| Auto dealers are looking forward to the release of the | | | | The Bad |
| 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. Many of the things that | | | | One of the worst things about the 09 Escape Hybrid is |
| received harsh reviews in 2008 have been redesigned | | | | that it still has drum brakes and the same regenerative |
| and tweaked by the automaker to put this vehicle | | | | breaking feature in it, which hampers the ease of |
| back towards the top. Auto sales lots have seen this | | | | breaking. It does take some getting used to. They |
| version sporting new additions to its standard package | | | | have a good fuel consumption rating. It has a bigger |
| and they have maintained their truck like appearance. | | | | savings between this and the gas model in the city. |
| However, it certainly isn't perfect. | | | | On the highway, it is good on gas, but the actual |
| The Good | | | | savings is lower. Like other hybrids, it takes every |
| To go along with the external overhaul of the 2008 | | | | opportunity to run off the batteries. Good in concept, |
| model, Ford has beefed up the power, given it better | | | | but if you are heavy footed you might not notice as |
| handling, and a smoother more entertaining ride. This | | | | much fuel savings. The folding second seat in the back |
| makes it far more popular for auto sales than it has | | | | is also difficult to fold down and lift. |
| been in recent years. In fact, Virginia Beach auto | | | | Perhaps the biggest downfall of all is its high sticker |
| dealers say they are difficult to hold onto particularly | | | | price that puts it at the high end of the spectrum for |
| with the spikes in gas prices. | | | | Ford's auto sales. Virginia Beach auto dealers have a |
| The most noticeable change is the bigger 2.5 liter | | | | basic model starting at a price equivalent to where the |
| engine that has increased its power by 22 horses. The | | | | Escape Limited gas model leaves off. This mean you |
| Escape hybrid now takes fewer than 10 seconds to | | | | should expect to spend considerably more than $40k |
| hit 60mph. The noise that is associated with its | | | | for a fully loaded model. This vehicle is out of reach for |
| continuously variable transmission has also been | | | | some budgets at approximately $5,000 more than the |
| eliminated. | | | | gas version. It will take approximately seven years for |
| Its new suspension system, electronic stability control, | | | | it to pay back the extra $5k. |
| and sway bar allow for a considerable improvement in | | | | Overall, the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid is not a bad |
| riding and handling. When it comes to auto sales, | | | | vehicle. In terms of comfort, other models such as the |
| Virginia Beach auto dealers say the interior is the real | | | | Toyota Highlander and the Lexus RX400h are far |
| benefit to the 09 Hybrid. It has a voice activated Sync | | | | more expensive with a lower comfort rating. While its |
| system for the audio, phone, and other electronic | | | | drivability is better than it was, its breaking requires a bit |
| goodies. This model has excellent storage space and | | | | of a change in driving habits. In all, if you learn to drive |
| is rather comfortable. Its interior is also pleasantly | | | | smart and want a vehicle you can hold on to for a |
| proficient at keeping outside noises on the outside of | | | | while, this might be worth a second look. |
| the cab. | | | | |