2008 Ford Escape Review: Awful Year For The Compact SUV With Mechanical Problems

Alex Showalter

May 17, 2022

The 2008 Escape only lasts around 150,000 miles with many transmission and engine failures. At $4,916 – 5,092, it’s not worth buying since you’ll spend twice as much on repairs.

The Good

The passenger room is above average, the infotainment system is easy to use and visibility is good.

The Bad

Rear drum brakes are weak, folding the rear seats is difficult to do and it’s noisy inside.

Is the 2008 Ford Escape a Good Used SUV?

No, 2008 is a bad year. Owner reviews complain about suspension problems, broken transmissions, and excessive rust.
Reliability ratings are terrible. Avoid models from 2008-2013 which all have a lot of problems, and go with a 2014 or newer if you want an Escape.
Performance is poor from the 4-cylinder, but the V6 is a bit more powerful.
The Escape is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
Fuel economy is good, at up to 24 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

Tab W

Great dependable car, runs good and looks good.

It's a great car. It runs good and has good gas mileage. No major problems with it. The seats are nice and comfortable, good features. Overall nice vehicle. Safe and dependable. Great heating and air system, CD player and AUX hook up. Charging port in back seat as well as front.

carol h

It holds the road very well, and I often drive on major highways in both good and bad weather and for considerable distances.

I love the shape of the vehicle (more square), the comfort level for me and I am a tiny person 5'1" and 105 pounds, reliability in bad weather (snow and rain.)

Holly D

It's great I never wanted to get a van so when I got this it was the perfect size.

Recently had to replace the transmission which kind of sucked but it seems to be working well since. Have had a problem for a little over a year now when starting bit up sometimes there is a delay getting fuel to the starter so it can take a few key turns but has never just not worked.

Deborah B

The Escape is a breeze to travel in.

I love to travel and the Escape is a wonderful vehicle for that. It is comfortable, good gas mileage, and I have had no problems on the road. It is very easy to handle and spacious inside.

Tamara L

Ford Escape with sunroof is amazing.

Haven't had any problems with it. Drives very smooth. Very reliable. Starts right away. Taken it on many road trips and it does great. Features moon and sun roof. Drives amazing through the snow. Very comfortable seats that can adjust just about any comfort level.

Marvin L

No sour grapes with the Ford Escape.

I had my Ford Escape for two years, I haven't had many problems with it. The 4 wheel drive is great in the winter, the heated seats and mirrors are great. It gets decent city and highway miles. I only put new front pads and front wheel bearings. Drove it to Tennessee from Indiana and it was smooth ride and we got there fast. Took it to Kentucky 3 times no problems. Plenty of room and ruck space also the seats fold back for more space just an all an all great vehicle.

Kimberly W

2008 ford escape still going strong!

This is a good car and very reliable. I have over 150,000 miles on it and it still only needs routine maintenance. With a small family there is still plenty of room and trunk space. The only downfall is they didn't start with the Bluetooth and touchscreens till 2009.

Nikki B

Reliable SUV with 4 wheel drive

My Ford Escape has been a relatively reliable vehicle. I like that it is a 4 wheel drive vehicle and that it is spacious for my family. I would say that my only complaint would be the most. I make a lot of trips to the gas station, so if you're looking for a fuel efficient car this isn't for you, unless going for the newer year models. Other than that, I enjoy this vehicle and would purchase again

Negative Owner Reviews

Steph F

No titles for the review of my old does garbage auv

Prone to rust, gas mileage is poor, trim features are cheap, stereo is cheap sound system os cheap, squeaks and rattles. Recommend a newer model they seem to have better fuel economy, better quality interior, better visible headlights at night, however overpriced

Kristina B

There aren't really any interesting details it's the same as any other car

It is a nice SUV just too small now that the kids are getting bigger not enough room in the back. It's already had muffler issues and some other minor things this car is good for someone just getting their license not for a family car it is a nice car good on gas

JackParsons

Power

Not good thepower steering went out saidit the angler of it not covered only had the since last ofNovember

Jesse McDaniel

Escapes r lemons don't buy

The 2008 Ford escape is the biggest pos I've ever worked on or drove the tie rods ball joints wheel bearing hub everything has been replaced and keeps coming loose done had 3 people work on it and a shop and its still has front end problems every week something gos wrong with the pos now the serpentine belt keeps coming off by far the worst vehicle and momey pit ever ill.never own one of these pos and I told my friend to take it to the shop that im not working on it no more true definition of a pos Ford fix or repair daily f*****g junk

Jerri C

It is very easy to drive and also is a safe car to drive. It is up high off the ground which is a plus for me.

