I'm test driving a 2006 Escape Hybrid tonight. I drove an '08 and loved it. Are there major differences in the 2006 vs. 2008??

any advice on what I should consider in my decision?

I have a 2003 Civic Hybrid.

 

Mechanically very little. Software is supposedly better on the 08.

 

The hybrid system may be much the same on the 2006 and 2008. However, the overall vehicle is much improved in 2008. I regularly rent cars and conventional 2005/2006 Escapes did not impress me. When I rented a V6 2008 I was amazed at how much better the build and drive experience was and it sold me on the new hybrid.

That's just me - others may have a different reaction.

 

There are some significant differences. The drivetrain is identical but is much better isolated in the '08. As previously stated, transitions to/from and electric were altered via new software which was also designed to improve mileage. The result is a more seamless driving experience and slightly better economy.

The real difference is overall feel. Consumer complaints about the Gen 1 Escape were mostly related to noise, vibration and harshness, or NVH. They went to great pains to address this by making the ride better. Rebound is controlled and handling is slightly tighter, making the car feel less "jiggly". Noise reduction was accomplished with thicker glass and carpet, double sealed doors and attention to aerodynamics. The result is better ride and a much quieter interior. There's very little wind noise in the '08.

They also changed the look and feel of the interior and claim materials and build quality are upgraded, although some say they did not go far enough in that regard.

I am a new believer like Ken G. I tried the previous version several times and could not justify the expense, considering what I felt was sub-standard quality, a shaky ride and annoying noise levels. After two drives in the 2008 model, I was very impressed and decided it was finally a vehicle I could see owning.

 

Not to belabor the question (since I already posted a thread on it), but does anyone know of any differences b/t the 2006 "Safety Canopy & Airbag" package, and the 2008 "Safety Canopy, Airbag & Rollover Sensor" standard feature?

11011011

 

The 2008 introduction material talks a lot about safety but I could not discern specific year-on-year differences from it. Here it is:

http://media.ford.com/products/press...421&make_id=92

Maybe comparing the 2008 version to info for the 05, 06 and 07 models archived here

http://media.ford.com/products/archi...view_year=2008

... would paint a picture of what's changed for '08. I skimmed a few but did not see much. Maybe someone else can spot something I missed.

 

I love mine. Can't compare to an older on tho.

But something to consider in pricing is the Tax credit on the 08 vs none on the 06.

 

If you buy a new-never titled 06 or 07 Hybrid--you are eligible for a tax credit.

Some of the posters prefer the look of the first generation Escape Hybrid over the second generation. I for one do not like the chrome front grill and bumper look on the 08 models.

 

Off topic I know, but don't forget the AMT bite. For those reading at home, if you have too many deductions already, you don't get a tax credit. Usually because you've reduced your tax liability below a certain threshold. So if you and your wife netted 100k combined income and and you managed (with lots of kids and a mortgage) to reduce your taxes from the 30k you paid down to 20k, you wouldn't get the credit since it your below the AMT cut-off.

Now I haven't a clue on what those numbers actually are, suffice to say that if your dual income with kids, a mortgage and state property, sales, or income tax, you might not qualify.

But single, gobs of money and no deductions in sight means the credit is almost a sure thing.

11011011

 

An interesting point. The "chrome package" includes chrome on the bumper which is kind of over the top. Without the package, the chrome is only on the grill. The Escape brochure would lead you to believe that you have to get the chrome package to get body colored mirrors and door handles, otherwise they are black. In reality, my 2008 without the chrome package has body colored mirrors and black door handles - exactly the way I want it.