So I test drove the 08 FEH today. It's definitely quiter, and the engine is less noisy.

Did they change the way the A/C works? I didn't notice the "engine on" a/c mode.

 

I bought a '08 last week so can comment on this.

The automatic climate control has an "econ" button. With the ECON light on, idle stop operates normally and cabin temp may rise at stoplights on a hot day. If ECON is off, climate control overrides idle stop and the ICE runs as needed for climate control. For "MAX" AC, turn economy mode off.

On an unrelated note, I wanted to correct a post I saw earlier which said the moonroof no longer includes the overhead console. It's included, dual maplights and all. I liked the 2005-2007 FEH a lot, but not enough to buy one, not at those prices. The 2008 facelifted version was enough to convince me to take the plunge.

The color selection stinks. My last 3 cars were silver, and silver is the #1 best selling new car color. For 2008, Ford drops silver for the FEH. Hey Ford, WTF?

 

Ah, then the pic on Ford's website is wrong (again).

Though, at least they are consistent. The Mercury website shows a pic of the '07 MMH, without the sunroof, having the overhead console.

One would think that if Ford is going to use mock-ups, instead of actual vehicles, they would make at least some attempt at setting them up right.

Agreed.

Someone really needs to whack Alan Mulally on the back of the head.

And one would think that as a former airplane exec, would actually be inclined to offer everything in silver.

 

i read that the stablaizer thingy that was on the 07 won't be on the 08.
is that a big deal? i want to know because the 08 is cheaper and if i should have that stabalizer thingy than i will look at 08s instead.

 

Stablilizer thingy? Not sure what you are talking about.

 

Electronic Stability Control????

If that is what you are referring to, then I don't think it is on the '07 either. I think ESC is only available on the NON-Hybrid 2008 models. Perhaps that is your confusion?

 

oh, i thought it was on the 07 hybrid and was removed from the 08 model.

 

I ordered a 2008 escape hybrid 4wheel drive in vista blue but now I have second thoughts. The colors are awful end the reliability and safety aren't great either. While I am waiting for my car I'm going to look at the Toyota highlander.

 

While I agree that the colors continue to be awful, the hybrid's reliability is outstanding.

Now that the side and curtain air bags are standard (I got them, but paid extra), I think that safety should not be a concern.

 

I'm not sure where you get that the safety and reliability aren't good. I'll agree that the colors have a lot to be desired. The highlander is a good bit more than the escape, pricewise. Also, the highlander's tax credit is only $1300 (through the end of the month, $650 after that) while the escape's is $2200.