My parents still have their 2008 Escape XLT that they bought new 13 years ago. This is one of the sturdiest, most reliable and low maintenance SUVs I've ever seen. In all these years, they have never had one single problem with it (aside from the routine maintenance stuff, of course), which is the main reason why they have kept it for so long. My parents absolutely love this vehicle. My dad just took it to his friend's body shop be fully detailed last week and it came back looking brand new. It currently has about 154k miles and it still drives like an absolute dream. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one for a second! They also get fantastic gas mileage.
The one I have is terrible on gas for what it is and breaks down constantly for all variety of manners. It has very low mileage for it's age. It's been by a huge margin the most garbage vehicle I've ever owner. Not sure why mine is so different
Does yours have the 2008 or 2009 engine and transmission? There is a difference even though the body is the same. I have the 2008 model with the Gen1 V6 and transmission. Love them both! @@greenbottleblue74
This design is timeless. I drove a few of those. And usually they drive better than you described. They soak up bumps pretty good. Driving feel is snug and safe. Not that bad at cornering.
I just got a silver 2009 XLT from my mechanic, and it’s flawless, I love it so far! Handles and drives waaaaaaaaaay better than I expected the 4 cylinder option to drive, GREAT on gas as well!
@@jarredfloyd8943 MPG is pretty good, I work 25 min away from my house, taking three different freeways, so the highway MPG is about 24-26, city I get around 19-21. Also, my only issue w/ this vehicle is the lackluster braking. There were brand new brakes put on all around when I got it, but there are drum brakes in the rear, so panic braking isn’t as responsive as it’d be if they had disc brakes in the rear, other than that, solid vehicle.
I’ve had four of these and they are great vehicles. They handle well, they’re quiet on the highway and brakes are good. They are cheap to buy, easy to keep running and very durable - plus they have lots of guts (with the V6) and can carry a lot of stuff. Mine have all been reliable and when repairs were needed, the parts were inexpensive and easy to do. They are more of a truck than a car and so they are little bit thirsty - but you can buy a lot of gas for the difference in price between one of these and a more modern vehicle.
2011 XLT 3.0 V6 AWD, I've had it since December '19. Been Great! Last week we had a foot of snow, I was out driving in a mad snow storm in parking lots that hadn't been plowed yet. I went threw 7 to 8" of snow with no problems. 👍
@@ooj686 they usually start having transmission issues around that mileage but if they already fix it (most escape owners get a rebuilt one) then yes but if not.....yes again
I have an 08 Limited, has 4x4, infotainment screen, factory 8" sub woofer and a 300watt amp, backup radar, heated seats and the whole 9, beautiful vehicle
I have the Mercury Mariner version (2009, 2.5L) bought new almost 13 years ago. I have 270K miles on her. The major components have been solid with the engine and trans. However, I've had to replace the 2 front wheel bearing twice on both sides, AC condenser 3 times, gone through several tie rods, Ignition Lock Housing replaced once. I've had an issue with water getting into the rear hatch as well. Also, since the SUV has spent half her life in the rustbelt, the rear wheel wells and hatch are starting to rust. Seems like a lot, but I've done all the work myself with the help of RU-vid and I've never been left stranded. Parts are cheap and anyone that knows how to turn an wrench can do on their own. I defiantly feel like I've got my moneys worth.
I used to own the Gen1 and now own the Gen2 2008 Escape 3.0. Love them both but the Gen2 looks better. I have the best of both worlds because I still have the Gen1 engine which has better access to drain/refill of the ATF fluid than the 2009 and newer ones.
They do still make the Escape; however, not in this style any longer. They changed the body style in 2013 and made it all curvy. It looks more like a station wagon now. I hate the newer models. The 2008-2012 models are, by far, the best ones. My parents have a 2008 XLT and it's an awesome SUV. They bought it new 13 years ago and have never had any problems with it whatsoever.
I purchased a used 2010 Escape XLT. My youngest daughter now drives it with 208k miles on with the original engine and trans. Overall great vehicle. I have found the weakness is the transmission. I do a dump and fill on the trans every 10k. Runs great. I would by another.
I bought one 3 years ago with a rebuilt tittle for 2800 .. 2008 with 90 thousand miles .. I was expecting at least 4 months with no issues ... 3 years and 50 thousand miles later my scape still running like new .. only replace motor mouth ,brakes,sway bar links and 2 tone rings for the abs sistem .. really reliable vehicle .