It is old and does not have updated features that come standard with newer vehicles/

Jennifer S

Ford escape hybrid, not impressive by any means.

I've had nothing but problems. The steering column went shortly after we bought it. No one will work on because it's a hybrid so we always have to take it to the dealership so it costs way more. The gas mileage is not impressive for a hybrid at all.I would never buy this again.

Money pit

Bought used from a local established dealer 3 years ago. Been nothing but a money pit from the "phantom" steering wheel shake from a bad sensor that required the entire steering column be replaced to the tune of just under a $1,000.00. Bad shifter sensor that would not allow you to start the car...$300.00 for that. Now the body is rapidly rusting away out of nowhere and just this week the factory radio just up and died. Looking at another $200 to $400 for that I am being told by the dealer.

Samantha N

Do not buy a Ford Escape, or any ford!

Not very comfortable for a small SUV, terrible on gas mileage, has a lot of mechanical issues and recalls. The parts are not easy to find and can be pretty expensive. All the Ford dealerships near me have horrible service and they have refused to fix the 3 recalls that my car had.

What Do Critics Say About the Escape?

Consumer Reports says the updated Escape adds new problems and has very low owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Escape a 4.2/5, liking the comfortable interior, but disliking the poor performance.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Escape 4.4/5, enjoying the high ground clearance, but disliking the bad handling.

What Common Problems Does the 2008 Ford Escape Have?

Problems with the 2008 Escape are extremely serious and include transmission failures, worn out power steering systems, and dead engines.

Transmission failures are the most common complaint showing up at around 90,000 miles. If the transmission fails the only solution is replacing the entire assembly for around $3,500.

Worn-out power steering systems are another frequent problem at around 110,000 miles. Replacing the steering column and torque sensor fixes the problem, but prices are high at around $1,300.

Engine failures show up on a lot of Escape models at around 65,000 miles. Frequent misfires cause a lot of damage, and replacing the engine costs about $4,000.

There are 6 recalls, with the most serious ones being for a coolant pump failure which leads to overheating, and the computer for the electronic power steering system.

How Long Will the 2008 Ford Escape Last?

A properly maintained 2008 Escape will last around 150,000 miles before it becomes too costly to repair, which is 100,000 miles less than a Honda CR-V. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than rivals, at $515 per year, according to Repair Pal.

Most Escapes will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace the water pump for $500, exhaust manifold costing $900, and airbag control module which is $525.

S K

Yes. I have not personally had any issues. I did have to replace the wipers but that is reasonable considering the age of it. Same thing with the oil, which even after getting an oil change it took a little bit for the oil gauge to reset so the light wasn't randomly going on. Also had trouble a couple of times where the car was slow to start up.

Mayra A

This vehicle does have problems and we will need to replace the key ignition for a second time soon. We have put in over 5k in repairs.

Amber D

Yes, it has been with me for a long time and through many long road trips without any issues. When it has had problems it is relatively inexpensive to fix.

Tyler E

It seems to rust faster than other vehicles but the way it functions is impeccable. The axle broke at 70k but other than that nothing but tired and wiper changes (besides the rust).

Michele F

I think the escape is very reliable. I always feel in control of my car. It always starts, even in very cold weather, and stops easily. The steering is great, not too sensitive but not any play in the wheel either. I have not had any problems with my car, as I keep up with maintenance.

Val J

The problem I have is that it is not comfortable. It is more truck like. I find on long trips my back becomes sore and sometimes there is not enough leg room I'd you have back seat passengers.

Callie C

I have never had a problem with mine. I have left sunroof open before and got water stains on my seat.

Brooke H

Yes it is. It gets me where I needs to be and it is decent on gas it creates a comfortable ride for everyone.

How Much Is the 2008 Ford Escape Worth?

Blue book values on the 2008 Escape range from $4,916 – 5,092, making the Escape about $500 cheaper than a Nissan Rogue or Jeep Liberty. When new, the price range was $19,140 to $21,685. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 12% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Escape?

There are three models of the Escape available. Technology is good since it was last redesigned for 2008, with some new safety features added for 2010.

