2008 Ford Escape consumer reviews

What can I say about the 2008 Escape, nothing but DO NOT BUY!!!! This thing is plagued with problems. I purchased this Escape brand new in 2008 with 13 miles on it, no one even test drove it from what I was told and the mileage was from moving around. Well 1 1/2 years later and the heater stopped operating on anything but high, the seats stained from water condensation from a resting water bottle which did not fit in the cup holder and the black sticker/paint started peeling from the doors. (all of which Ford would do nothing to remedy). I drive a lot, with my job being 55 miles one direction, I traded in a 2005 Escape due to high mileage in a short period of time for this 2008 Escape and what a mistake. I put roughly about 35.000 miles a year on my vehicles and by year 2 and 65,000 highway miles my 2008 Escape has had the following issues. The transmission cooler/ ac condenser went bad (a common issue research it) at a cost of $900 to repair. This issue caused transmission fluid to leak by the quarts daily until I fixed it which cost me another $5 a quart a day for 27 days until I could afford to fix it. Then at 75,000 miles the steer shaft went bad ( another common problem research it) at a cost of $1100 to repair. Both of these problems are issues many Escape owners are having which would mean a SEVERE defect in the parts but Ford Motor company will do nothing to repair or remedy. They will tell you out of warranty, your responsible and they will make a note of it. It doesn't matter if you mantain your vehicle religiously they will do nothing to help you and you will be stuck with the huge repair bills on items that should not break until the vehicle is at 200,000 miles or 10 years old. The transmission cooler issue if it goes unnoticed and you drive without transmission fluid expect to put in a new transmission also at another cost of $2000. This thing is junk, my sister in law has a 2008 Mazda Tribute and the same things went bad on hers also, same car, same affilated company but Mazda repaired hers??? Her's went at much lower mileage at around 34,000 miles but again the same issues so clearly something is defective in the original parts. DO NOT BUY this car you will be sorry!! Huge repair bills and the most unreliable nice looking car on the road.

I wanted to try a 4WD hybrid but didn't want the cost of a new one. Found an '08 with 48K on it. It has been AMAZING. It's not as spunky as my sports car but can definitely move when you need it to. It handles nicely, even in snow or on black ice. I get 30.3 mpg most of the time. The interior is a little plain but the seat warmers are incredible and the moon roof is a nice option. The CD changer works well, although we aren't talking high-end sound. I am used to bigger vehicles for toting stuff around but so far have not been pinched by the space available inside. There is NOTHING about this vehicle that I would change. I would have zero qualms about buying another one - new or used.

One of the best vehicles I have ever owned. Besides looking great, it rides very nicely. I would certainly buy another.

Good reliable car. Comfortable.Was worth the buy. The basic model is ok but the upgraded verision would have been better with The computer system and keyless entry. But has no exterior temp. Or compass

Great car, good gas mileage, not too big, easy to park, attractive interior and exterior, recommend to others who want a truck/car combination

I have enjoyed driving the escape, I had to get use to not having a trunk butI now I am use to it. I am older and I have alittle trouble getting the back up and down but that is the only thing I can think of that is wrong with this car. It gets good gas mileage on the hiway, we have taken one trip in it and it was wonderful. We are leaving for a vacation soon and I am looking forward to the trip.

Owned an Escape for 4 years and loved it. Had 60k miles on it and no issues. It got great gas mileage and was able to pull our trailer and jet skiis. It also drove in the snow great! We had to get rid of it to get more seating since it only seats 5.

This is my second Escape-love this vehicle! My previous one has over 140,000 miles with only regular maintenance. Really like the style of the 08 and improved features.

Have not yet tested this car (bought used) thru a New England Winter, but love the roomy interior and comfortable ride, except that it is a bit louder than I'd like. My main complaint is that the acceleration is below par; quite a surprise with a V6 engine!

I bought one used cert. with 2k miles, ran fine right untill I hit 71 k miles, the trasmission wouldnt go into reverse, and shifted badly and needs totally replaced. at 78 k miles the engine failed and needs replaced. I have done all the routine maintence one this vehicle and treated it like a baby, I am making payments for the next 4 years for garbage. Google the words ford escape problems and you'll see what garbage ford has truely put out there, they only hope you'll get through your warrenty period and then forget you! Tranny shops are full of escapes with the same terriable faulty transmissions and they have nothing but problems! If you buy/get one you better get the best extended longest warrenty money can buy because you'll need it! I would never in my life recommend ford to anyone, not my worst enemies, I want to warn all good people do not fall for the fancy commercials and marketing, they only want your money, but the old saying ford, fix it daily is TRUE! I'm sorry I ever bought this, as it has almost lead me to complete depression, and Ford could truely care less about you! We have 3 dealers in my area, and they are the worst, careless business, I cannot believe they've not been sued. Take your money elsewhere!!!! Do not buy a Ford!