Re: New Member New Ford 2008 2wd Escape - California
 

Hi everybody,

Thanks for the welcomes and the replies.

Gary: My car is still under 200 miles, so it is pretty new, but it seems to be easy to go into EV mode -- the 'double tap' works, but generally it just drops into EV mode pretty much every time I slow down to a stop and stays there below 25 MPH, if I go easy on the gas pedal. It doesn't seem to be triggered by letting off the gas pedal, but seems to happen a second or two after that, if the speed is dropping. I'll do a lot more experimenting in the future!

I've had it almost to 40 in EV when going coasting down a long hill, but generally on level ground it will start the ICE just around 20 MPH unless I press it harder.

I haven't noticed any hesitation with acceleration, but I've been going easy, just trying to see how long I can stay in EV.

Also the crossbars were installed and I got the Ford 'Cargo Tray' which basically is a more rigid, rubber/plastic backed tray with an extra heavy pile carpet surface that 'sticks' to these "L-shaped" plastic blocks with a velcro like bottom. The idea is that you place the four blocks around an object and it keeps the object from sliding around. Kinda dinky -- I use a rubbermaid bin!

Re: New Member New Ford 2008 2wd Escape - California
 

Hey Gary I can answer your question. I can keep mine in EV mode sometimes almost up to 40mph. Also if i'm under 40mph the ICE will shut off, either by being in "L" or by doing the 2 tap on the brake pedal. As for the nav system its 7 speakers, has a 6.5" touch screen and it holds 6 CD's in the unit. no changer under the seat. it shows your last 15 min of mpg's also your instant mpg, power flow and avg mpg. I can post some pics if anyone would like.

Re: New Member New Ford 2008 2wd Escape - California
 

can you measure the dimensions of the nav unit itself (just the front of the unit (length x width)?? I'm wondering whether it could physically be swapped with the previous version in my '06 (whether it would work is another question)

Re: New Member New Ford 2008 2wd Escape - California
 

sure! its 7 1/2" wide 4 3/4" tall. thats the opening for the 2008 ford factory nav unit.

New Member New Ford 2008 2wd Escape - California
 

The FEH is good, just don't expect anything in the way of a tax break from the FEDS or California. I didn't get my Federal tax credit this year due to the Alternative Minimum Tax, and California offers NO incentives to FEH owners.

Re: New Member New Ford 2008 2wd Escape - California
 

Mike, most people don't have your problem. Although the AMT is starting to affect more of the middle class, it's still generally for the well-to-do. I don't think you should make blanket statements like "don't expect anything in the way of a tax break".

Morocco, welcome to the board and congratulations on your new hybrid- you're going to love it!

New Member New Ford 2008 Escape - Chicago
 

I don't mean to steal any thunder away from this thread, but I'm too excited to not make a post: after over 6 years with my 2 dr Explorer (which I love), I placed an order for an 08 FEH AWD earlier this week.

Probably the toughest call was FWD vs. AWD. The cost breakdown is noticeable: about a $1200-1400 price difference, plus the $800 difference in tax credit, plus any difference in fuel costs from one to the other, and it's over a $2000 gap. Living in Chicago, though, I decided that any potential loss in fuel efficiency was worth it to have the AWD. Have other members compared both models in good & bad conditions?

Anyways, I can't wait for the FEH to arrive! Black Pearl Slate w/ NAV. Already got a trip log book set-up to keep in the center console. Many thanks to everyone who provided counsel on a different thread regarding partner programs for X-Plan PINs - - Noticeable difference on price!

In general, the people who share their information - and opinions - on this site are the best. This resource lifts all the fog away from hybrids, and really must make it easier for people to get into one for themselves. Thanks!

Re: New Member New Ford 2008 2wd Escape - California
 

I agree, although it kind of has more to do with how many OTHER credits you are taking rather than actual income levels. Yes income level has a big effect but I'm guessing MOST people got nailed because they had alot of other credits and deductions, not because of their gross income.

Re: New Member New Ford 2008 Escape - Chicago
 

I struggled with the same decision, and since I'm in the area I thought I would post. Chicago winters have been so tame in recent years... seems like we only get one or two serious snowfalls each season. I might have been better off with the FWD if I was just buying for this area. But my parents live in the mountains of Colorado and since we've just given them a new grandson I'm sure there will be road trips.

I can tell you from the one heavy snow I drove in this last season that the AWD is phenomenal! I was driving through unplowed areas where the snow was up to the bottom of the doors and the FEH never lost a beat. You won't regret it!

Re: New Member New Ford 2008 2wd Escape - California
 

I compared the two as well. To me, it wasn't worth the $2000+ difference. I don't drive on any roads that are that terrible. I figured I'll just get snow tires if I need to. I made it around (barely sometimes) with a FWD car with bald all-season tires this winter (didn't want to get new tires since I was getting an '08 MMH as soon as they came out), so I figured I didn't need the AWD.