Author Topic: CD Article: 2008 Ford Escape Limited (Read 4718 times)

Autos_Editor · « **on:** July 26, 2007, 11:40:02 pm »

Today's Test Drive:

While the 2008 Ford Escape offers a fresh new face and an updated interior, the V6 engine and four-speed automatic transmission is carried over, reports Haney Louka - leaving it behind some of its newer competitors.

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Leviathan · « **Reply #1 on:** July 27, 2007, 12:27:26 am »

But no 5 speed 4WD.....

stodge · « **Reply #2 on:** July 27, 2007, 07:49:14 am »

Rear drums??

I agree, Ford desparately needs the new 3.5L + 5/6 speed auto in this thing.

carcrazy · « **Reply #3 on:** July 27, 2007, 10:58:39 am »

Ford needs a NEW vehicle to replace the Escape.

Cord · « **Reply #4 on:** July 27, 2007, 03:05:43 pm »

Quote

Ford needs a NEW vehicle to replace the Escape.

Quote

Rear drums??

I agree, Ford desparately needs the new 3.5L + 5/6 speed auto in this thing.

Quote

But no 5 speed 4WD.....

Hmmmm, in the U.S. sales are up over 33% compared to last year. You really think they're desperate for changes?

UmroAyyar · « **Reply #5 on:** July 27, 2007, 03:15:58 pm »

This Escape is the best selling in its category. Seems quite popular.

RAV4 has 4speed auto as well.

windstarguy · « **Reply #6 on:** July 27, 2007, 04:57:08 pm »

Hey, where did the amber tail lights go from the previous model?

stodge · « **Reply #7 on:** July 27, 2007, 08:04:55 pm »

Quote from: Cord on July 27, 2007, 03:05:43 pm

Quote
Ford needs a NEW vehicle to replace the Escape.

Quote
Rear drums??

I agree, Ford desparately needs the new 3.5L + 5/6 speed auto in this thing.

Quote
But no 5 speed 4WD.....

Hmmmm, in the U.S. sales are up over 33% compared to last year. You really think they're desperate for changes?

Only from people who don't buy them!

MKII · « **Reply #8 on:** July 27, 2007, 09:18:19 pm »

Quote from: Cord on July 27, 2007, 03:05:43 pm

Quote
Ford needs a NEW vehicle to replace the Escape.

Quote
Rear drums??

I agree, Ford desparately needs the new 3.5L + 5/6 speed auto in this thing.

Quote
But no 5 speed 4WD.....

Hmmmm, in the U.S. sales are up over 33% compared to last year. You really think they're desperate for changes?

True, "but" Ford has a reputation for resting on its laurels and not keeping the product fresh so to speak. Ford did a very good job, cosmetically on the Escape, and have continued great sales success, but they have to keep ahead of the competition, not make it easier for them to be better.

1TSX · « **Reply #9 on:** July 28, 2007, 01:18:59 am »

Quote from: MKII on July 27, 2007, 09:18:19 pm

Quote from: Cord on July 27, 2007, 03:05:43 pm
Quote
Ford needs a NEW vehicle to replace the Escape.

Quote
Rear drums??

I agree, Ford desparately needs the new 3.5L + 5/6 speed auto in this thing.

Quote
But no 5 speed 4WD.....

Hmmmm, in the U.S. sales are up over 33% compared to last year. You really think they're desperate for changes?

True, "but" Ford has a reputation for resting on its laurels and not keeping the product fresh so to speak. Ford did a very good job, cosmetically on the Escape, and have continued great sales success, but they have to keep ahead of the competition, not make it easier for them to be better.

Would this eventually kill them in the long run, with the Escape? $:-\$

carcrazy · « **Reply #10 on:** July 28, 2007, 09:40:03 am »

The past and current Escape success is not sustainable if the car will remain at the 2001 level. The Escape sells on relatively lower price and high incentives.
It will die the same way the Taurus did, but this might be part of Ford's strategy.

On the other hand, almost any other car manufacturer completely redesigns a model after 5 years, even the best sellers (Camry, Corolla, Civic, and Accord).

The saying "if it ain't broken, don't fix it" doesn't quite apply to car designs IMO.

MKII · « **Reply #11 on:** July 28, 2007, 10:40:49 am »

The Escape replacement (Kuga) crossover is expected (not confirmed) no later than 2012. So the current Escape has to stay competitive (in the hottest segment IMO) for many years to come.

sailor723 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 28, 2007, 11:00:17 am »

Quote from: MKII on July 28, 2007, 10:40:49 am

The Escape replacement (Kuga) crossover is expected (not confirmed) no later than 2012. So the current Escape has to stay competitive (in the hottest segment IMO) for many years to come.

