First of all, my F-150 is the best truck I have ever owned and I do not plan to trade it any time soon but my 2001 Ford Explorer Eddie Bower 6 cylinder is on the trade block. I have been looking at the new Explorers with the sweet 8 cylinder 292 hp engine since last September and decided to buy one. It would be my wife's replacement (the Explorer is her's) BUT two things have interferred with my thinking process. One, the price of gas jumped 15 cents in one day in the Denver area and Two, my wife drove a 2006 Excape Limited. She really liked it. After doing some research, I found that two people had them at work and mileage in town was approaching 19 mph and on the road about 26 to 28. These drivers are close to seniors and do not put the 'pedal to the metal'.

This week is the Denver Auto Show - Ford offers a $500. rebate if you go to the show and visit their booth. Also, Escape has a $2000 rebate and a $1000 additional rebate if you finance. That could be a savings of $3500.

I have to admit that this vehicle looks and drives great. Also it has addressed the last year roll over issue and has sensors to avoid this unless you are driving like a 'looney'. For the first time, I think the cost of gas is affecting my view of vehicles I own. Will always have a big Ford 4X4 truck but the other vehicles might be downsized. What do you think?

 

My wife drives a 2004 AWD Escape limited. It has been one of the best vehicles we have ever owned. We talked about trading it for a 2006 explorer, but she said she would rather keep her Escape. She drives like Ernhardt on crack and it still gets >25 mpg average. We towed a 4000lb trailer from Boston to Florida driving 70 - 75 all the way. Never a moments trouble. We have driven it in mountainous terrain in snow and icy conditions and it behaved flawlessly. It will also smoke my F150 to 100 mph. If you decide on the Escape you should be very satisfied. good luck

 

My wife and I looked at both the Escape and the Explorer before we bought her new Escape last March. For us the gas mileage was an issue, but not the deciding factor. We just liked the dimensions of the Escape so much better -- easier to see out of, easier to park, and a lot less of that "family truckster" feel to it! After a year of ownership I couldn't be more pleased with our Escape!

 

Thanks for all your input. Today is my wife's birthday - think I will go all out and get her an Escape Limited in Redfire Metallic with all of the bells and whistles. Sounds like everyone is very happy with their purchase and a real plus with the increased gas mileage. Semper Fi

 

Don't forget about the Escape's twin sister..........



The Mazda version looks much nicer, and more refined, in my opinion.

 

Yes, you have a point. The Mazda is good looking, but I have an affliction to that blue oval no matter how big or small. So, yesterday, I bought my wife an Escape Limited. Is really nice and actually fits into my garage next to my F-150. They make a nice pair. And the V-6 is much more powerful than my Explorer with the V-6. Mostly because the Escort has much less weight. Semper Fi. Thanks all.

 

We also just picked up an 06 Escape Limited 4x4 just a couple weeks ago for my mother to drive around. Absolutely the best SUV for the money! No complaints at all with anything. It rides A LOT better then my 02 Mountaineer does.

 

I would be lying if I said I liked the Mazda. I think that "crease" in the doors is BUTT-UGLY. It looks like someone sideswiped a park bench or something.

 

X2

I've seen many posts (both here and over at "www.EscapeCentral.com") where people have complained that the Mazda version is the better looking vehicle.

I've always thought the Mazda version was kind of awkward looking, and that the Ford version had cleaner, crisper lines....

 

when you compare the Mazda to the Escape, The Escape to me looks 10 times better. Why is it though the Mazda's cost less then the Escapes since there pretty much the same almost besides the looks?