XLS is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Keyless Entry
Power Windows & Locks
4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX Input

XLT is a step up adding features such as:

16-inch Alloy Wheels
Premium Cloth Seating
Power Driver’s Seat
Automatic Headlights
Cruise Control

Limited is the flagship model and comes with:

16-Inch Bright Machined Alloy Wheels
Leather Seating
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
Premium 320-Watt Stereo System
Optional DVD-Base Navigation

XLS

153 HP 22-22 MPG

View Details

XLT

200 HP 20-20 MPG

View Details

Limited

200 HP 20-20 MPG

View Details

Hybrid

133 HP 28-28 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Escape?

The base engine is the fairly weak 2.3L 4-cylinder with 153 horsepower, which gets up to 24 MPG combined.
An available upgrade is the slightly more powerful 3.0L V6, which makes 200 horsepower and gets up to 20 MPG combined. Performance is poor, taking 8.6 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Escape Come In?

How Big Is the Escape?

The 2008 Ford Escape is an average compact SUV similar in size to the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson. Passenger space is good and adults fit in both rows, but the backseats are not very supportive.

Cargo space is a bit lower than some rivals offering 29 cubic feet of room behind the seats and up to 66 when folded flat.

How Does the Escape Compare to the Competition?

The Ford Edge is another rival from Ford, costing about $1,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Edge, but the Escape handles trail driving better with its higher suspension. We recommend neither for the 2008 model year, since they have similar mechanical problems.

The Honda CR-V is a popular competitor which costs about $2,000 more. Reliability ratings are much better on the CR-V, but the Escape is more powerful. We recommend the CR-V since they last much longer and are more affordable to own.

Ranks #8 Compact SUV by Owners

2008 Subaru Forester

2008 Honda Element

4.54

2008 Ford Escape

4.29

Do Owners Recommend the Ford Escape?

S K

Yes. Serves my needs and I have not had any problems with the car and I appreciate the size. I would prefer better mileage.

Mayra A

Yes. I have enjoyed driving it. My two car seats fit well and enough trunk space to fit my stroller, even a double stroller.

Amber D

Yes, it is reliable and has lasted for a very long time - I have had it for 130k miles and have had limited issues.

Tyler E

Yes, it has held up with very little problems 12 years in, with 90k miles. It is the best vehicle I have ever driven in the snow; it beats Chevrolet and Mercedes for sure.

Michele F

Yes my 2008 ford escape is a good vehicle. The ride is comfortable, and the size is large enough to haul large boxes with seats down (larger than a car trunk). It has excellent power and good steering control. I feel safe in my escape.

Val J

Yes it is. I have driven it a lot and have not had that many repairs. My dog fits in the back nicely. I have 4 wheel drive which helps in the snow.

Callie C

Yes it is because it has great stereo and bass ac and heat works quickly, drives easy and good on gas and safe.

Brooke H

Yes I have found it to be reliable it runs good and is good for long uses I would recommend it to others.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Jeff M. on December 6, 2022

Extremely reliable. Loved this car. XLT, 3.0, AWD, leather.

At 240K miles, the tranny died. I don't think the tranny fluid was ever changed. While from day one it always had the clunky upshift from first to second at 20 mph, I got used to it. Very common with these trannys. I was fortunate not to have a single issue that required taking it to a mechanic. Too often with other cars I've owned, they screwed #*^% up versus fixing it. The only issue I had was with the sunroof getting janky ~150K. Wasn't worth the cost to get it fixed. Otherwise, two brake jobs, a couple of taillight bulbs, AC/heat actuator replacement (super cheap and simple job), a few batteries and air cleaners, and regular oil changes (nothing fancy, just Castrol GTX and whatever was the cheapest filter at O'Reilly) by me every 7,500 miles and that was it. The spark plugs are still original. I'm still torn between just sending it off to the salvage yard for a few hundred bucks, or doing a remanufactured swap myself ($4K for a mechanic to do it isn't worth it with the mileage it has). Anyhow, that's my story. The End!

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tonyluis on September 2, 2023

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Hayden on December 7, 2022

Great little suv for being 15 yrs old

I have the black slate color Ford Escape. I believe I’m the third owner of the car. I’ve only had minor issues so far such as having to replace my ignition coil and my battery. I keep it up to date on maintenance, when I bought it it had 122,000 on the odometer. Now it’s got 131,000 and change on it. It drives well and I love the convenience of the fact it sits up like a truck and has the convenience of a car. It’s mostly just me in it and the stereo system is awesome. It drives like a dream and is overall perfect for a first time car owner.

