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 191 through 200 of 214.00
  • Not bad for 1st SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    For my first ride, this Escape is a choice I have yet to regret. I got it more for safety (for my child), but the design (both interior and exterior) caught my eye from the start. I wish the engine had a little more bite, especially since its mated with a 5-speed manual, but its not too bad nonetheless. It was worth the money I paid.

  • Great Ride! - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    My first SUV and I love it! Its roomy, smooth and quiet ride, nice display, great sound system, everything that I wanted plus more at a great price. Size looks bigger than it really is. I was eyeing the CR-V for 9 months and then looked at the RAV4 - couldnt push myself into purchasing one. I think the 2008 Escape beats them both! The Escape was equipped with everything I wanted - many were standard. CR-V would need to add so many options which should be standard. Im happy I held off. I rode in a 2007 Escape as a loaner and there is a huge difference in ride, noise, comfort, steering, display, and many other features. I just hit 1300 miles and and up to 19.2 mpg.

  • My 2 year wait was worth it - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    I started noticing Ford Escapes in traffic a couple of years ago, and liked what I saw. I was only 3 years into owning my Hyundai at that ime so I thought, in a couple of years when I am looking to buy a new car, I need to test drive an Escape. Time passed, and I read up on all the small SUVs in my price range out there. I noticed how entusiastic almost all 2008 Escape owners were, so that was my first and only test drive. Upon climbing in I immediately noticed how high the vehicle sets without feeling "top heavy". All the dash controls were laid out very ergonomically while also looking modern, stylish, and upscale. Driving it was as easy and fun as I had thought it would be.

  • 08 Escape awd 4cy - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    Ive had my Escape a few weeks now, love it, drove everything (rogue, outlander,outback,compass etc.), happy with my choice. Im getting about 24 mpg on hilly terrain, no hwy, with the AWD that I cant live without where I am. Replaced an Outback, this little suv is perfect. I love the camel interior, much nicer than the stone. The 4cy. is pretty nice after you get used to the tranny, it shifts funny until you develop a nack of driving it. There isnt a need for the 6cy. Never thought Id go back to a Ford but my husbands new Ford diesel is so nice that it made me take a look at the Escape, very glad I did. It is suprisingly roomy inside and the whole interior layout is very nice.

  • Dreamgirls Chariot - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    I just purchased my beautiful Lt Sage Escape this past Monday and I am in heaven! Upgrading from a 01 Kia Sportage to this is surreal to me. The dealer made my purchasing experience totally problem free. I love everything about the Escape. I got the chrome package and I am enjoying the "second looks" My 5 year old son looks like a little prince in his back seat. The moonroof is awesome and the roominess is great! Being only 49, I feel so tall :O) especially when I adjust the seat. I really like the information center that tells you how many miles you have left before you get to "E" and the fact that the car lets you know when it needs servicing. I am sold on the Fords now :O)

  • Brakes that go "pop" - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    I bought my Escape in June and have 17000 miles on it already. I love the style and all the features outside and in. But.... the brakes make this awful popping noise every time they get hot. I have taken it to the shop 5 times for repairs. The shop had replaced every bit of the back end, yet they still pop. We brought it to the attention of the manufacturer and the engineers said this "was a normal variation of the vehicle and it does not affect braking performance". Funny thing, they cant identify what is making the noise so how they know its not affecting brake performance? .your guess is as good as mine. This is my first and last Ford. Its cute and roomy but I cant trust it will last.

  • I Survived - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    Had the little bugger for 6 months, less than 10K miles, when a big bad dog ran out in the interstate at Waco. Little car in front of me slammed on brakes, I smashed her, then a huge fully loaded 18 wheeler slammed me. Escape was obviously 100% totaled. I walked away, minor bruising. I am blessed. That 5 star safety rating paid off big time! It works!

  • Worse MPG than my 97 Explorer! - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    My family and I have owned Ford vehicles for over a decade now and all of us have been pleased with our vehicles. Recently, when it was time for me to purchase a new car, I looked to the Ford Escapes to replace my beloved 97 Ford Explorer. I ended up purchasing a 4 cylinder 08 Escape and I must say, I have not been impressed with it. I bought this car as a fuel-efficient replacement to my 97 Explorer. What I found was that my new 08 Escape actually less fuel efficient than my older Explorer, which was made over a decade earlier. I was so impressed with my 97 Explorer that it blinded me into a brand loyalty towards Ford. But now after buying this new, smaller,

  • Best one yet - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    I continue to be impressed with the look and feel of quality I percieve in this vehicle.I drove both the 4cyl and the 6 cyl, and frankly didnt see that the difference in power was significant enough to justify the extra price or lower mpg of the 6 cyl.The interior, a camel color is very well done, and I like the Light Sage Clearcoat color of the paint, as well.I live in a hot climate, so light colors are best, but I was very tired of white, the green is a welcome change. The car is very quiet, so far.

  • Solid and truck-like - 2008 Ford Escape
    By -

    Ive never driven an older Escape, but I have heard wonderful things about them. I loved this the moment I sat in the drivers seat. I was concerned about the gas mileage on the V6 AWD, but its not too horrible. I wonder why they still have this old 4 speed transmission? That is one of the few downfalls. I have all the goodies, including XM and sunroof, but the standard stereo is absolutely awful! I knew Fords stereos were always poor, but they should realize that many people make a huge buying decision in the stereo. I went from a newer VDub, so maybe I am just being a snob on the stereo aspect.

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