``I just checked and the CR-V, Vue, and RAV4 also do not offer rear climate control. The Pilot, Highlander, Outlook , Explorer, etc (all 8 passenger types) seem to offer rear HVAC.

I think if you want rear climate control, 8 way power seats, and a hybrid you're going to be in the mid-size SUV category with the Highlander or the Lexus and both start at $39K.`

We looked into the `09 FEH very carefully - with the new 2.5L and with the increased EV capabilities it sounded good (as good as Toyota`s HSD - probably not for under $30K, or over). The long wait for the FEH was the breaking point (+ Ford reliability - though it is improving from what I read).

We instead purchased an `09 TCH, which does not offer 4WD and has a tiny trunk space. However, we average between 42-50mpg (that`s without any hypermiling tricks - just sensible driving), and the drive is splendid (it has all the safety features that a Lexus offers - traction, stability, brake assist, etc.)! And, FYI, there IS rear climate (well, sort of - we control the temp. - while the kids have foot and shin vents in the back. There are so many features on the TCH that are standard that you should, maybe, look into one...

It was a tough call with the FEH - but here in Canada the Ford dealerships I went to had NO IDEA about the hybrid, it`s features and capabilities, which left me leary...I actually had to `teach` them about the FEH in most cases...Not the case with Toyota. The `09 Toyota Camry Hybrid (made in Kentucky, USA) has been a wonderful addition...I`m sure that whatever hybrid you choose, the air will thank you...

 

It is true. I think the Ford Escape is very expensive in Canada too. What I bought from my dealer in Toronto actually is an US car with Mile speedometer instead of Km. I waited 6 months before I finally got it, the dealer agent is a fleet manager so he can get it for US price plus some premium.

But I really love it, so far so great, I like drive big cars....

 

I've only has my 08 FEH 2 months but I really do love it! I wish we could get another for my hubby, since he is jealous of mine. But his 03 Civic gets such great mpg, it wouldn't make sense $$.

I traded in an 05 Honda Pilot. (Which by the way did have rear vents w separate controls). It was a little cushier (but not much) and I liked having the 3rd row seat. However, we had to relocate this spring right about the same time gas proces soared. Double the commute at nearly double the gas prices = a major OUCH! I did consider a Highlander at first since it was more comparable to my Pilot, but they cost SO MUCH MORE!! Running the numbers showed me the premium price tag sucked up all the gas saving, etc a switch would gain me.

Now that extended family is further away I didn't really need a 3rd row seat so much. And the lower price tag on the FEH means I actually pocket the gas money saved vs paying it into a car payment.

 

In most cars that have some sort of A/C cool air ducting to/toward the rear you could add (adjustable speed..??) 12 volt electric fans/blowers inside the ducting to modulate/moderate the level of cooling "recieved" at the rear.

There are a myriad of fans, blowers, sizes shapes available these days.

 

It is interesting how this recommendation thread has become the rear AC and RSC thread. Both of which I don't need as I can actually drive safely and rear passengers have never whined about the heat in the rear during the summer.

I would say go for the FEH as it delivers actual Fed MPG or better which others may or may not.
It is made in the USA by folks who get a living wage.
It is Taxi tested tough and will be very durable.
It still receives a FED Tax credit $3000 or $2200 depending.
It's actual cost is greater than the selling price as Ford subsidizes it a bit so Ford is paying you to buy one.
Is more versatile than any car platform.
It is common knowledge that domestic car builders quality is on par with the foriegn builders so now we can truly get a good reliable car from the US builders and support US families.
US car parts are less $$$ and thus insurance is less $$ too.

Hope my comments help and get this thread back on topic.

 

You must not live somewhere that is overly hot and it takes 20 minutes of the A/C blowing full blast to cool off the car.

Aren't honda's and toyotas built in the US as well? I know my Aunt worked at a Honda plant in Ohio.

I'm not sure it is common knowledge that domestic cars are on par (quality/realibility wise) with Foriegn cars. Where is this coming from?

 

I believe that Allen's comments regarding how this thread had gotten sideways on one subject is still valid. I would imagine we could take any vehicle and find something to pick at it on.

I happen to agree that rear air controls are not as important to me but I don't live in the desert either. So to some this may be an issue to not recommend the FEH and to others it may not be. I ordered my '09 knowing how the coolant system works and also knowing that during the humid months of summer (and yes, it gets rather hot and humid here...just not as hot as somewhere like NV or AZ) that I may have to sacrifice some MPG's to help out my passengers.

I also happen to agree with Allen on the quality of domestic automakers. I think they have continued to be tagged with a bad rap from the deterioration of quality they experienced years ago. I believe it was recently discovered that Consumer Reports was found to have not been evaluating Ford and other domestic manufactures and tagging them with a less than favorable quality review based on past experiences. Likewise I heard that they had been doing the same thing but in reverse to manufacturers such as Toyota and giving them a passing grade when they had not actually been fully evaluating some of their vehicles.

Either way, I chose a FEH because I live in a Ford town and wanted to be more environmentally friendly. I am happy knowing that I am doing my small part to help the environment and that I am doing what I can to support a local company that employees a lot of people in my community and around our country. Everyone has their own reasons though for either recommending or not recommending the FEH. Another beauty of our great country.

 

I live in Riverside CA and yes it has been 105 here this summer and while not as hot as Lost Wages it is still warm here.

For those who must have rear AC look elsewhere. In life all things are a compromise.

While some jap cars are made here they are non union and pay much less per hour. And all those profits move off shore. If we all bought at Wal Mart we would all be out of a job here unless you worked for Wal Mart or fast food. In both cases you will never be buying your own home or a new car as they pay too little to do either.

 

I must assume that is a typo unless racial slurs are allowed on this board?

I agree it gets warm in the Inland Empire. I personally don't care about the lack of rear air and since I am a newleywed we only have two people so there are rarely people in the back of the car.

We did get off base with the rear air though. I would recommend the FEH but I just wanted to point out that with the a/c system it might be hot at the time. I also agree that when people are in the car I run the A/C much more often and rarely in ECON mode. I would never inconvinence others in my car by not running the A/C.

 

When it is about 100 you forego the econ button as it will just cook you good.
Jap was used to type less as I hate to type.