The 2008 Escape is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 9 trims, ranging from the XLS FWD Manual to the Limited 4WD.

Upon introduction, the XLS FWD Manual is equipped with a standard 2.3-liter, I4 , 153-horsepower engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The Limited 4WD is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, V6, 200-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

The 2008 Ford Escape is a refresh, not a full redesign, though Ford and Ford dealers would have you think otherwise. For the most part, changes were cosmetic – the platform is a carryover, as are the engines and transmission. From a looks standpoint, the Escape looks much more like a baby Explorer than the cute-ute look of past years. I have mixed feelings about the look – I’m not big on vehicles that look tough but can’t back it up. However, I think it’s a much better look than last year, and I’m going give it the OK.

Now if only Ford had gone more than skin deep. The same 153 HP 2.3 liter four banger powers this vehicle – and it’s just not working anymore. Remember, this mini SUV weighs a whopping 3792 lbs – it’s not a lightweight by any stretch of the imagination. Couple that with an absolutely archaic and unacceptable 4 speed automatic transmission, and acceleration is a problem. And, of course, fuel economy isn’t there either.

Ford, we know you sell a lot of Escapes. And overall, they’re nice SUV’s, and reasonable priced. However, you need an updated Escape to stay competitive. The Japanese rivals are constantly updating and improving their offerings, and you must do the same. Here’s what we need to see, within the next year or two : More powerful AND more fuel efficient engine choices, a lower curb weight ( 3300 lbs is a bit on the porky side for a vehicle this size ) and a 6 speed auto or CVT. These changes are simple ( excerpt the weight reduction – that one’s tricky ) and will be very effective.

The 2008 Ford Escape, the smallest SUV in its maker’s line-up, has returned for the new model year with changes inside and out, and a lower pricetag as well. If you’ve waited until now to consider the vehicle referred to in Canada as the “cute ute,” you’re definitely getting more for your money. The base model will have a starting MSRP of $19,245, which includes destination charges of $665, and is still $740 less than the current model. Over the entire Escape line, the average price drop is about $1100.

Cosmetically, this Escape has been a face-lift. It will still have a family resemblance obvious to anyone who has ever seen one of Ford’s SUV’s, but it will sport a scaled-down, squarer version of the trapezoid-shaped grille shared by the Explorer and Expedition, as well as cleaner sides, with less plastic. Inside, the Escape will share environmentally-friendly seating surfaces made entirely of recycled materials with its hybrid sibling.

Additional interior modifications include Ford’s new “top of dash” instrument layout, that puts climate control information, radio functions, and temperature displays at the top of the dashboard, so the driver can glance there without having to divert much attention from the road. As well, the center console has dials and buttons that poke through, as opposed to the old “brick design” previously favored by Ford. The instruments themselves have also been updated, and now feature ice blue lights to replace the former green.

2008 Ford Escape Limited Models:
2008 Ford Escape XLS FWD Manual
2008 Ford Escape XLS FWD AT
2008 Ford Escape XLT FWD l4
2008 Ford Escape XLS 4WD AT
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4WD V6
2008 Ford Escape XLT 4WD l4
2008 Ford Escape Limited FWD
2008 Ford Escape Limited 4WD