[/quot

11 years is a VERY,VERY long lifespan for any platform in the car business

gosteelerz · « **Reply #13 on:** July 28, 2007, 12:57:03 pm »

Why does Ford get criticized for something that Toyota has been doing for years. Sure, the chassis hasn't changed from the previous gen but how much advancement has Toyota put in the Camry/ Corolla chassis in the past 15 years? People who buy into the segment generally do not care or notice that this is a 9 year old chassis design.

The motor and tranny are dated but have been proven reliable so what's the hurry to change it? If you are going to take a chance on a Ford this combo is your safest bet.

coldcase · « **Reply #14 on:** July 29, 2007, 02:16:15 am »

Quote from: gosteelerz on July 28, 2007, 12:57:03 pm

Why does Ford get criticized for something that Toyota has been doing for years. Sure, the chassis hasn't changed from the previous gen but how much advancement has Toyota put in the Camry/ Corolla chassis in the past 15 years? People who buy into the segment generally do not care or notice that this is a 9 year old chassis design.

The motor and tranny are dated but have been proven reliable so what's the hurry to change it? If you are going to take a chance on a Ford this combo is your safest bet.

I agree. At the same time I'm not their target market because I would not buy an Escape...especially one with rear drums in 2007. WTH? The purpose of a new refresh, even a mild one is to improve a product...not go backwards in time. Breaking distances are now longer than last year model...what a surprise.

gosteelerz · « **Reply #15 on:** July 29, 2007, 10:46:31 am »

Quote from: coldcase on July 29, 2007, 02:16:15 am

Quote from: gosteelerz on July 28, 2007, 12:57:03 pm
Why does Ford get criticized for something that Toyota has been doing for years. Sure, the chassis hasn't changed from the previous gen but how much advancement has Toyota put in the Camry/ Corolla chassis in the past 15 years? People who buy into the segment generally do not care or notice that this is a 9 year old chassis design.

The motor and tranny are dated but have been proven reliable so what's the hurry to change it? If you are going to take a chance on a Ford this combo is your safest bet.

I agree. At the same time I'm not their target market because I would not buy an Escape...especially one with rear drums in 2007. WTH? The purpose of a new refresh, even a mild one is to improve a product...not go backwards in time. Breaking distances are now longer than last year model...what a surprise.

The brakes are the least forgivable decision made by Ford.

Sir Osis of Liver · « **Reply #16 on:** July 29, 2007, 11:31:06 am »

How many people are going to put their Escape on a track?

Rear discs are only required for high performance vehicles. Drums are perfectly acceptable on the rear an SUV or pickup.
I've said it before but drums are very reliable, not prone to rust, low maintenance, and apparently lighter than rear discs (according to Dodge anyway). Seventy percent of braking power is delivered by the front brakes, leaving the rears for mostly stability. The only advantage that discs have is the ability to shed heat quickly from repeated stops, not really a big deal in day to day traffic.

If drums can stop a 100000lb rig, they can stop the hell out of an SUV.

Leviathan · « **Reply #17 on:** July 29, 2007, 03:02:16 pm »

I have the rear drums on the Tribute and haven't had any moments of "is this thing gonna stop?". The real crime is the 4 speed auto and then, to a lesser extent, not tweaking the 3.0L at all. The Fusion is available with AWD, 6speed auto & ~220Hp 3.0L so they have the parts....

coldcase · « **Reply #18 on:** July 30, 2007, 06:14:43 am »

Quote from: Big_Thumb on July 29, 2007, 11:31:06 am

How many people are going to put their Escape on a track?

Rear discs are only required for high performance vehicles. Drums are perfectly acceptable on the rear an SUV or pickup.
I've said it before but drums are very reliable, not prone to rust, low maintenance, and apparently lighter than rear discs (according to Dodge anyway). Seventy percent of braking power is delivered by the front brakes, leaving the rears for mostly stability. The only advantage that discs have is the ability to shed heat quickly from repeated stops, not really a big deal in day to day traffic.

If drums can stop a 100000lb rig, they can stop the hell out of an SUV.

Then let's put rear drums on all SUV..Or better yet let's return to the era of drums only on 4 corners.....no thanks. I like rear disks.

Sir Osis of Liver · « **Reply #19 on:** July 30, 2007, 07:15:11 am »

That's a well reasoned response.

I had a 1968 Buick Wildcat that had drums on all four wheels. Aluminum finned drums on the front, steel drums on the rear. Sintered metallic lining all round. They were good for a number of high speed stops before they faded. They were much better than period disc brakes. Moderrn metals and engineering could make them better yet.

Having said that, The front drums were massive and completely filled the rim in order to get enough swept braking area. Discs make sense on the front for this reason alone. They are also not subjected to all of the road crap that gets sprayed on read discs. I don't know how many people I know that have had to have rear discs replaced due to pitting and corrosion, or completely seized up parking brakes, problems that just don't happen with maintained rear drums. The tendency to have extended life brake pads basically turns discs into the wear item also, which makes for some pretty expensive brake jobs.

Don't be a slave to fashion.