Thinking about buying a used FEH. There was a significant model change in 2009, giving it a more powerful powerplant. Anyone have any idea how big of deal that is for everyday driving? Off road? Thanks.

 

I own both right now and ordered them new with every option except 4WD and running boards on the '09. The '09 2.5L has much more power and much better fuel efficiency than the earlier models with the 2.3L engine. Ford IMO hit the ball out of the Park with all the new changes. I'm selling my '05 FEH and want a new '10 FEH but my wife wants the new Fusion Hybrid which is okay with me.

The lifetime MPG on my '05 FEH was 45mpg before Florida mandated E10 gas and my lifetime MPG on the '09 is over 50.5mpg and growing every tank even on E10. EV mode is much better in the '09 FEH than prior models and is even better in the '10 FEH. Hypermiling is a serious hobby of mine so don't expect this kind of mileage, but expect better mileage in any '09 FEH over other earlier models. The power alone should make you consider the new 2.5L engine. The micosoft SYNC system is out of this world also in the '09 FEH.

GaryG

 

Gary is one of the best people to answer this one.

If you can afford it, go with the 2009 or 2010.

You'll save more up front cost with an older one, more money than you'll recoup with the newer ones. So cost is the biggest plus with an older one, which have been proven to be very reliable.

If it's your first Ford hybrid, go with the older and you'll love it.
If you have owned Ford hybrids in the past, you'll appriciate the subtle improvements with the 2009+.

 

We rented a couple '08 FEH's as part of our new car decision process, and really loved them. Drivetrain power was good, and I easily achieved the EPA mileage estimates, so we bought an '09 last March. The '09 has more power, is quieter, and after the first 1k miles got significantly better mileage (avg 36 first 5k, now 38-40). The Sync system works GREAT with my bluetooth cellphone, and iPod plugged into USB, and I am now hooked on satellite radio. We were so pleased that two weeks after getting the first one, we bought another!!

 

wow

 

Don't know if you've considered the F/awd version but the older FE/FEH models have been proven to be problematic in that area. Plus the newer models have both Stability Control and Traction Control, two quite valueable capabilities IMMHO.