Franco on December 29, 2022

Great Vehicle

It’s rare that my cars fail,I believe all those complaints are from people that never properly maintain their vehicles, they just put gas and ever even check oil level I had have a FordFocus 2000 with 370,000 miles!, I only replaced the water pump and I still sold it, a Ford Escape 2005 which I raplaced transmission at 175,000 miles , now 210,000 and running greatly, a Ford Escape 2008 with no major problems I purchase this vehicle used; my question is what do you do to brake these vehicles down?

brian on May 2, 2023

~197k miles on my 2008 Escape

Was a decent vehicle. Had a very recalls (one which I had to pay for, before they recognized it was a recall). No major problems until transmission went in 2023! I am a professional driver, so YMMV.

Alison Woods on February 20, 2023

Seems to be indestructible

I have a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid and I am waiting for it to break so that I can get a new car. Maybe now that I've called it indestructible it will finally break.

Beth M on March 27, 2021

Very dependable. Overhead interior light has been an issue from the start

Haven't had any issues with the vehicle. I keep up on the maintenance and it gets me where I need to go. No matter if it's states away or just around the corner. There have been times that the sun is shining in the windows just right that I can't see some of the things I'm looking at, or the sun is reflecting back into my eyes.

Maria C on March 27, 2021

Nice SUV if you do not have more than 1 kid

It is a very nice car. I bought it used 2 years ago and I have not had any problem with it. The only downside is the trunk is small for me since I have a toddler and you can fit the stroller and maybe something else. But for regular shopping works great.

Carol F on March 26, 2021

Good but old. It has taken me where I want to go.

It's an older model so interior isn't in the best shape. It is starting to rust. I like the size of the vehicle.

Michael M on March 24, 2021

AS a hybrid SUV, great gas mileage and dependable, long lasting

For an SUV, it gets 31 mpg. Been very little maintenance. Now has 230,000 miles and still runs great. Will buy another. It's the hybrid model.

Casey C on March 24, 2021

Love how everything still works great and nothing breaks and lasts a long time.

It's a great car for moms who have children. Runs really good and doesn't have any problems. Very long lasting car if you take care of it. Good gas mileage, very easy to get around in. Sound system, breaks, ignition, windows, keyless entry code all still works for being over 10 years old.

Jordan K on March 23, 2021

2008 Blue Ford Escape Review

I've loved the space inside the vehicle, without it being a huge car. Overall, I've been very happy with this vehicle and the comfort and durability. It's lasted us several years and it's still kicking. It's not without its problems though. The biggest problem we've had with the car is something with the steering column. It's like the wheel wouldn't catch and when turns were made it wouldn't register and made much wider turns, but that has been fixed for years. The next biggest is something wrong with the ignition. Sometimes it can take me 10 minutes or so just to get it started. Its something with the part where the key is inserted and sometimes it just doesn't line up correctly. We've also had a problem with the fans not working unless they're on full blast and a problem with the hinges breaking on the back liftgate window. Since it is older, there aren't nearly as many features as newer cars (like bluetooth, rearview camera, etc.) but it still does everything it needs to!

Tabitha B on March 22, 2021

It's very reliable and safe.

I love how nice it is and how smooth it drives. It's perfect for my family. There's nothing that I dislike.

Melanie C on March 18, 2021

Ford Escape: Reliable As Heck

I quite enjoy the Ford Escape. It is a reliable car, even when I am driving 60 miles a day to work on the highway. This is definitely a car I would trust to get my most loved friends and family members to get anywhere. I have not had a single problem with it and I have had it for about 6 months now.

All E on March 15, 2021

This is the car that my parents decided was best for their teenagers to learn to drive in.

We have had to change the alternator and transmission but otherwise I love this car. It is comfortable and good power.

Stefanie H on March 12, 2021

Reliable car but wouldn't buy again.

I have loved the hybrid aspect of the car for gas mileage and being good for the environment. But we've had a few problems because of it. We had to replace a part that was a defect but ended up paying about $1800. Also the air conditioning does not work once it is a certain temperature, especially if humid. The car is spacious and great interior. But it is sort of a rough drive. It is a reliable car but I wouldn't buy another hybrid.

