Easy to live with
No doubt, the Escape has been good for Ford's bank account. Since its launch in 2001, the American automaker has sold quite a few. We can't even go to the neighbourhood convenience store without one crossing our path.
So, how do you make a winning formula even better? And at the same time, how do you keep your product competitive in a segment that's ever-improving? One thing's for sure is that the foundation must be left untouched.
So, the 2008 Escape is more an evolution than a revolution. Is that enough?
Hybrid model, the Escape has three trim levels, and the XLT is the mid-level. It's recognizable from the base XLS by its alloy wheels and fog lamps. The Limited stands out with its body-color mirrors and door handles, its chrome front bumper cap and polished wheels.
In general, I like the freshened look of the Escape. However, I don't understand why the satellite radio antenna is located on the roof right above the windshield, but off-center; in the pictures, this thingamabob looks like an ugly wart.
Spacious interior
Inside the Escape, we get a spacious and comfortable cockpit, and the driving position is more than appreciable. The mix of colours is a little peculiar; charcoal and brick red, with silver-painted trim. As such, it's not that bad, but I was expecting colors that better match the beige exterior paint job.
No doubt, the Escape has been good for Ford's bank account. Since its launch in 2001, the American automaker has sold quite a few. We can't even go to the neighbourhood convenience store without one crossing our path.
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| The Escape is a very popular vehicle and is very present on our roads. |
So, how do you make a winning formula even better? And at the same time, how do you keep your product competitive in a segment that's ever-improving? One thing's for sure is that the foundation must be left untouched.
So, the 2008 Escape is more an evolution than a revolution. Is that enough?
Hybrid model, the Escape has three trim levels, and the XLT is the mid-level. It's recognizable from the base XLS by its alloy wheels and fog lamps. The Limited stands out with its body-color mirrors and door handles, its chrome front bumper cap and polished wheels.
In general, I like the freshened look of the Escape. However, I don't understand why the satellite radio antenna is located on the roof right above the windshield, but off-center; in the pictures, this thingamabob looks like an ugly wart.
Spacious interior
Inside the Escape, we get a spacious and comfortable cockpit, and the driving position is more than appreciable. The mix of colours is a little peculiar; charcoal and brick red, with silver-painted trim. As such, it's not that bad, but I was expecting colors that better match the beige exterior paint job.
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| Colour matching is not always right. |