I bought my 2006 FWD FEH on March 3, 2006. I currently have 6,388 miles as of 4/21/06. I had only one problem with the car at 1,000 miles. Looks like a connector on the power steering was loose. It was encouraging that a mechanic at a Ford dealer in a small town in New York was able to determine the problem.

Overall I love the car. Used to drive a 1998 Venture Van. I got 19 to 20 mpg. I'm now at 28.9. It is especially amusing for my 16 year old son to watch as I try to maximize fuel efficiency. He always has plenty of commentary. It turns out to be a good "bonding" experience for us. I expect to have 30K to 35K on the car by March 3, 2007. The 100K warranty should end in about three years.

I will post updates/comments as the miles go by.

 

I bought an 05 4WD FEH with 20,000 miles on it a while back. I work at a local car dealer & I took the FEH in trade.

I have been getting better & better mileage as I get used to driving it. At this point, I am getting a little over 30 mpg(best tank was 34 mpg). I don't see how it is possible to get a heck of a lot more than that without resorting to some of the exotic(or plain stupid)tricks that some people employ to improve their mph.

I refuse to resort to things like drafting the car ahead of me at 70mph or holding up traffic behind me driving 42mph in a 60mph zone. I did increase my tire pressure to 42 lbs & I installed 0-20 weight oil. I drive conservatively when nobody is behind me, but that is pretty much it.

To me, over 30 mpg is outstanding for a 4WD SUV so I am really happy with the thing & I really enjoy driving it. I added a Gentek auto-dimming/temp/compass mirror, 20% window tint & in channel vent shades, tweeters & a subwoofer to the 6 CD sound system, a 400 watt DC/AC inverter with duplex outlet, an overhead console with reading lights & a few other mods.

~John