Debra B on March 10, 2021

It is a very reliable car. We live in the country and our road is bad, but my Escape goes right through the muddy mess. It is a real trouper!

I like that it is so reliable. The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't have temp notices.

Sara L on March 10, 2021

Perfect geologist vehicles.

Highly reliable on all road conditions. Only malfunction has been occasional loss of power steering in extreme cold but this was mentioned in the recall notice and a fix is available we just have not been able to make it to a shop. This vehicle is consistently a top performer on Montana's Maine's and California's roads.

Jason C on March 7, 2021

2008 Ford Escape limited 4x4.

The 2008 Ford Escape limited 4x4 has been a pretty reliable vehicle. I have only had to make minor repairs to it. Most of them I could do myself or with the help of a friend. There is a tendency to rust around the wheel wells. The ride is smooth, and the seats are comfortable.

Lacey D on March 7, 2021

Ford Escape you will not regret.

The Ford Escape has been the best car I have ever had. I have had minimal problems with the car. I have had to change out the car battery only a few times but nothing severe has happened. It has been very reliable. One of the main reasons I like it so much is that it has great space. It has the good mixed between a car and a SUV. It gets great gas mileage like a car but has the space of a SUV. So having that happy medium sure make it easy to enjoy and want another one just like it. The Ford Escape does have a new one that comes out that gets like 41 mpg. I have heard nothing but great reviews with the new Ford Escape. So I can only hope it will be just as good if not better than the 2008 I have. You will not regret getting the Ford Escape. It will definitely be your forever car once you make the purchase. You can beat the price, the mileage, the space, and the reliability it gives to you and your family. So win and doubt get you a Ford Escape. You will not regret it and it will make you the happiness girl/ boy in the world. So what are you waiting for? Go get that Ford Escape and show everybody who’s boss and how happy you are!!

Barbara H on March 3, 2021

It has been very reliable.

It doesn't have a lot of power. I like sitting higher.

Tania L on March 1, 2021

I love my easy to handle, good looking, travel ready ford escape.

My ford escape is very dependable, has had few major repairs. It is comfortable, especially on long distance driving. Like the power adjustable driver seat and steering wheel, the intelligent four wheel drive and the sun roof. It is easy to get in and out and appreciate the back for loading groceries or almost anything.

Jessica K on March 1, 2021

Sporty vehicle that is perfect for a family of four.

I love the sporty look and the Escape is a sharp looking vehicle. It is easy to drive and seating is comfortable. I do sometimes regret though not getting something with 3rd row seating to accommodate more people. But overall it is perfect for our daily needs.

Wanda H on February 28, 2021

Very dependable vehicle, long lasting.

This is the second escape I have owned and I enjoy it very much. . Has enough room for everything I need and is very nice to drive. Price was right. My first escape was a 2002 and it had over 275, 000 miles on it when I got a new one.

Mary P on February 26, 2021

It is great for hauling things. It also is great for seeing out the windows.

I like my Ford Escape because it is roomy and I can haul a lot of stuff in it. It really suits my needs.

Sydney M on February 21, 2021

The luxury like a jeep without paying the jeep price.

The 2008 Ford Escape XLT AWD is a wonderful Vehicle for anyone. I look at my vehicle like a mini Jeep. It's cheaper than a Jeep but also gets you where you need to go just like a Jeep. One Problem I have noticed with my vehicle is that it started doing this weird ignition thing where it wouldn't engage the starter when the key was rotated. About the second or Third attempt is usually when the car starts. But that's the only issue I've encountered. Other than that if you are looking for a nice family vehicle that's also friendly on Gas then this is your car of choice.

Heather R on February 17, 2021

Comfortable, reliable, smooth ride.

It is a great vehicle. I bought it used. It does make a noise up front but I think that is just the brakes. Drives nice and easy. Very comfy with a lot of legroom. Perfect size for someone who is bigger. Is also a 4 wheel drive and is awesome on side roads. Has better mpg on the highway but relatively decent gas mileage all around.

Gabriela Z on February 16, 2021

Wonderful 2008 Escape truck for travel

I love that my car is very comfortable for traveling. It drives very well in different conditions. For example we went to Colorado in winter and drove up the mountain and in icy conditions and we didn't have any problems with it. I did have to replace the ignition switch about 3 years ago which I thought was unusual but other than that it has been a great car.

