On or off the road, Escape still impresses
Since 2001, Ford's Escape has enjoyed the status of being a best seller. Little has changed today, and it's been leading a segment which has roughly doubled in size since its introduction. For 2008, Ford has updated and restyled their small SUV to carry forth a bold new presence while leaving the original recipe for success almost completely unchanged.
Style with an edge of its own
The [link artid="41473"]Edge[/link] and Fusion are lookers, but the Escape is drawn a little differently. Designers penned it to be decidedly more truck-like in appearance, which is an appropriate trait. With plenty of chrome, side-steps, and fog lamps fitted to the new body, it's more confident looking than the outgoing model. The interior is appreciably upgraded too.
There are piano-gloss trim pieces accented with chrome throughout, and new ice-blue lighting scheme looks gorgeous at night. It's a nice change from the last generation's green illumination, which was visually pleasing on about the same level as mashed spinach. The glossy surfaces pick up the colors at night, and the cabin looks electrified.
Looks aside, the cabin is comprised mostly of a hard plastic shell. Though friendly and full of storage, it feels very truck like in terms of material selection. At least it's easy to clean.
Plenty of room for 4 or 5 is offered, and the hatch is adequately large for most trips. If it isn't, the roof racks and 3,500 lb. towing capacity should do the trick.
The Limited tester was loaded with a powerful Audiophile stereo system attached to a Sirius satellite radio and 6-CD changer. A sunroof lets in the rays, and automatic dual-zone climate control keeps occupants sufficiently toasty or chilled as desired. DVD navigation was included, along with backup-sensors, and stability assist with rollover protection to create a safe and relaxing driving environment.
Since 2001, Ford's Escape has enjoyed the status of being a best seller. Little has changed today, and it's been leading a segment which has roughly doubled in size since its introduction. For 2008, Ford has updated and restyled their small SUV to carry forth a bold new presence while leaving the original recipe for success almost completely unchanged.
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| The Escape's new face is in line with the remainder of the Ford truck family. |
Style with an edge of its own
The [link artid="41473"]Edge[/link] and Fusion are lookers, but the Escape is drawn a little differently. Designers penned it to be decidedly more truck-like in appearance, which is an appropriate trait. With plenty of chrome, side-steps, and fog lamps fitted to the new body, it's more confident looking than the outgoing model. The interior is appreciably upgraded too.
There are piano-gloss trim pieces accented with chrome throughout, and new ice-blue lighting scheme looks gorgeous at night. It's a nice change from the last generation's green illumination, which was visually pleasing on about the same level as mashed spinach. The glossy surfaces pick up the colors at night, and the cabin looks electrified.
Looks aside, the cabin is comprised mostly of a hard plastic shell. Though friendly and full of storage, it feels very truck like in terms of material selection. At least it's easy to clean.
Plenty of room for 4 or 5 is offered, and the hatch is adequately large for most trips. If it isn't, the roof racks and 3,500 lb. towing capacity should do the trick.
The Limited tester was loaded with a powerful Audiophile stereo system attached to a Sirius satellite radio and 6-CD changer. A sunroof lets in the rays, and automatic dual-zone climate control keeps occupants sufficiently toasty or chilled as desired. DVD navigation was included, along with backup-sensors, and stability assist with rollover protection to create a safe and relaxing driving environment.
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| New interior is attractive and functional. |