A new breed of American hybrids are making waves in the automotive world, with models like the 2008 Ford Escape re-claiming America’s “green” image, and promising serious competition for the import hybrids currently dominating the US market.
There’s no doubt about it; American car manufacturers got off to a late start with hybrid technology. The Pacific Rim manufacturers like Toyota and Honda beat the US to the punch when it came to integrating hybrid engine technology with affordable and dependable passenger vehicles. But it’s the American companies who may have the last laugh.
GM, for example, jumped into the hybrid arena with its sturdy Saturn VUE and Aura lines. These “light hybrid vehicles” have done well in the marketplace, even outselling Toyota models in a few markets. And now Ford looks set to re-claim America’s green heritage with its impressive 2008 Ford Escape. The Escape’s full hybrid system delivers the best fuel efficiency and gas mileage of any SUV available to date–including the imports.
The 2008 Escape boasts a very respectable 30 mpg in city driving, and rates as a PZEV vehicle (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle). This is all made possible by the Escape’s new full hybrid engine. A Full hybrid system indicates that the car can actually operate on its electric motor alone. And as you would expect, the full hybrids obtain far better fuel efficiency than the so-called light hybrids.
While standing still in city traffic, for example, the Escapes’ engine turns completely off. But the slightest touch of the accelerator moves the car forward silently on its battery-powered electric motor, and the gasoline engine will only come online again when approaching 30-35 MPH.
This full hybrid technology is easily the biggest selling point for the 2008 Ford Escape. It means that, potentially, you could obtain 500 miles (or more) out of a single tank of gas (assuming the driving conditions were right). And as an SUV, you can be sure that the Escape is comfortable both on-the-road and in light off-road situations. “Versatile” is the word that comes to mind.
The 2008 Escape features a 2.3 liter, 16-valve engine, producing a respectable 155 horsepower when coupled with its electric power system. The Escape Hybrid is also sold with an optional E85 fuel engine, for those looking to really minimize oil and gas usage. As a further incentive to try American “green,” the 2008 Ford Escape currently has the highest Federal income tax credit of any hybrid, making now a great time to go green, while saving “green.”.
By now you may be thinking, “The Escape sounds great, but what about the’ bling’ factor?” In other words, are your teenage kids going to be ashamed to be seen in it? The short answer is probably not (you can never be 100% certain with kids).
The 2008 Escape is a good looking SUV. It’s not the flashiest model out there, but that’s not really the point is it? It easily handles 5 adults, and can stow a considerable amount of your gear. Handling is smooth and acceleration is respectable (especially for a hybrid).
All in all, the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid is a great ride, and one giant leap forward for American hybrid vehicles.
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I have had my 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. I have the 2WD package it handled a 6″ snowfall very well because it has a high clearance. If you know how to drive in snow and know the capabilities of your vehicle, you can get by without 4WD.
Been getting in the high 20s lately due to the fact I have been driving in snow and the cold, which will kill mileage on any vehicle. High 20s is very good compared to what I used to get with my old vehicle. It handles very well on the open road and is very comfortable to drive. Its a quiet drive for a truck unless you are bucking the wind then the boxy shape creates some excess noise. I bought it for mileage since I do alot of city driving and I need an SUV type vehicle. I am not one of the pretentious feel-gooders who buy this thing for the save the planet crap. Its very good technology and I see great things for it as it better establishes itself in the marketplace.
Comment by Brian in Wisconsin — December 6, 2007 @ 10:20 am