2008 Escape
 

It's nice, but I'm really disappointed about no DT35.

Here are some of the media pics, courtesy of Autoblog.com in case you're too lazy to sign in to the ford media site:

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.au...descape_02.jpg
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.au...descape_01.jpg

The hybrid's the only rear 3/4 shot they have:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.au...ape_hyb_05.jpg

and the interior:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.au...descape_10.jpg

Here are the articles on autoblog:
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/29/l...cape-revealed/
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/29/l...escape-hybrid/

Its MUCH better than i thought from some of those spy shots. The grill could look a bit better, in my opinion, but overall I think its a really good looking, rugged little truck. Nothing all that dramatic, just a nice evolution of the last escape, but making it more rugged and truck-like helps to differentiate it from the Edge. A little disappointing that the drivetrains didn't really get touched, but then again, if you want more power and a smoother tranny, get the edge. If you want a simple little truck, which i think a lot of people do, this thing is perfect.

You got to remember, they didn't want to use that motor in this vehicle, to co-compete with the Edge. Plus, they need all the D35's they can make for the 500/Montego/Freestyle when that goes on sale early next summer. Just take this into account, the new '08 Escape will be lower in price than it currently is. This will help is alot. :nice:

I would have been satisfied if they'd have just put in the Fusion's 3.0L and six-speed tranny.

I was thinking the same thing.

I saw it at the LA show, its better in person.

Do we have any clue on pricing for this or hasn't been released yet? With the Hyundai coming in north of 250hp and good looking (new Santa Fe) the Escape better be about $23,000 with the v-6 otherwise it's going to start getting overlooked even with the re-design.

Not a fan of Escape.

I just checked on the computers, and the prices haven't been released yet. The thought is that this will come in lower in price, to differentiate it from the Edge, price wise. I have been saying here at work, that an Expedition-like price drop is my guess..several thousand. I hope I am right. Once the prices are released, I will post them. :nice:

I wanted to bump this up to see if prices are listed yet. I saw it in person today at the show in Phili. Truck definitely looks good in person but it also has some pretty seriously tough competition. There are a lot of nice trucks in this segment now, most notably to me the Hyundai. The materials, fit and finish, Infinity stereo sound system are all very nice on this truck. I believe the Escape will come in priced lower, but the Hyundai also trumps the Escape with 235hp from their 3.3L. Their warranty is killer too with the 100k mile deal.

I can't wait to drive each of them to see road manners etc.

Still a huge mistake not using the Fusion's D30/6 speed auto. I guess for the time being Ford is content making dozens of different engines instead of making tons of a handful of them. The simple 3-4 engine approach is the #1 reason Japanese auto makers have become so successful.

I believe the reason why they didn't put the Fusion's 6-speed in the Escape is because it won't fit. The new 6-speed that Ford developed with GM will fit in it better from what I understand. :nice:

GOOD NEWS: Saw one in person up close and personal tonight on dealer lot. Impressed more than I expected. I really like it.

Bad News: $28,500 sticker. High level model, but with only 4 speeds and 200hp.. I dunno.

Drive one, you will not believe how much nicer this vehicle is. My co-workers like this more than the Edge. :dunno:

i saw one the other day too. I stopped by the dealer to see if they finally had an Edge on the lot. I was surprised to see an 08 Escape as early as the first time I saw an 07 Edge on the lot.

The dealer had a loaded escape with this nice metalic black color. Looked nice but it needs the 3.5L.

From what I hear, the 3.5L won't fit on the current chassis with the 6-speed. Kevin, did you get a chance to drive a new one yet? They did a great job updating an old chassis. Very quiet ride, and much smoother than the current 2007 Escape.

I saw new Escape at Milwaukee Auto Show and I didn't like it at all. Interior looks nice though.