2009 Ford Escape

[GMFan]

My father's 1997 Chevy S10 was totaled this week. Great truck, and with over 150k miles, it never had any major issues.

We are looking to replace it with an AWD/4x4 small truck. So far, my Dad is really interested in the 2009 Ford Escape AWD with the I-4 177hp engine. Reliability seems to be highly regarded for these trucks, and the mileage seems pretty good (22/28mpg).

We were also looking at a Chevy Equinox (more expensive), and a Nissan Rogue (although my Dad says it looks too girly for him). All with an automatic transmission since my mom will be driving it on occasion. We don't like the looks of the Honda CR-V.

We plan on visiting a Ford dealer in the next week to test drive, and if we decide to do so, purchase during the Presidents Day sales. How much incentives could be had on these trucks? Thank you.
http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/escape/

 

[Boomer]

Wow. Those are not "trucks". A good truck is the Nissan Frontier with the V-6 and 4WD. Fully boxed frame, great auto trans, can tow 6500 pounds. Sounds like he now wants to drive a small SUV or crossover.

 

[Badlees]

I agree with the post above. Get a Nissan or Toyota.

 

[Bill in Utah]

We got a few of them at work for light duty use (we were to get the hybrid model) and I have to say they are not too bad.

The plastic interior is pretty plain but we buy on the state contract so I know its stripped.

The only complaint is the auto hunts MAJOR. This engine would have been much better with a good old 4 speed auto IMO. (I think it is a 5 speed unit. It shifts ALOT)

I think the combo of the car (which is not light and I would not call a truck) is better matched for the V6. But they do seem to get fairly good MPG. Also the sticker in ours said 25mpg for the hwy. Not 28.

Not a bad outfit for low 20s. I'd also have him look at a Forester (better MPG, power train and AWD system. Resale is a ton better) Also cheaper for content IMO.

Take care, Bill

 

[lewdwig]

I rented an Escape and drove from Chicago to San Antonio via New Orleans over the holidays. I liked everything about the Escape except the steering seemed very busy, mostly noticed in the stretch from St. Louis to New Orleans (it was rather windy). I second taking a look at the Forester.

 

[OVERKILL]

A good friend of mine had one as a company vehicle and we both really liked it. I spent a LOT of time in it.

Glad to see Ford on his list.

 

[mstrjon32]

The new Equinox looks like it will be an outstanding car, it's worth waiting for. 30mpg and a beautiful design both inside and out. Might have the nicest interior of any small SUV I've seen.

 

[tuckman]

My mother bought an 09 escape with the 2.5L I-4. It matches her driving style very well, not a lot of gas off the start and just a touch above the speed limit on the highway. The 6-speed auto will start to hunt for gears when you start to give it the gas (my driving style). It gave me the power i needed very fast in city driving by grabbing a gear quickly.
The power steering is now electronic but still have positive feedback to the steering wheel on the feel of the road.
Mom got the XLT with leather and heated seats, the only thing i felt missing was no adjustable lumbar support on the drivers seat. The rest was comfortable for a Ford vehicle and really she has only had it since the start of the winter so who knows what the seats will feel like in the heat of the summer.

As for reliability I have 5 friends with escapes ranging from 03 to 08 (the 03 has 350,000km on it). Repairs on all of them have been maintenance...belts, hoses, brakes. No reports from them having major repairs to the motor or transmission (kinda odd for ford's reputation with transmissions, lol) All of these have been subjected to harsh Canadian winters and heavy doses of road salt.

With all of the info we had my mother was very confident in her purchase. This escape already has 10,000km on it our only issue is that when the winter tires were put on the tech broke the tire pressure sensor. It was replaced at no charge.

I would personally say...Buy this vehicle with confidence.

 

[tuckman]

The brother-in-law is a mechanic for a GM dealership and we were warned on multiple occasions to stay away from the equinox and the vibe!

 

[GMFan]

I guess I should recant my original statement about a "truck." Basically, we want something AWD/4x4 for winters and something safe that rides a little higher off the ground than your typical sedan. I guess what you would call a crossover.

Bill, ironically, we have also been looking at the Forester. I forgot to mention that. It looks like a very nice vehicle...worried about any gasket issues with these.

The other option is the Nissan Rogue. I am however worried about Nissan's CVT transmissions...so far they do not have a positive reputation.

My father is a blue collar union man, and he is partial to American vehicles. He however does not totally discount foreign makes, as we own a VW.

Thanks for all the opinions.

 

[Bill in Utah]

I can understand the concern with gaskets. My 2007 is currently going through the hoops due to a external *slight* leak on the left head.

About a cup a month (but enough to smell it inside the garage after coming home)

Be careful about "American" makes.. My Uncles PT cruiser and I think his Ford Fusion were made in Mexico.

My Toyota was made with OVER 90% US parts in Kalifornia. The subaru was with 80% US made parts in Indiana.

Bill

 

[sicko]

I've got an '09 Subaru Forester and would recommend at least checking it out. It's been redesigned and I'm really happy with it. I'd toss it into the mix worth considering.

As for the head gasket issue, Subaru addressed that a little while back and since '04 the HG issues have been significantly reduced.

I personally don't like to buy a first model year vehicle, but my previous vehicle was totaled and I needed a new car. Actually my previous vehicle was also a Forester which I had for over 9 years, and I enjoyed that car so much that after shopping around and looking at all the competitors I went back and got the '09 Forester

 

[Bill in Utah]

I would not worry about the Forester being a 1st year.

Most of the parts have been around and really other than sheet metal being new is the Transmission. And that is out of the Outback.

And that is VERY reliable!

Bill

 

[GMFan]

Well, my dad is considering the 09 Escape and the 09 Forester. He does like the looks of the Escape more.

I have a feeling he will choose the Escape, but he still has yet to test drive. He has certainly not yet written off the Forester yet.

It's his money and he has to choose what he likes more. I respect his decision, while offering the best advice I can. He knows I'm a car buff. Whatever decision he makes, I believe they will both serve him well. We take good care of our vehicles.

He would much rather support American made products (Escape = made in Missouri while the Forester = Japan) but he also has healthy skepticism/open mind in terms of vehicles, reliability and quality. I'm confident he will choose the better quality vehicle based on test drive.

Thank you all very much. You've been very helpful.

 

[Bill in Utah]

I forgot that the Forester is only made in Japan.. Duh

The Escape is a nice vehicle. He would be happy with it I'm sure.

Take care, Bill

 

[The Critic]

He should also consider the 2009 RAV4. For 2009, the RAV4 received an engine upgrade to the 2.5L (previously 2.4), an updated 4-speed transmission, and a few other updates.

I think they're built in Canada now as well.

 

[GMFan]

I was told we could get these incentives on an 08 Chevy Equinox...

2008 equinox- 4,250 Total Cash Allowances(**) OR as low as 0.0% APR for 60 months for qualified buyers(2)

He does like this vehicle, and this may also put it on the list.

I've heard to stay away from Equinox's but yet msn reliability ratings give it 5/5?

 

[mstrjon32]

If he's after an Equinox, I think it's really worth waiting for the new one if he can. It looks to be much, much nicer than the older model.

 

[GMFan]

Yeah, it does. I will have to show him the pictures. I have read it is coming out in June, and it will get 27mpg on the highway with the AWD model. GM is releasing a lot of new exciting models.

 

[badtlc]

The escape is a fantastic car. Tell your dad he has no reason to hesitate if that is what he wants. Great vehicle and a DANG good off roading vehicle.