@@christianfrey7956 you will not have any issue if you take care of it... most commun problems is the abs tone rings ..ignition switch. Blower motor resistor.. oil pan leak ,motor mouth and maybe steering shaft... those things are very normal ..
I purchased my 2012 Ford Escape in 2015. It has never been In the shop except for brake pads, oil changes. I replaced the battery two years ago which I installed myself.
My 2009 Escape XLT 3.0 liter is holding up well for the years. I don't drive around very much so it only has 22k miles. Had to replace the cabin fan module, Tires (from age) and discs in the front brakes (lot rot). The under carriage is beginning to show it's age with some minor rust, but nothing detrimental. I change the oil every year and it has been the best vehicle I have ever owned (Maverick, Escort and an Isuzu Rodeo before). I'll probably drive it till the wheels fall off.
I have a friend, a neighbor, and a cousin, all owning second genreaton Escapes. These are best looking, better then the 3rd generation. Kind of addicted to these, LOL.
My 2011 Escape 2.5 is very fun to me. Easy to maintain, and there’s plenty of torque off the line! Mine is an automatic, but they do come in manual. Even though it’s really hard to find a decent one. I believe the automatics get slightly better gas mileage though because of that extra gear. But it depends on how you drive it. If you do have an automatic, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND changing the transmission fluid every 30-35k miles, and make sure the fluid is Mercon IV approved. If you change the fluid, the transmission should last as long as the engine.
I bought by 2009 Escape a couple months ago with just under 200 miles. It has the power and torque to get me thru mud and it also has a snug feel when driving highway speeds!
Am wanting a 2010-12 Ford Escape Limited for years. Granted the third and fourth generation drive better smoother. But somehow it makes me happy to drive this Model.
We have a 2008 Ford Escape with 120,000 miles on it. Change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. We did have the front coil springs crack under heavy snow load and -40 degrees up here in Alaska. Also the water pump and belt had to be replaced. Wheel bearings also are a common problem in these vehicles.
Still have my 2005 Ford Escape limited,with 135,000 miles.What freaks me out is I've lived in Wisconsin my whole life,and it's not completely rusted out.
This escape is gorgeous! I've got a 2002 escape and I love it! Also have a 2005&2006 escape which are good and very nice, however the only thing that I don't like about 2005 and up is that it is alot more difficult to work on yourself...for someone like me it's alot easier and affordable to be able to change out the rad fluid, etc. without having to remove hoses, etc...at least with the 2002 you have a drain cap underneath and can simply take the cap off underneath...no need to take off hoses, etc...that's about my only complaint with 2nd gen escapes because not all of us can afford to just go buy another vehicle. Nice video though!
We have purchased two escapes. A 2003 xls 4x4 and a 2010 limited AWD. Both with the 3.0 and both white. My wife still drives the 2010 with 170k miles. Still runs great just has a tiny oil leak from the timing chain cover gasket. Too much to fix so I add a little oil every 2 weeks not even a quart between oil changes. Has good pickup with the V6. We tested the 4 cylinder was weak..get the 6 cylinder if you buy a used one. A wonderful truck since we have no children.
The advantage of the I4 is access to the engine but it is anemic if you climb mountains or tow anything. The mpg difference is worth stepping up to the V6 for extra grunt.
The new Bronco Sport is just the reincarnation of this style of Escape. It is what the Escape would be if Ford hadn't gone a different direction with the Escape body style in 2013.
Forgot some stuff. The touch screen and you didn't mention voice commands. Also the hybrid escape were the first American hybrids and the best for those years. The taxi companies used them extensively putting up to 600k on them as they are found on auction still running. The battery lasts through the whole life most if the time. Much better than Toyota batteries. The hybrid transmission is also indestructible.
i just lost my 2012 escape limited in an accident and although i love my new car, i miss that escape so much. if it wasnt totaled i swear it wouldve lasted another 100,000 miles, took it on many road trips and it was so reliable. the only problem i ever had with it was that the ac broke almost every summer lol
My former job had a few of these as security patrol cars. Loved em. Comfortable to drive, small enough to be easily maneuverable thru the large campus parking lots and they were capable in the snow with good tires. Might get one for myself as a secondary vehicle!
