Ford EscapeThe Ford Escape has been thoroughly updated, reinforcing the character and appeal that have made it America's perennial best-selling small sport-utility vehicle. The improvements nearly cover the spectrum, and inject a new level of refinement. We'd call the Escape a little truck among small SUVs. Its new styling deliberately invokes Ford's larger, truck-based SUVs.
I just signed up so I can start browsing the Ford Escape section of the forums. I'm going to need to replace my 1996 Chrysler Sebring Convertible in about two years for a "Family vehicle". I've been a historical GM purchaser, but I'm not finding what I need from GM for my next vehicle. Have/Had friends & family who work/worked for Ford so I would be eligible for a friends and family discount. We also buy cars and keep them until they are completely dead. My last 89 Caddy Deville retired at 230,000 miles.
I'm looking to read heavily into the Escape Hybrid because we live in a small town and the commutes for the wife around is less than 1mile round trip many times and I feel the Hybrid will be very beneficial. Lots of hills to use the regenerative braking technology. Also will need four wheel drive since we have plenty of snow.
I used to run the Chrysler Sebring Convertible Forums ( CSCC Forums ) but had to retire from that job, running a forum is a ton of work, and getting married last year took up more of my personal time I am active on the Cadillac Owners Forums ( The Cadillac Owners and Enthusiasts Forum Homepage - 87,000 Members )
I've got pictures some of them are a bit dated in my signature.
Looking forward to learning a lot here, about any quirks and common things to know about the Escape!
Wait for the Fusion Hybrid, which should be in dealers very soon. Many improvements over the Escape, including electric A/C (not available on the Escape).
I don't believe that the Fusion Hybrid will have AWD option.
Many studies have shown that if you drive less than 15-20,000 mile per year, you will not recover the additional costs of a hybrid (unless we go back to +$4/gallon gasoline).
__________________ Peace, it's our only chance
1998 E150 Club Wagon, 4.6L Modular, E4OD
2007 Milan. 3.0L Duratec, Aisin 6 speed AW-F21 others I look out for
2007 Escape 2wd (the mini Pumpkin), 3.0L Duratec, CD4E
2008 Mazda3 5 door, 2.3L, 5 speed manual
On the Ford Edge the "on demand" system is called AWD but on the Ford Escape the same "on demand" system is called 4WD! The Fusion AWD uses the same system with other programable options that are in the AWD system but not used in the Escape, etc.
So to make sure I've got this right...When I see a Ford Escape that says "4WD" on the back it's not true 4WD like a Jeep as stated above? It's really AWD?
I have seen Escapes with a 4WD badge on the rear, which is why I thought it was 4 wheel drive. I'm not super convinced by the All Wheel Drive theory yet...
So to make sure I've got this right...When I see a Ford Escape that says "4WD" on the back it's not true 4WD like a Jeep as stated above? It's really AWD?
I have seen Escapes with a 4WD badge on the rear, which is why I thought it was 4 wheel drive. I'm not super convinced by the All Wheel Drive theory yet...
Thanks for the info. Curious to learn more.
Yep, they are both Ford "on demand" systems. Not sure why they use different terms. Maybe AWD is more carish and 4WD is truckish sounding.
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New here, researching a Ford Escape Hybrid 
I am active on the Cadillac Owners Forums ( 
Hybrid Mode
