Ford Escape 2008

By Bruno Bouchard

Conservative evolution

The Ford Escape 2008 is a brand new vehicle. It was redesigned from scratch for this model year. This means, a new concept with a new line of thought, new chassis and more. But wait, it looks so much like the previous Escape, and it feels like it too. Now I'm wondering, did Ford made a mistake and send us a 2007 instead? Nope, after double checked, it's not mistake it is a 2008 model. I'm a bit confused here. The engineers were given a blank sheet of paper to start with and they came up with something astonishingly similar to what the Escape was already. This can mean only two things: they had it perfect the first time or they simply have no imagination! It's actually hard to say in the Escape's case since it one the best sellers for Ford although the truck is not a leader in performance, comfort or technology. My guess here is that Ford did not want to mix up a winning formula.

Interior

As with the exterior there is no major evolution. There is a certain lack of imagination in the design. Everything is in place but concept won't get you excited. The plastics and materials used for the dashboard and central console have a certain quality to them. The assembly cannot be taken by fault. I could not ear some cracking noses from the assembly and materials and that's something that can't be said about all its competitors.  Our road test was performed with the Limited model. This is the high end model with leather. The optional navigation and satellite radio were also present. The screen is just too small. The driver has to really pay attention to what he is doing. This means precious seconds that you are not looking at the road. This screen also controls the radio... I will suggest you preset your favorite stations before you start driving unless your passenger is the type who must the control everything in the car except the steering wheel and pedals. 

Interior room is pretty much the same as in the previous model. It's in the middle of the pack. The new Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota RAV4 offer more room. The Escape is roomy enough for five passengers with their luggage. The cargo space is within the average of the category. But you'll have to store the luggage vertically. I suggest owners to acquire a grill that can be fixed in order to keep the luggage where it should be.