I have a 2012 that has 89K on it. I've done very little repair work on it, though it is starting to have an A/C issue. Still, it has plenty of power and runs great.
My parents' 2008 Escape XLT also looks brand new. They bought it new and have kept it in absolutely pristine condition. My dad just took it to his friend's body shop last week for a full detail inside and out and now it REALLY looks brand new! You'd never know it was 13 years old. Looking at it, you'd think that it was only a year or two old. They love that little SUV.
I don’t know where you got those performance numbers from but the 2.5 was around 8.5 and the 3.0 was 7 for the 09-12 lol. The 2.5 mated with the 6 speed auto was a bit faster than the previous 3.0 and 4 speed so maybe you’re seeing the older performance numbers somewhere. The 08 had the older engine and transmission as well just saying
I've read a few comments on the Gen2 engine which started in the 2009 models concerning problems with the VVT system (i-VCT) in the 3.0 V6 engine. More horsepower and torque but not necessarily better in the reliability area. Also, the Gen2 automatic transmission with 6 speeds has a reputation for having more problems than the Gen1 4-speed automatic.
Imo (and this is just mo) the first generation Escapes look more rugged than this generation; the thick plastic cladding - and especially with added sidesteps - looks more rugged... But this is obviously more upscale and premium looking.
Strange thing is the cabin air filter, there is NONE. You'd have to buy an aftermarket one that installs under the hood. Also if anyone buys one be sure to change the PTU fluid and the rear pumpkin too. Sparkplugs on the 6 cylinder is a bummer to change and pay for. I love to have this vehicle in standard shift, oh ya!
Also: I see a LOT of similarities in the interior with Volvos from those model years. Of course, I know Volvo is owned by FoMoCo, but that is kinda cool IMO.
I have a 2008 Ford escape and really enjoy the car but I’ve had a few issues. I’ve had to replace the ignition, the power steering, and the ECM. These are all common issues in the 2008 through 2012 Edit: Wow the interior of that car looks newer compared to mine. Mine has a lot of sun damage on the interior but recently tinted the windows
You should have only replaced the steering torque sensor you got ripped off. And I just cleared the steering module code and mine still works months after a failure
I had the same issue with the steering about a year ago. Ford did a recall on some of the vehicles but my vehicle was not included even though it was having exact problem many others have had. Did not happen until car had about 100,000 miles and ten years old. . $2,000 to repair steering column. They have now figured out only the torque sensor needs to be replaced, which would save over $1,000 on repair. Very reliable otherwise.
At this age, a mechanic's review would be more valuable. From my experience with a 2011 Ford Escape 3.0L, its quality is below average. The muffler rusted out and made rattling sound at 6th year. Body near rear wheel wells and lift gate bottom lip have severe bubbling and peeling. (very common) Electronic throttle body failed (the "wrench" light was lit with a code, also common) Fuel pump made loud buzzing sound so I replaced it before it failed (it was a bosch). Oil starts to leak from left side of timing cover. The car is still under 100k miles today. I live in northeast. I've owned many cars and driven them 10+ years. My cars quality: Toyota > GM > Ford > Nissan
Probably not as reliable as the CRV or Rav4 but for the price you can get a nicer and newer escape with less mileage. I've seen many well over 200K miles.
What are the major issues with these vehicles? I am looking for one but wondering what I should look for in it so that I don't end up buying a bad vehicle.TIA
1st and 2nd gen (shown here) Escapes are susceptible to rust in northern states. They usually rot out before any mechanical problems can surface. Both the I4 and V6 are generally reliable but the I4 is horrendously underpowered. I’m not familiar with the new 1.5L or 2.0 Ecoboost engines.
(Own a 2011, 62k miles) 1)Rust as mentioned, at the top of the rear fender wells, but will vary on areas underneath, depending on location (AZ or NY). 2) The two front torison bar links go out at about 60k miles ($50 fix), 3) the front driver seat foam is poor, and breaks down (go to junk yard and get the passenger side off a good one ($ 10). The 2.5 liter isn't under powered, it runs great and I can get 30 to 32 mpg , but I drive it easily , not like a race car (I live at altitude in CO and drive in the mtns.). 4) Keep the transmission and PTU fluid changed at every 30k.
