2008 Ford Escape XLS FWD Manual
Pros:
price, looks, function, fuel economy, stereo, comfortable
Cons:
limited options with 5-speed, cold natured 5-speed, seat fabric soils easily
The Bottom Line:
Great fuel-efficient SUV for the money. I would probably buy another one.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
I have owned the XLS Front wheel drive version for 18 months now. It is fuel efficient on the highway. It has a 2.3L 4-cylinder with 5 speed manual transmission. Since the XLS version does not have fuel economy display, I have to check it using the gas pump gallon reading and the odometer. I typically get 28MPG on the highway, driving 70 MPH on interstates. Sometimes I manage to squeak out 30 MPG, but not often. I paid around $17k brand new after incentives with optional cruise, aluminum wheels, and floormats. I had the rear windows tinted, and added a temperature/compass autodimming rearview mirror, so it looks like the more expensive version, and still gets good gas mileage. Unfortunately, the 5-speed manual is not available in the more expensive versions.
The seat fabric available on the XLS looks good, but soils easily. Stereo/CD/MP3 system sounds very good for base model. The 5 speed manual transmission operates smoothly, except when the transmission is cold. The 1st/2nd gear shift is sometimes not very smooth when the transmission is cold.
I have 27k miles on it now, and it has only been to the dealer one time for the first free oil change. After they broke my engine oil filler cap and left the valve stem caps off my wheels, I decided to change the oil myself.
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