As for Civic hybrid vs Escape hybrid. I would get a regular 2WD Honda CRV before I bought any Escape. The quality and engineering of a Honda far exceeds a Ford. I thought I just had to have a truck. I got rid of my van and truck, bought a 05 HCH and a 01 Honda CRV. Put a trailer hitch on the CRV and bought a $350 trailer. No more having to have a gas drinking truck. For the one time in 200 that I need to haul something, I hitch up the trailer. Meanwhile, while I am riding, I do it in my HCH and my wife drives the CRV as she does not go far or goes often.