Expect to Fork Out About $5,000 Extra for the Hybrid Escape
Ford's long-anticipated Ford Escape Hybrid is finally lining-off from its Kansas City, Missouri assembly plant and on its way to blue oval showrooms across the nation. It will be the first gasoline-electric hybrid (HEV) sport utility vehicle, which considering the popularity of the vehicle type should make it a winner out of the chute.
 |
| The first gasoline-electric hybrid (HEV) sport utility vehicle to hit the consumer market will be Ford's new Escape Hybrid. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Of course, the recent rise in fuel costs won't hurt sales of the new HEV either, aided by the fact that rivals Toyota and Honda are not able to keep up with customer demand for their respective Prius and Civic Hybrid (Toyota is backlogged by approximately 22,000 orders), causing six month waiting periods. Reportedly, some opportunistic U.S. Toyota dealers have increased the price of a $20,295 USD Prius to $26,000, the price some are willing to pay to cut fuel costs. What's more, those waiting in line are also said to be auctioning their place in line for more than $500 USD.
 |
| The 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid will have a base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $33,195 ($26,380 US). (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Clearly, timing is everything for Ford's Escape Hybrid. Seemingly, the only thing that could jeopardize its success would be an extraordinarily high retail price.
That last concern was just recently addressed, with Ford of Canada announcing the 2-wheel drive 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid will have a base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $33,195 ($26,380 US) when made available later this year. While more expensive than both the Toyota and Honda cars, the Ford is once again an SUV which gives it a higher value in the minds of most consumers.