Rhonda J on February 16, 2021

This Ford gets you around town daily.

This vehicle is good for moving things and getting around town, have not took it on a road trip, had an exhaust leak, had to get that fixed, a brake problem and it seems to be having some alignment issues going on right now, but other than that it is a good little truck to get you from point A to point B, I guess I am just used to having Honda.

Michael L on February 15, 2021

The escape has lots of room to transport items, including small furniture and other such bulky items!

I like that it has lots of room to transport items. I like that it sits slightly higher off the ground compared to a car. I like that there is an aux jack to stream podcasts from my phone.

Sheila P on February 11, 2021

The 2008 Ford Escape is a fun and sporty vehicle to drive.

I love my Escape. It drives great and handles well in the rain. The Escape has the room I need, and can easily be parked in a door spot. I get the comfort ride of a car with the height and space of a truck. I get excellent fuel mileage and can even tow a trailer. The Escape has a power adjustable drivers seat making it easy for me to reach everything and my husband to accommodate his large frame. The Escape has both rear defrost and wiper for the back glass. The back glass opens independently or with the liftgate making it easier to grab items from the back. The rear seat folds up to allow more cargo space. The Escape even has a feature that lets you know if you have a low tire.

Dawn G on February 8, 2021

Great drive, great gas mileage.

No problems, great gas mileage. With a manual transmission the car gets over 34 mpg on highway, 27 around town.

Jennifer S on February 8, 2021

Ford escape hybrid, not impressive by any means.

Joe I on February 8, 2021

It gets great gas mileage.

The seat is tough to adjust and get comfortable in due to limited amounts of adjustments that can be made. This is for the drivers and passengers seat in the front.

Tammie K on February 6, 2021

The four wheel drive is awesome. It is very easy to drive and get around in.

I love my 2008 Ford Escape. The most significant reason I love it is that it is always in four wheel drive. I have always worried about getting out of my driveway in the winter but am confident that my Escape can handle the snow.

Sierra S on February 6, 2021

It's big enough to haul small furniture and items around, but also comfortable enough that it still feels like a car.

I like sitting up higher like a SUV dose, but I also like how my vehicle is still a small sized SUV. I like my light, leather interior. I also like my air conditioning, as my old car didn't have it.

Kay L on February 1, 2021

Great car to get from a to b.

I wish I had power locks and car start sometime I need Bluetooth for when I need to charge my phone and play music. I have and iPhone 7 plus and it has one port. So you cannot do both some times a screen would be nice. To quickly tap the next song instead of typing all the songs in.

John H on February 1, 2021

It is dependable and affordable

It is dependable. Pickup is good. Lasted longer than expected.

Ashley C on February 1, 2021

Great and reliable car! I love it!

I love my car, it is very reliable, comfy, and very spacious which is good. I have had it for about a year and a half now and the only complaint I have is that it is a little bad when it comes to gas mileage. But that is reasonable because it is a pretty big vehicle and it is a v6. But I definitely recommend.

Jack B on January 31, 2021

My car is 11 years old but still runs good.

My vehicle is a green 2008 Ford Escape that I bought in Hawaii in November 2007. I do not have any problems with my vehicle currently. Last year I had to change out the battery, and this year I had to buy a new tire. Also last year, I have to have the emissions sensor changed so that I could pass my state vehicle safety inspection.

Mary B on January 28, 2021

Hands free controls inconsistent.

Love the hands free features. Phone, radio, etc. Controlled from steering wheel. Whish voice command worked better. Does not always understand correct name you want to call.

Jennifer R on January 27, 2021

The name of the vehicle is gracie.

It does not get the gas mileage that I thought it would. The back window rattles and makes an irritating noise. It does not handle real good on the road. The switch for the air conditioner/ heater only works on high blast. Not real happy with the 4 cylinder engine.

Jodi A on January 25, 2021

Old faithful: no major problems over 10 years.

My Ford Escape hybrid has been a reliable car for the most part. It has a CD loaded GPS system, heated leather seats (in the front) and gets great gas mileage because it is a hybrid vehicle. I took it to a local garage when it started giving me a message that I had to pull over safely; the problem was solved when I took it to a local garage, which did a google search and discovered the throttle needed to be cleaned. Haven't had trouble since. I would avoid taking it to the dealership - they will pretend not to know what the problem is and charge you a ton just to do a diagnostic check.

