Ford Escape owners?

[IHDiesel73L]

Judging by the search there are at least a handful hanging around? We will be in the market for one soon because my regular cab F350 isn't cutting it as far as room anymore. We'll be buying used (probably an '08 or '09 off lease) but want to go with the V6/AWD. I assume that AWD means that its a totally hands off automatic system with no low range, correct? I'm a little behind the times as both of my current 4x4s have manual hubs Anyway, I'd be interested in seeing pics of other Expo Escapes. The only big mod I see in the near future is a beefier set of tires-not much more than that besides maybe a hitch haul carrier and some interior organizational stuff to make traveling with a young child and a full grown chocolate lab feasible.

 

[RealJon]

Over an Escape, have you considered a Outback? My buddies Escape, while older, looks like an SUV but is horrendous on anything but pavement. With an Outback you maintain a ton of room but gain exceptional off road capabilities (minor lift and tires ).

Escape- 240 hp / 223 tq. MPG- 17 / 24. Ground Clearance- 8.4 Inches. Towing- 1500lbs. Bonus- Center limited slip differentia
Outback- 245 hp / 215 tq. MPG- 17 / 24. Ground Clearance- 8.4 Inches. Towing- 3000lbs. Bonus- Center and rear limited slip differential

Both are 09 with the 6 cyl option. The Escape would run 17k and the Outback (depending on location) 19-21k.

Personally I would take the Outback, I feel it would out perform the Escape in everything you are looking for.

Just food for thought!

 

[schnutzy]

Over an Escape, have you considered a Outback? My buddies Escape, while older, looks like an SUV but is horrendous on anything but pavement. With an Outback you maintain a ton of room but gain exceptional off road capabilities (minor lift and tires ).

Escape- 240 hp / 223 tq. MPG- 17 / 24. Ground Clearance- 8.4 Inches. Towing- 1500lbs. Bonus- Center limited slip differentia
Outback- 245 hp / 215 tq. MPG- 17 / 24. Ground Clearance- 8.4 Inches. Towing- 3000lbs. Bonus- Center and rear limited slip differential

Both are 09 with the 6 cyl option. The Escape would run 17k and the Outback (depending on location) 19-21k.

Personally I would take the Outback, I feel it would out perform the Escape in everything you are looking for.

Just food for thought!

the v6 powered escape is rated at 3500 pounds, not 1500

and as a side note, i would take the escape over an outback, i find them to be more comfortable in the leg room department.

 

[ryandavenport]

My mom and girlfriend both have Escapes. I would take the outback. With the older body styles, they had serious reliability problems. With the newer models, they changed the transmission to increase gas mileage. The transmission doesn't feel good at all in them, and definitely not conducive to off roading.