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Vehicle Overview:
Vehicle Type: Sport Utility Vehicle
ABS Brakes: Standard
Standard Airbags: 6
MPG: 17-20/24-28 (City/HWY)
Engine Offered:
2.5L I4 171HP
3.0L V6 171HP
Consumer Ratings:
Performance: 3.6
Exterior: 4.0
Interior: 3.5
Overall: 3.3
Review Guide:
5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
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Displaying 10 Reviews - Read More
By Phil682
Submitted Dec 12, 2011, 06:30pm
Performance: 
Exterior: 
Interior: 
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Ford Escape?
-Exterior styling
-4WD ability in snow
-Decent fuel mileage for an SUV
-Always starts regardless of outside temp (started as low as -15 degrees)
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Ford Escape?
-Interior styling
-Cheap plastics everywhere inside
-Hideous center stack
-Instrument cluster is bland and produces annoying glare at certain times of day
-Transmission hesitates in low temperatures
2009 Ford Escape Review:
I have a 3.0L V6 XLT 4x4...
The exterior is very appealing and makes the Escape seem to have a solid presence. There isn't too much plastic on the exterior which makes the vehicle seem more upscale than some other Ford models. The ride height on the XLT is great for winter (southern Wisc).
The feel of the vehicle is quite nice depending on what time of year you're driving it. During cool-warm months, the acceleration, braking and steering are smooth and controlled.
Acceleration is ample and with normal driving habits the revs will rarely go over 2800rpm from a stand still to about 40mph. Pressing the accelerator will produce a good jolt of speed, however it is limited by the shifting properties of the gear box. I would assume a 0-60mph time of ~ 7sec with the pedal down.
The vehicle is fantastic in snow up to 10-12" and I was even able to rock out of a 4ft pile I drove into on purpose to test it's abilities. Took about 7min w/ traction control off in low gear.
The back has ample room for passengers and the cargo area enough room for a husky/shepherd mix dog (same size as a pure Husky, 55lbs). We can fit ~ 8 full bags of groceries in the tailgate section.
The interior is where Ford really needs to improve. The center stack for the radio/climate control is hideous. Everything is clumped together in one big panel and is made of cheap plastic. The dashboard and cup holders are also cheaply made and the doors below the arm rest are of the same material and easily scratched. The instrument cluster is too bland and at certain times of day will produce an unholy glare of sunlight directly into the drivers eyes.
The vehicle is rather uncomfortable to drive in cold weather (20 degrees or below) due to slow shifting and hesitant acceleration. Once the engine heats up, the shifting becomes smoother and the accelerator more responsive.
Fuel economy in winter goes down quickly but stabilizes around 16/20 city/hwy. Normally I get 19/27.
By Darren_L_
Submitted Aug 13, 2009, 10:08am
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Ford Escape?
The interior and exterior styling, one of the best looking SUVs on the road.
The V6 has very good power and I'm impressed by the fuel economy so far.
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Ford Escape?
The roof rack is poor quality. It looks good up there, but when I attach my canoe with ratchet straps it takes almost no pressure at all to begin to warp the hollow, plastic rails.
The interior plastic on the doors, etc. gets marked up way too easily. A gentle tap by my shoe on the way out is enough to leave a small white mark.
2009 Ford Escape Review:
I'm definitely not a "Ford" guy and in fact I once thought that I'd probably never own one. But I was in the market for an SUV and the Escape fit into my price range. So I did my research and it didn't take long to see that Ford had made significant improvements for the 2009 model. The old Escapes were already pretty decent looking but Ford really cranked it up a notch with this new redesign. This is not your typical "soccer mom" type SUV. My friend calls it "The Tumbler", in reference to the new Batmobile, because it looks like it could go just about anywhere you could ask it to.
I bought the V6 XLT AWD. The extra power from the V6 is a must have in my opinion. I don't like it when a vehicle has to think about accelerating. No problem with that here, in fact it can even get a little too jumpy if you aren't careful with how much juice you give it.
Some of the options I got:
Sunroof - this is my first sunroof equipped vehicle and I'll never buy one without it again. I love it!
Heated leather seats - I'm loving the leather so far but I won't be able to properly assess the heated part until the winter arrives. My last vehicle had a remote starter so I'm hoping the heated seats will serve the same purpose.
SYNC system - so far I'm impressed although I haven't been able to take full advantage of it so far. I currently use an 8GB thumb drive that has all my music and it works great. I'm hoping to get an iPhone one of these days so I can use the phone syncing as well.
17" chrome wheels and chrome siderails (3rd party, but installed by Ford) - hard to give a real review here other than to say they look great and really add the rugged appearance of the whole vehicle.
Interior accent lighting - I'd skip this feature if I had to do it over again. While I love the idea of having the glowing ambiance lighting (7 different colors even) the execution isn't great. The lights just aren't bright enough. Maybe my opinion will change in the winter when I drive to and from work in the dark and I'll get more use from them.
Overall I'm loving my new Escape and everyone I've shown it to has been quite impressed with it as well.
