We are getting ready to get our second FEH. Both models are similarly equipped, the ony difference will be in the radio configuration on the 06 (7 speaker system).

Wanted to see what the difference was in driveability between the models. Hoping to hear from someone who has both.

 

My comparison is probably apples to oranges, because it compares an 05 4wd to an 06 fwd. But the 05 seemed to have a harder time getting up to 70mph, and seemd a bit twitchy compared to the 06.

 

I just purchased an 06 FEH. Silver Metalic with premium package, powered moon roof and leather. I have to say that this vehicle puts my 03 Chrysler GT Cruiser to shame. So far avg of 32mpg vs 22mgp, FEH vs GT.

Gene Mohr
Mohr Photography
Martinez, GA

 

Comparing my '06 Escape Hybrid 2WD to my '89 Ranger V6 2WD Stick - what a difference! The Ranger has more cargo capacity, but the Escape's is more accessible. Ranger: 25 mpg vs. FEH 31 mpg highway. Ranger: 18 vs FEH 37 City. Now if only Ford could bring the price of its hybrids down!

 

Finally picked up our second hybrid. Have 05 and 06 FEH FWD models. Have only driven the 06 for 50 miles, but it seems much easier to drive than the 05. Will see how mileage works out over time.

Who has more than one FEH and what are the driving differences?

 

Nitramjr is one person I would suggest talking to, he's got an '05 and '06.

 

Hey SAM,

Sorry I missed this thread when you posted it a couple weeks ago.

In my opinion, you made the right choice with the '06. Not only does it have the better anti-theft system, but from what I have seen, my '06 does better on mileage. I drove the '05 from March to June when I got the '06 and my wife has had the '05 since then and the difference in mileage is big. Of course my wife does all the grocery getting and local stuff and I commute to work in mine so that is a big factor.

Since my '06 will be going in for a new rear bumper and I now have more miles on the '06, we will be swapping vehicles for the next few months. We'll see how I can do in the '05 on a regular basis now.

Except for the color, auto-locks, and side airbags (plus the '04 Escape stereo I put in the '05), both of mine are the same. I really can't tell the difference in how they drive. I have noticed some slight differences between how they manages EV mode and ICE run time but it is tough to do direct comparisons until I learn to drive two vehicles at the same time...

Congrats on the new addition. Real interested in how your numbers work out between the '05 and '06.

Ray

 

In purchasing an Escape Hybrid, I would look for one which has been built for "Job 2" (you see this on the sticker available on the dealer's web site) since it has an enhanced radio and probably some other enhancements at no extra charge.

 

Have driven the 05 and 06 on these same trips,

• Los Angeles to Las Vegas
• Las Vegas to Searchlight to Los Angeles
• Los Angeles to Palm Springs

but on different days and the mileage difference is noticeable.

Noticed difference in 05 verus 06:

• Engine runs longer in 05 before turning off in low gear
• Engine turns on sooner in 05 than 06 in low gear with acceleration
• 06 can be in electric mode up to 40 mph

Looks like the 06 will continue to out perform the 05. What is amazing is the 06 only has 1500 miles on it verus the 05 with 11,000 miles. The 06 is not even broken in yet.

The 06 is different than the 05, buy the 06 if you are looking for a FEH.

 

Has anyone had driven the same route at the same time with two different year FEH hybrid's with similar drivelines.

It seems like our 06 will shutoff earlier and stay off for a longer time than the 05. This seems to be a hard comparison to verify, we seem to have the only 05 and 06 with the same driveline option (FWD). We are trying to understand why this occurs.