2009 Ford Escape
The Ford Escape, a compact 4-door SUV, was introduced in 2001. Sharing its basic platform with the Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute, the front- or all-wheel drive Escape seats 5 passengers. The second-generation Escape was launched as a 2008 model. The engine choices include a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, and a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder. The base model features a standard 5-speed manual transmission. Both engine choices are offered with a 6-speed automatic transmission as well (the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to the automatic transmission earned EPA fuel economy ratings of 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway). Ford also offers an Escape Hybrid model which earns 34 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. In our 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the long-regarded benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership, the Ford Escape ranked among the top three models in its segment. In addition, the SUV was rated a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in crash testing. Both Escape engines have been upgraded for 2009, and a 6-speed automatic replaces last year’s 4-speed automatic transmission.
2009 Small SUVs Buyer's Guide
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