2008 Ford Escape

Times change. So too do buyer preferences. When the Ford Escape made its debut (as an early 2001 model), the small utility segment was selling about 800,000 units per year. Now, as the latest generation Escape rolls out (as an early 2008), that market has virtually doubled in size. When the first Escape appeared, compact sport-utility vehicles were mostly just that—sport utes on a smaller scale. These days, the lines have blurred between car and truck in the SUV segment. Under the broad banner known as crossovers, we find everything from tall, all-wheel-drive station wagons to scaled down, truck-based SUVs. Count the 2008 Escape on the truck side of that continuum. Escape hits the sweet spot for most buyers in this market. It emphasizes on-road driving, but has the capability of pulling light off-road duty, too.

Styling

Style-wise, Escape cuts against the grain. Where most crossovers are getting progressively more car-like in their designs, the new Escape has a little harder edge than the last generation model. Aside from a laid-back windshield, the looks borrow a page from the square-shouldered styling of Ford's truck line. The belt line is raised, and gone is the plastic cladding of former versions. The '08 Escape looks clean and uncluttered.


While the outside gets a tougher look, inside it's a different story. Slide into the front seat in the new Escape and you take in a straightforward instrument panel: circular twin dials, lit in blue. There's a notable increase in onboard storage spots, compared to previous models. The center console bin is now large enough to swallow a laptop computer, or it can be fitted with removable trays, for smaller items. Other spots for carry-on stuff include cubbyholes, molded door pockets and a small glove box. Regardless of sound system choice, all models have a standard MP3 jack mounted low on the dashboard. Controls and switchgear are generally within easy reach.


New on the option sheet for Escape this year is a touch screen navigation system (formerly available only on hybrid models). Our test drive took us though some unfamiliar areas, and we found it easy to move around the map and check directions while driving. HVAC controls are found in a trio of rheostats in center dash, flanked by small buttons. A dash top display on the center stack houses digital readouts for sound system, climate control and outdoor temperature. Most impressive inside the Escape is the quiet ride. In fact, NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels in the 2008 Escape have decreased 15 percent from '07 models.

Interior

In the category of standard features we all hope to never use but are glad to know are there, all gasoline-engine Escape models are fitted with side air curtains and airbags, traction control and rollover stability control systems.