I have the V6 and I live in Chicago. It has more than enough power to get through snow, it handles like it has a lower center of gravity, and it accelerates pretty quickly. The automatic transmission shifts pretty hard at times and there can be a lot of engine noise when accelerating hard, but other than that, fantastic car. I have some rust around the wheel wells, but nothing too serious.
Just got a escape, love the car! But question: Is it normal for the brakes to have to be pushed kinda hard? Or do your guys' respond quickly when you tap on them? It is my first car so I have no idea lol
Yep. The cars quite heavy, sitting at around 4100 or 4200 lbs. Because it uses a truck style braking system, aka, drum brakes for the rear and disc brakes in the front, it's pretty natural for you feeling like you need to step on the brakes a little harder. My mom's 2015 Ford escape has disc brakes on all sides and feels a lot lighter, so half the time I'm quite surprised when the car stops when I apply the same force. 😂
I've never really liked the look of this vehicle (it's not a truck and it's not sleek) and I definitely think the design has begun to look dated (though the interior is great), however I really enjoy the driving experience. The handling is very good even in the winter thanks to the traction control. Cornering is good and power is not bad either, though, like many ford engines, it gets loud if you push it too hard (past around 4,000 RPM). My experience is with the 2008 model which I would actually never recommend; it has a common transmission problem even among low mileage examples that can cost over $1,000 to repair. There are also some smaller issues. These were mostly ironed out in later models though, so a 2009, like shown here, is a decent choice.
Actually, I think it is the best looking body of all the gens because it does look like a utility vehicle. Gen1 was nice. Gen2 was better. They are square and can haul a lot of stuff. Gen3 just looks like all the other generic "Sport Cutes" out there.
Also with the 09' and newer with the 40hp bump also a 6speed auto instead of the 4speed fyi. The awd only "lifetime" fluid in the ptu (power transfer unit aka transfer case), hopefully was or is changed immediately. Should be changed out every 30k. Lifetime fluid, what a crock of crap
I wish you had folded down the seats all the way and showed from reverse. Trying to understand if it's flat or not, and if not how big the flat area is.
I own one of these, mine is the Limited trim model, I don't think it makes a difference, but it is flat when they're folded down. I don't know the exact dimensions but it makes a lot of room.
To have the cargo bay totally flat you remove the rear seats - they are held in by metal brackets you flex to remove the seats, then fold down the backs and VOILA, you have an entirely flat cargo bay all the way up to the front seats.
do you think this would be a good first car? i'm sixteen, about to get my license, and looking into these as a potential car. my dad is buying the car for me so i don't want to waste his money if an escape wouldn't be worth it. thanks for any insight you have for me :)
I’m also thinking about getting this as my first car i haven’t looked into it much but i know that it has fantastic gas mileage for an suv you get 34 miles in the city and 31 miles on the highway other than that i know nothing
Yes, parts are cheap, you can get them used really cheap with not that many miles and they run forever Ive have a v6 with over 150k miles and it still runs great
Cool. I’ve got a little under a year to go. I still like the escape however I’ve found some cars I also like like the Toyota Corolla Subaru Legacy Ford Fusion and I’m digging the Honda Element’s unique styling and features. I’ll let you know what I end up with.
They put bigger wheels standard I believe to help with the stability/tendency to roll over the previous gen had. And seemed to reduce how sharp you could turn the wheel since they just slapped bigger wheels on the same chassis when they thought up the second gen lol I noticed the same thing and from everything I’ve read that seems to make the most sense to me.
Yeah ... no. You want a Limited with 2-wheel drive. It has 17" wheels. That's the sh*t. If you can find one that has a navigation screen radio/HVAC option, you're lucky. I got one but looked all over the country to find it. Ford only put that on 10% of these cars. I have a 2011 Limited on my way to 250k mi's.
Mike C it’s a factory radio, the lights are on the off position . I put a new battery on it and took it to the dealership when I parked it they had to jump it again to get in the garage. I hoping it’s just a alternator
@@CharlieMembrila the steering knuckle also went out, only vehicle to ever do that for me. (Lost steering) Now I have ton of oil leaks @150k. I have had everything fixed as it comes up just wish it would stop being a piece of crap. The brakes failing at intersection (HCU) was what nearly did me in tho. Steering knuckle wasn't so sudden. Now it's the oil leaks...
@@relevation0 Hi, I hope you’re ok. I am sorry this happened to you, definetly I will think about your advice. Thank you for tell your experience with this suv, take care! Cheers!