why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Ford Escape

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 5 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Ford Escape

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2008 Ford Escape Review

By KBB.com Editors

It's easy to confuse the sleek shapes and wedge-like profiles that dominate today's compact SUV crop. The 2008 Ford Escape, however, displays the same boxy, bold and rugged look that defines Ford's Explorer and Expedition SUVs. With over a million units sold, the Escape has proven itself to be an appealing vehicle and, with a host of interior refinements as well as more standard equipment and a quieter, more upscale cabin, the 2008 model looks to continue to rack up sales.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for traditional SUV features, such as high ground clearance and a high seating position, but you want it in a smaller, more fuel-efficient package, the 2008 Ford Escape makes a good choice.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Escape's ride and handling are not as precise as many crossover utility vehicles, and its four-cylinder engine lags behind the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue in horsepower and torque.

What's New for 2008

Despite its new look, the 2008 Ford Escape's chassis, engines and transmissions are, for the most part, carry-overs from the previous model. What is new are the redesigned exterior and interior components, which include seat fabric made from 100-percent recycled material, a new dash backlit in "Ice Blue" lighting and standard AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC).

Driving the Escape

Driving Impressions The 2008 Escape gained a bit of weight compared to the 2007 model, but unfortunately didn't get any extra power to compensate for the extra padding. As a result, acceleration...

is underwhelming, even with the V6 model. Handling is best described as respectable, but not as tight or confident as experienced in more car-like utility vehicles, such as the Honda CR-V or Nissan Rouge. A new electric-assist power steering system delivers good steering response and eliminates the need for a belt-driven pump, which draws power from the engine.

Favorite Features

Navigation System
Easy to use and loaded with helpful features, the Escape's on-board navigation unit can hunt down hotels, coffee kiosks and out-of-the-way gas stations in seconds.

Center Console Storage Space
The revised center console features a storage compartment large enough to hide a laptop computer, a rubber-lined storage tray to keep electronic devices from sliding around and an optional 110-volt power outlet.

2008 Ford Escape Details

Interior

The 2008 Ford Escape's interior gets a major overhaul, with better quality plastics, "Ice Blue" dash lighting and a new "top-of-dash" information center. Ford has repositioned the parking brake lever to the driver's-side footwell, creating a new center console storage space large enough to accept a laptop computer. A thicker headliner and carpeting, as well as laminated side glass, help quiet the interior, and the Escape's rear seat remains one of the roomiest in this class. Ford's standard Safety Canopy includes side-curtain airbags that deploy in the event of a side impact or impending rollover situation.

Exterior

The 2008 Escape shares a strong family resemblance with Ford's other truck and SUV models, giving it a rugged appearance worthy of a quasi-off-road warrior. The Escape's small dimensions make it easy to park and maneuver, while the large side-glass panels permit a nearly unobstructed view for both driver and passengers. Unlike more stylized crossovers, the Escape's squared-off roof line creates a tall hatch opening that permits maximum cargo cramming. Bling junkies can opt for the Limited's Chrome Package, which adds reflective trim to the grille, rear hatch and roof rails.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The most basic Escape is powered through its front wheels by a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission. Creature comforts include rear defroster, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, 60/40 split-folding rear seats and a four-speaker CD player with auxiliary audio input jack. Standard safety features include traction control, stability control, front seat side-mounted airbags, side-curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS).

Optional Equipment

Options vary by trim and include a 3.0-liter V6 engine, four-wheel drive, 320-watt Audiophile sound system, GPS navigation, 17-inch chrome wheels, six-way power driver's seat, leather seats, heated front seats, 110-volt power outlet, power moonroof, fog lamps, keyless entry pad and the Reverse Sensing System.

Under the Hood

The base 2.3-liter four-cylinder isn't much on power, but it does return impressive fuel economy figures, especially when driven at highway speeds. If you desire a manual transmission, this is your only engine choice. The larger 3.0-liter V6 is a carry-over from last year. It provides better acceleration and the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds, but its fuel economy ratings are in the high teens and low twenties.

