An Escape. A Four Wheel Escape.
Is this the same photo?
During my Dad’s ordeal hardly a day passed that I didn’t think I needed to escape, to go somewhere far away, somewhere hard to get to, but easy to stay at. I am not a beach person, but I thought about a lighthouse (subconscious saying I needed to find a new way) bed and breakfast. I pictured myself sitting on a porch watching the ocean, cup of coffee in my hand, and a book beside me ready to be ready. Nice thoughts, but I simply could not leave my family.
But, I did have an escape, or rather an Escape. A Ford Escape. Somehow a California PR firm found this Midwest blogger and decided I would be a good person to test drive and review a 2009 Ford Escape. Apparently they found my website thanks to Twitter and liked what I wrote. Heck, I like it too most of the time.
We talked about all this would entail-driving the car and talking about my experience, and I decided to do it. Several weeks ago a 2009 Escape was dropped off where I worked, I drove it, and now I am reviewing this small Ford SUV.
If you think you have heard about a Ford Escape in the past, you probably have. None other than our first family owned, or maybe still owns, a hybrid Ford Escape. For being a smaller SUV, they are actually quite roomy. Two adults and two children would be more than comfortable. Actually, four adults would be comfortable too.
The Escape I drove was a 4WD with a 6 speed automatic transmission, and a six cylinder engine. Yes, it had plenty of power on the highway. For a SUV loaded with bells and whistles, the Escape actually got decent mileage. EPA estimated 17 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. I got 23.5 mpg, with most of my driving being highway miles. The Escape had a 16.5 gallon fuel tank.
As I said, this vehicle was loaded with bells and whistles. To start with, it had a Ford navigation system. I did not program any destinations-I only drove it to the hospital in Omaha and to work, and I had been to the hospital 30 straight days and to the same job for 23 years, so I knew where I was going. It was also equipped with satellite radio, power heated mirrors, and power heated front seats. June in Nebraska is sufficiently warm that the heat for mirrors and seats was not needed.
I did not try out the “moon roof.” I assume a moon roof is the same thing as a sun roof. I preferred to use the air conditioning instead of a breeze to cool off. I did play with the lighting-cup holders and floor lamps were various colors and I am amused by the strangest things.
The vehicle was well-equipped for safety. Driver, passenger, and side air bags, anti-lock brakes, and a tire pressure monitor system were part of the safety package. Rear seats would fold flat, and cruise and audio controls were on the steering wheel. Sorry for rambling, I am taking some of this information off the sticker.
Speaking of stickers, the MSRP is $32,560. I have always been told that only idiots pay MSRP, so I don’t know exactly what a dealer would charge for this loaded Escape. Diers Ford (of the famous Fremont, USA commercials) had a 2009 Escape in their weekly ad for $20,500. I am sure it wasn’t similarly equipped, but I suspect most vehicles aren’t.
Ford has a very good warranty program too. The Escape warranty was 3 YR/36,000 mile bumper/bumper; 5 YR/60,000 mile power train; 5 YR/60,000 mile roadside assistance.
So, how did I like the vehicle? I loved it. I wish I could afford one just like it. A more moderately equipped Escape would interest me. I think Ford is putting together quality vehicles and I hope Americans will give the company a look the next time they purchase a car.
I also want to thank Ben Gray, the man who delivered the Escape to me. I was only supposed to test drive the vehicle for a week, but during that week my Father died. Ben understood I had a lot on my mind and knew I didn’t need to think about when we could get together to return the car. I ended up keeping the Escape until after my Dad’s funeral. I thought this was a very nice gesture on Mr. Gray’s part, and I do remember little things like that when I make purchases.
I don’t know if I will get the opportunity to test drive any other vehicles in the future, but this was a wonderful experience, and I wouldn’t certainly do it again.
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