Abigail T on January 24, 2021

Super reliable SUV, just be careful with it!

My car is very reliable about 95% of the time. Occasionally, if I've been driving it too long or on rough terrain, it has a hard time accelerating above 50 MPH. It's also front wheel drive, which might contribute to that. It uses a lot of gas as it has a V6 engine, but that's just how it is when a car has that type of engine. I really do love this car, I bought it at 190,000 miles and it's still in perfect working condition, well loved, but works well. Overall, it is a very reliable consumer car for someone who wants an every day, 5 seat SUV.

Judy R on January 24, 2021

The Ford Escape is a very reliable vehicle. There is plenty of legroom. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of legroom for people in the back.

My Ford has heated seats which warms me up in the winter. The car is roomy and love the way it drives.

Lauren E on January 23, 2021

Seats are a different material and extremely hard to clean.

Seems there is always a problem with breaks. Transmission had to be replaced in my case. There were times at first where I was happy to have my car, but I feel if I had a newer or different car I would enjoy that it runs more smooth. Would have made a different purchase after knowing these things.

Shelly P on January 22, 2021

2008 ford escape in detail.

I own a 2008 ford escape. It drives pretty good, but we have had problems with the transmission twice. It is an older model, so I am about ready for an upgrade. The truck has about 150 thousand miles on it and has been heavily used within last couple of years.

sarah b on January 19, 2021

I think people should know that it is very comfortable with lots of room and folding rear seats easy for travel and also that gas mileage is really good especially highway.

I love the roominess of the vehicle and that the gas mileage is good. I love that the air gets very cold; however I do wish that there was a way to spread it more evenly as it seems either way to cold on driver or you must point it away. I also wish it was a manual transmission.

Kirstin N on January 16, 2021

Vehicle gets me from point A to point B. Plus it gets me thru the tough winters in WI.

I bought my vehicle about 5 years ago due to needing a bigger vehicle. I was lucky enough to find this vehicle which had only had one previous owner and took very good care of it and had very low miles. For the most part the vehicle has been okay. We have had to change the brakes and suspension but that's about it.

Davis D on January 15, 2021

Good on gas and a perfect family car

It's a very reliable car my and my family loves it. It's good on gas a/c works very well. It's also good on gas. And a all around good family car. It's good to go on family trips in. We've been to the beach as well as the mountains in it as long as you keep up with the maintenance

Mark K on January 14, 2021

It's touchy brakes need some work

I like everything about my vehicle except for the seats

Rachael M on January 13, 2021

I love that it is all wheel drive and when it has good tires on it you don't have to worry about the winter. It has leather seats which is nice for clean up. I don't like how old it is I need a new car. I can't complain about anything else it's a good car

When it has good tires it gets you anywhere in the winter

Ron C on January 10, 2021

It can carry an unimaginable amount of cargo.

I like ford quality. This mini-SUV gets good mileage and handles well. I also like the comfort and safety systems.

Cindy G on January 10, 2021

The Escape is reliable, comfortable, and good for hauling dogs and cargo.

The Escape is a reliable vehicle except after 10 years or so the car formed some malfunction where it drained the battery while parked. After having several mechanics look at it, we ended up putting a switch on the battery where we can disconnect it when parked for several hours. Other than that, the vehicle has served us well. I like driving it because it sits high enough to see the road much better than small cars. The gas mileage is not as good as we like and didn't live up to the advertised range. It is comfortable to drive and to ride in as a passenger. Another reason we like it is that the seats fold down flat in the back, making it nicer to transport our dogs and carry cargo. The back seats also split 70/30 so that a passenger can sit in the back seat while most of the seat lays down for cargo. This vehicle is 10 years old and I hope will last another 5 years. I would consider buying another Escape.

Felicia B on January 10, 2021

Ford escape- dependable, sturdy.

My vehicle is a very reliable and dependable vehicle. I love how it drives, it is decent on gas mileage, and it is a perfect small work vehicle. I have had minor trouble with the pedals, but that was a relatively easy fix. I would recommend this vehicle of you are looking for a small but sturdy car.

Craig L on January 9, 2021

SOLID, WELL PRICED VEHICLE

4 CYLINDER MODEL, GOOD GAS MILEAGE. COMFORTABLE RIDE, GOOD SOUND SYSTEM, GOOD BLUETOOTH SYSTEM. NOISY INTERIOR.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.