2008 Ford Escape
Quietly, the Escape climbs to the top of its K-9 class
Sat, Dec 27th 2008
| VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| type | 5 door, suv - small, 2wd |
| msrp | $29,825 |
| trans | automatic |
| gas mi. | 20mpg/28mpg |
| rating |  |
When considering a small sport utility vehicle for its economy and canine carrying versatility, many makes and models come to mind. Chances are, the Ford Escape isn't one of them.
That's a shame because over the past few years, the Escape has quietly dug its way out of the SUV crowd and climbed to the top of the list in our estimation. Not only is the Escape able to handle multiple dogs and their crates, but it is also fairly frugal on fuel and the overall environment.
Not to be confused with its hybrid sibling -- which gets over 30 mpg in both city and highway driving -- the conventional Escape averages between 20 and 28 mpg in its front-wheel-drive version. Choosing the four-wheel-drive version will drop the mileage to 19/25 mpg.
In 2008, the Escape became the first vehicle to use interior fabric that is produced from 100 percent post-industrial waste - defined as anything intended for retail use that never makes it to the consumer. Not only does this recycled material ease the burden on landfills, but also conserves the manufacturing energy normally used to produce new material.
And of course, what's good for the environment is good for our dogs as well.
Driving the Escape is almost effortless. With a sedan-like ride and smooth steering, the Escape handles city and rural drives with a confident ease. The Escape won't overpower the big brutes, but it is totally capable of carrying your canine cargo without so much as a whimper or a whine from the small, but spunky engine.
The Escape also features a new device that makes it easier to put fuel in the tank, with its special "Easy Fuel" cap, that does not need to be screwed on or off at the gas pump.
No doubt about it, this Ford has Escaped the shadows and is free to fill the needs of the DogCar crowd.
-- Keith Turner
Carguy Comments: The Ford Escape is a sibling to the Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute, all of which are available in conventional or hybrid versions. The standard Escape features a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter V-6, both featuring what Ford calls "intelligent four-wheel-drive," meaning you get four-wheel traction when you need it. Cargo capacity for the Escape is 66.3 cubic feet behind the first row seats.
Barking Lot Banter: After years of toiling in the darkness, the Ford Escape has emerged as an extremely viable small SUV for dog lovers.
Comments
Your sheperd should have no issue, my doberman loved this car. Just keep in mind it is a jump, unlike a car.
2009-09-01 16:25:30
I just bought a 2008 Escape XLT 4WD and my 2 dogs love it. I put a doggy bed in the back seat and they lay on it and can see out. It has the side running boards which also makes it easier for them to get in to.
2009-07-31 14:54:54
I have a 2008 Escape XLT with 4WD and I adore it. It has the V6 engine so its fuel economy is only around 23mpg. (Sticker said 22 at the highest so I am pleased about the 23).
I have two akitas and both fit easily into the vehicle – one in the cargo area and another on the back seat. One 42” crate will fit in this vehicle with the seats folded flat. Two will not. :(
I have a ramp for access to the cargo area and that works very nicely for my dogs. However, getting in and out of the doors on the backseat is not the best b/c the doors do not swing out far enough.
Still, it is a nice car, very easy to clean (lots of plastic in the interior), and it rides nicely. I am rather pleased with it and I do recommend it as a dog car.
2009-07-14 11:17:01
I love my Ford Escape… We bought it for our 2 Golden Retrievers. It is a dream to drive and I recommend this car to everyone! Tons of space for our two dogs, plus the cats and whatever else we need to pack! Wouldn’t trade it for anything. Havent found 1 thing I dont like about it.. Its just perfect!
2009-06-26 00:30:50
I’ve been driving an Escape for 3 years now & it has been a great dog car. I can fit 3 300 size Vari-Kennels in it. There is still room on top of them for a crate hauler & grooming table.
2009-04-09 18:28:08
I just bought a 2009 Escape for my 4 (yes 4) Newfoundlands. With my trailer, I can haul my babies anywhere in the US in comfort and safety, leaving the luggage and other stuff in the trailer, and the interior of the vehicle for the furbabies. This is a GREAT vehicle. Drives and rides like a car, decent gas mileage, great view of the road, with the leather seats super dog friendly. Make sure you get the V-6.
2009-03-24 00:09:44
I just got an Escape for my two cocker spaniels, and it’s wonderful. We put the back seats all the way down, which lets the dogs sit right behind us. They enjoy that. With a cargo cover, it’ll be a perfect dog (and cat) car for us.
2009-03-08 18:55:57
But what about holding my 100lb German Shepherd? Will he bump his head when he sits in the back?
2009-02-20 01:02:34
I love my escape! The cargo area is the perfect size for my Rat Terriers’ crates and keeps them safe and secure. I load it up to take to Flyball tournaments about once a month.
2009-01-06 14:56:47
The Escape has one of the few cargo areas that goes completely level and the glass window on the tailgate opens separately for more ventilation.
The back of the vehicle is squared off, not slanted, and so crates can be placed right to the rear of the cargo area.
I usually leave the rear seats folded flat which keeps them clean and free of dog hair but it is fast and easy to put seats up for human passengers
The side rear doors do not open wide enough for easy access for large dogs and it is a high jump through the back tailgate but my 9 year old golden retreiver can leap in easily. I let him out the side door so that he steps on the threshold to break the jump to the ground.
2009-11-30 16:42:19