2.3-liter in-line four
153 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
152 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 (FWD, manual), 20/26 (FWD, automatic), 19/24 (4WD, automatic)

3.0-liter V6
200 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
193 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4850 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 (FWD), 17/22 (4WD)

2.3-liter, four-cylinder with electric motor
133 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
124 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 34/30 (2WD), 29/27 (AWD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Ford Escape vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2008 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.2

Out of 10

Based on 401 Ratings for the 2008 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

8.4/10

Quality

8.4/10
Reliability

8.7/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

8.6/10

Incredible gas mileage even when the AC is running

By BassoonLady (AZ) on Thursday, June 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Excellent fuel efficiency"

Cons: "None!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my second Ford Escape Hybrid and I highly recommend it. During the summer in Phoenix, with the AC running constantly, I get in the mid-30's MPG driving to and from work on city streets (approximately 30 miles round trip). The rest of the year I average around 40 MPG and I love the fact that when I am sitting at a stop light, the engine turns off and I am not polluting."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Incredible gas mileage even when the AC is running

By BassoonLady (AZ) on Thursday, June 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Excellent fuel efficiency"

Cons: "None!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Incredible gas mileage even when the AC is running

By BassoonLady (AZ) on Thursday, June 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Excellent fuel efficiency"

Cons: "None!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Serves a double purpose...

By Bubba (OH) on Monday, May 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 95,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "quick, large tow cap. good on long drives,good MPG"

Cons: "interior, FWD/4WD=only options, no manual trans."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"(3.0 FWD) for me it serves two great purposes, the first is the abselute raw power, flat ground its running similar 0-60 times as some of the s2000`s and 350Z`s (6.5- 7 seconds), it feels all around like a sports car (handles like one too) the only two things that limits its sportiness are the governer (set at 115 mph) and the fact that there is no manual transmission option, altogether makes for a decent sleeper car the second is the fact that it can handle a ton and a half of weight, and handling really isn't affected until you put about 800-1000 lbs on it. as far as styling the front end looks sharp and sporty, however, the side of the car is very box-like and too square, the interior, I do not like at all, everything is too stiff and feels cheap, the seats hurt my back after about an hour on the road, and all of the controls seem to be out of reach (ex. the turn signal switch= way too high, older fords had it nice and low so you didn't have to take your hands off of the steering wheel) I like the black color of it (although it gets very hot sitting in the summer sun) but the material is just plain rubbish. the only other spite I have with it is that there is no rear wheel drive option, only FWD and 4WD"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Wouldn't do it over again

By Chevynextime (MI) on Thursday, May 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 97,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Nice compact SUV, comfortable to drive."

Cons: "It's too soon for repairs."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"2.3 Ltr Engine of course has no get up and go. 2008 with 97,000 miles on it - mileage has dropped from 25-26 when I bought the car to 21-22 mpg now. I drive all interstate. (And has had tune up.)Constantly downshifts. Appearance, handling, and comfort wise, I do like the car. But already starting to drop money into repairs when I did not figure to do so til after 100k mark. Biggest interior irritation, even WATER will stain the seats. I would have tried something else if I had to do it again, but have seen worse."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Confusing KBB ratings and mileage figures

By Maximus Joe (NJ) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 18,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 7/10
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Pros: "Good small SUV"

Cons: "Mileage, dealer support. Bench seats"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"I purchased a used vehicle as I like the retro looks and the KBB ratings. However the KBB does not clearly differentiate between the V6 and the 4 clyd engines. If you put in the V6 option you get a KBB mileage rating of 22 to 28. That is not correct as it gives not more than 20 and is rated 18 - 22. I fine the mileage too low for regular use and with today's gas prices and I think its irresponsible for a site like KBB to publish patently wrong information that impacts financial decisions."

8 people out of 9 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 401 reviews