Anyone here have a Ford Escape Hybrid?

[GoingUp]

Thinking about getting one of those or a Mercury Mariner hybrid.

What kind of mileage do you see? Hows the ride and handling? Likes? Dislikes?

We have none in my area that I can even test drive and I'd like to know more.

Thanks!

 

[sniperruff]

some cabs here in NYC are escape hybrids... no idea how they ride

 

[JulesMaximus]

My neighbor has one and a woman I work with also has one. Both of them like it very much. I'm not sure on gas mileage but I seem to recall it getting around 30mpg city.

I rented a regular Escape a while back and it drove nice and was comfortable on long trips. Gas mileage was poor though with the V6 and I think my Maxima has more interior room for hauling passengers.

 

[cbrsurfr]

Major downside (last I checked) was Ford still used a belt driven ac compressor...meaning if you have the AC on the gasoline engine will not cut off. Makes it more like a hybrid assist only vehicle in that case.

Otherwise both are nice. If you don't want many options then the Escape is your only choice, if you are looking for all the bells and whistles go with the Mariner. Once they are loaded the price difference is negligable and the Mariner looks more luxurious.

 

[GoingUp]

Originally posted by: cbrsurfr
Major downside (last I checked) was Ford still used a belt driven ac compressor...meaning if you have the AC on the gasoline engine will not cut off. Makes it more like a hybrid assist only vehicle in that case.

Otherwise both are nice. If you don't want many options then the Escape is your only choice, if you are looking for all the bells and whistles go with the Mariner. Once they are loaded the price difference is negligable and the Mariner looks more luxurious.

I'd get the thing fully loaded, and probably the Mariner too. Its only $200 more full loaded and does look a little nicer.

Too bad it takes 3 months to get one right now, would have been nice to get the tax credit, but I'm not going to order without driving one.