like a champ! ROLL BAR: In tact. AIRBAGS: Deployed & deflated quickly. NOT TRAPPED: rear glass popped open giving me a quick escape route from the fire. WINDSHIELD: Didnt shatter. Just a little crack in the corner. INTERIOR: Still looked like new! Not even a little mark in the leather, Impact did not send the motor in to the body cavity (or my legs). ME? Didnt have jewelry on, I would not have had a mark on me! This was not only a pleasure to drive and look at, it was a damn good car! I will buy another.

  • Bad Tranny Coolers in 08 Escapes - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    I just had my Escape repaired yesterday for Bad Tranny Cooler from the dealer that I purchased it from. No questions asked, they fixed at no cost stating it was under warranty. No complains on this end.

  • Transmission condensor failure - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    Leaking transmission fluid at 56,000 miles. Dealer found failure in transmission condensor. Internet search found many people having this failure with 08 Escape. Dealer says Ford will not cover this under powertrain warranty but the dealer will use Customer Loyalty Program to cut repair cost to $100. Typical American car manufactured, spend millions to advertise and tell us how good their product is and then find a way to weasle out of fully covering warranty work. Stay away from the 08 Escape. This is my 4th Ford vehicle but Toyota is looking very good at the moment.

Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area