By susan_wolf578
Submitted Apr 3, 2011, 07:18pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Ford Escape?
Comfortable ride.
Sits high.
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Ford Escape?
Bigger gas tank.
Bigger console and glove box.
2009 Ford Escape Review:
Pleased with purchase, however with 30,000 miles, I am now experiencing noise from the front when on rough pavement and bumps, will take to garage to have checked out.
Poor paint and workmanship from the main plant, had to have paint work done before accepting new Ford. Flaws in the painting and other poor work done at the plant, had to be fixed before I excepted it.
By Lisa_Long
Submitted Feb 12, 2011, 02:06pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Ford Escape?
I love the sync system.
The interior is great, love all the cup holders.
The heated seats are a must.
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Ford Escape?
Power UP window for the driver.
2009 Ford Escape Review:
Overall I USED to love my truck, however it currently has less than 49000k and has been in 4 different times for transmission work where I have had to get a rental, and 1 time for an engine sensor that I also needed a rental for. Right now they have had my truck for 2 weeks and I have been informed that they are not expecting it to be fixed for another 2 weeks. Seriously disappointed. I thought I was buying a reliable vehicle for my young family only to be let down by its constant need for service!!
By GUEST
Submitted Mar 5, 2010, 07:26pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Ford Escape?
I like the looks and it handles well.
Like the fact you don't have to worry about losing a gas cap.
Like the window wash sprayer on back glass.
Like the passing power (that surprised me).
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Ford Escape?
Don't like the console where it's situated. It's very hard to get to while sitting in front. Lid to console compartment hard to stay open when trying to get into compartment.
Glove compartment too small!!
Not enough info in owners manual to explain the various buttons and controls.
Exterior paint very easy to scratch.
Also transmission sloppy in chaning from 1st to 2nd at times (jerks). Complained to dealer, their response was drive it for a while and see what happens. They've Had other complaints regarding same event.
2009 Ford Escape Review:
Overall I'm happy with my purchase, I am. I'm cautious of shift pattern in the trans. Wonder how many others have had this problem?
By Sue_Loper
Submitted Jan 28, 2010, 12:09pm
Performance:
Exterior: 
Interior:
Overall: 
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Ford Escape?
I have had an Escape before, which I passed on to my daughter. Good appearance, performs ok.
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Ford Escape?
I am waiting on a call from the dealer repair center to take my car in for the second time to have the seals around the rear windows and door repaired or replaced. Needless to say I am not happy. I hope this is not an indication of the quality I can expect from this version of the Escape.
2009 Ford Escape Review:
I have been a loyal Ford/Mercury customer for a number of years and have purchased a number of cars during that time. This experience could cause me to change my mind about the quality of Ford products and result in the purchase of another brand of car. After the last "adjustment" to the door, it does not appear that the repairman tested to see if the door seals and window seals still leaked...poor service.
By sam
Submitted Oct 2, 2009, 12:21am
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Ford Escape?
- Nice feeling for the leather seats.
- Good accessories with the 6 CD, Siruis , 17" tires, backing alarms,..
- Engine is 3 ltr gives enough power for a good ride.
- The sound system is great.
- Many good stuff really.
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Ford Escape?
- Improve the quality of the plastic on the doors especially the rear ones. My kids caused many scraches in a very short time.
- Bigger gas tank.
2009 Ford Escape Review:
I own a RAV-4 2007 Limited. I can say that the Ford Escape is more stable and luxurious compared to the Rav-4. The Rav-4 has a main advantage which is the internal size. The cargo and passenger space is bigger.
By GUEST
Submitted Sep 8, 2009, 12:04pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Ford Escape?
The ride is very good for smaller suv. It is very quiet, hear no road noise. Drove a Honda CRV and was very noisy.
The seats are real good.
We got the v6 - plenty of power. The 4 cylinder was too small for that vehicle.
Gas mileage is good - 18 to 20 in town, 26 on highway.
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Ford Escape?
Bigger gas tank wish it was a 20 gallon instead of 17.
Wish we would have gotten the cd player that did 6 only have the one that does one.
2009 Ford Escape Review:
Over all would rate the Escape very good. It is the XLT model. Lots of extras built in. Would buy one again.
By susan_wolf578
Submitted Jul 26, 2009, 10:00pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Ford Escape?
4x4, winter driving.
Comfortable.
Plenty of room.
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Ford Escape?
Do not feel safe with the no cap gas refill.
Wish it was a 6 cylinder, a little laid back on passing.
By Raymond_Anderson
Submitted Jul 13, 2009, 07:36pm
Performance:
Exterior:
Interior:
Overall:
Guide: 5=Perfect; 3=Good; 1=Poor
Pros: What do you like about 2009 Ford Escape?
The comfort, smooth ride, and good looks of the vehicle.
Cons: How would you improve 2009 Ford Escape?
Definitely bigger gas tank. It gets good mileage - it just has too small of a tank.
2009 Ford Escape Review:
A very well built little SUV, would recommend buying one to everyone looking for a roomy ride.
Displaying 10 Reviews - Read More
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