2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

The auto manufacturers are finding there's very little marketing that needs go into expressing why a consumer should consider buying a hybrid. One need look no further than the Citgo or Shell station pricing signs to find the main driver behind the growing demand for these vehicles.

And why not? With gas finding a base camp at $3 and rising, who wouldn't love to skip a few trips to the gas station now and then. Consumers feel it in their pocket immediately, while Mother Nature gets the residual benefits of fewer emissions.

While still in their relative infancy, hybrids such as the Ford Escape are expanding in number to double-digit offerings. With EPA-estimated 34/30 mpg (city/highway) for the front-wheel-drive model, numbers reflecting the tougher EPA testing standards, it is not hard to see what is (and will be) driving the demand into the future.

Reviewing the Ford Escape Hybrid requires you begin talking about the powerplant. It uses a gas/electric powertrain that consists of a 2.3-liter I-4 engine and an electric motor (155 hp). Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and a front-wheel-drive system, software modifications were made this year to the control system to allow for electric power operation more often with smoother electric-to-gas transitions.

For me, whenever I drive a hybrid, it is still eerie to begin moving from a stop in complete silence. The only thin I can liken it to is an elevator or a golf cart. The Escape Hybrid can reach 25 mph in the electric-only mode. If you really jump on it from a stand still, the gas engine kicks in immediately.

With the exception of the green tag on the back tail, the exterior styling is identical to the gas-only Ford Escape. That's a good thing. I like the size and styling of the Escape and to know I have the option of the hybrid savings with all the same conveniences and styling is of great comfort.

Inside the cabin of the Escape I found relative comfort with leather seating and soft dash and accent materials. A six-way power driver's seat helped find the perfect seating position while seat heaters ensured safeguard from the cold outside temps.

Front-row space is good for driver and passenger while back seat space is acceptable for adults and plentiful for children. The rear seats fold 60/40 behind the first row, creating ample utility space for additional storage. However, I really hate having to take the headrests off the tops of the back seats in order to fold them flat. First, it takes longer; second, you have to have somewhere to put them until you can re-insert them into the tops of the seats.

I like the new readout display screen in the dash. It has a great-looking bright blue backlighting that is attractive and makes things really easy to read in all light situations.

I was a bit surprised at how loud the cabin would get on some occasions while driving on the highway. Mostly wind noise making its way into the cabin, the engine noise is relatively normal for this class.

With a wheelbase of 103 inches, the Escape's drivability was very good. Tight corners are a breeze maneuvering in parking lots was a breeze and handling at highway speeds was as good as just about anything comparably priced in this class.

The warranty on the Escape Hybrid is athree-year/36,000-mile bumper to bumper. I highly recommend the extended warranty that covers 5 years/60,000 miles on the drivetrain. Roadside assistance is also covered by the extension.

Overall, the Ford Escape Hybrid, $26,215-$28,015, is the more fuel-efficient cousin to the top-selling Escape standard engine. By eliminating the stops at the gas station, you should be able to justify the Premium Package add-ons as well as the additional warranties. These will ensure your leap into hybrid technology is neither uncomfortable nor risky.