2008 Ford Escape wallpaper 2008 Ford Escape wallpaper 2008 Ford Escape wallpaper 2008 Ford Escape wallpaper
2008 Ford Escape wallpaper 2008 Ford Escape wallpaper 2008 Ford Escape wallpaper 2008 Ford Escape wallpaper
More Photographs    Wallpaper    Interior Photos   
Image credits: Ford

The Ford Escape, America's best-selling compact utility vehicle, has a completely new look inside and out for 2008. Escape now makes a powerful statement with a bolder, rugged exterior design that bears a stronger family resemblance to the Ford Explorer and Ford Expedition. The all-new interior resets the bar for small utility vehicles, with more upscale appointments, new innovative storage options, and improved comfort and quietness. In addition, chassis refinements deliver impressive fuel economy and agile driving dynamics that belie the Escape's rugged exterior.

'The 2008 Escape offers the capability and styling of a traditional SUV with the benefits of crossover construction – building on the successful formula that has made the Escape America's favorite small utility vehicle for six years,' says Cisco Codina, group vice president, North America Marketing, Sales and Service. 'The new Escape offers a more refined ride, go-anywhere capability, impressive fuel economy, up to 3,500 pounds of towing, and a more comfortable interior that is quieter and more versatile.'

The combination of traditional SUV capability and crossover construction made the original Escape an instant success. More than one million Escapes have been sold since its introduction as a 2001 model – more than any other small utility vehicle or crossover of any size. Six years later, Escape remains the sales leader of the small-utility segment, a remarkable feat considering the segment has almost doubled, from 800,000 sales in 2000 to a projected 1.5 million in 2006.

Bolder, Tougher Exterior Design

'The goal from the beginning was to make Escape look even stronger and tougher than the original,' says Doyle Letson, chief designer for the 2008 Escape. 'We raised the beltline to give the profile a strong, modern proportion of sheetmetal to glass. Then, we sculpted the surfaces for a more Ford Tough Truck appearance, that now matches Escape's capabilities.'

The high beltline is further emphasized by the new blacked-out B-pillars, integrated running boards, available 17-inch wheels, and the deletion of the original Escape's molded-in color fascias and lower bodyside molding.

To integrate the higher beltline, the hood has also been raised and now features a unique 'reverse crease' design that draws the eye to the detailed surface. The new front fascia has headlamps that sweep up toward the front corners of the vehicle to short side marker lamps. The new headlights bracket the dramatic new grille.

Refined and Recycled Interior

The 2008 Escape is believed to be the first U.S. automotive application of seating surfaces made from 100 percent post-industrial materials, supplied by InterfaceFABRIC, Inc. InterfaceFABRIC estimates that Ford's use of post-industrial materials, rather than virgin fibers, could conserve an estimated 600,000 gallons of water, an estimated 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents, and the equivalent of more than 7 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually.

Escape also showcases Ford's first use of a 'top of dash' display positioned at eye level on the dashboard, which shows ambient temperature, radio functions and climate-control readouts. This simple, efficient design puts much of the vehicle's information in one place at the top of the dashboard, making it easier to reference when driving.

Also improving ease-of-use is the clean, uncluttered center console. Rather than the traditional 'brick' design for the radio and temperature controls, Escape features dials and buttons that 'poke-through' the center console. The instrument panel houses audio and climate controls, a standard MP3/iPod audio jack, and controls for the available heated seats and in-dash navigation system.

Escape's interior also features the first use of Ford's new, signature Ice Blue interior lighting. The cool blue lighting replaces the traditional green on the instrument cluster, the center console, the redundant controls on the steering wheel, and the door lock and window switches. Ice Blue presents a cool, crisp, easy-on-the-eyes light for night driving and enhances the overall feel of the interior.

Escape's center console is large enough to hold a laptop computer, and there are three levels of storage space. In addition, the center console features two removable bins with innovative dovetail mounting points, which allows the bins to be hung from the front passenger side and rear of the console for additional storage.

Refined, Quiet Interior

Engineers made a host of changes to the 2008 Escape to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels inside the vehicle.

The 2008 Escape is one of the first Ford Motor Company vehicles to use speed-sensitive Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), a sophisticated system that helps correct for road irregularities and improves overall steering feel.

Conventional power steering systems use an engine-driven hydraulic gear, which saps power and efficiency from the engine. The 2008 Escape's new EPAS system uses an electric motor, rather than the engine's accessory drive. This new system helps improve fuel economy and eliminates the hydraulic noises typical of conventional hydraulic power-assisted steering systems.

In addition, new recessed channels in the vehicle's roof panel are designed to improve airflow over the top of the vehicle, while horizontal ribs in the roof also strengthen the body structure and help reduce boom noise in the cabin. A new acoustic laminate sandwiched between two glass panels in the windshield and an acoustic headliner also help decrease wind noise. New interior carpeting, which is up to 50 percent thicker, further improves the isolation from road and wind noise.

Compared with the previous model, the 2008 Escape is 12 percent quieter on the highway (30.8 sones to 27 sones at 80 mph in the wind tunnel) and 20 percent quieter in high velocity crosswinds.

Standard Safety Equipment and Fuel-efficient Powertrains

Under its skin, the 2008 Escape has one of the most advanced safety packages in the small SUV segment. Escape comes standard with Safety Canopy™ side air curtains, which provide head and neck protection for the first- and second-row passengers, as well as standard side-impact air bags that deploy out of the upper portion of the front seats to protect the upper and lower torso of the driver and passenger. In addition, I-4 and V-6 Escape models come standard with Ford's exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control).

The 2008 Escape's standard 2.3-liter, 16-valve Duratec 23 I-4 produces 153 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 152 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm, paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The available 3.0-liter, 24-valve V-6 Duratec 30 engine makes 200 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 193 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. With a four-speed automatic, the V-6 powered Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Ford Escape Hybrid continues to be a 'full' hybrid. This means that, unlike other 'mild' hybrid vehicles, Escape Hybrid can run on 100 percent electric power up to about 25 mph, maximizing in-city fuel economy.

At low speeds, power is delivered by a permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motor, producing 70 kw @ 5,000 rpm and 330V maximum voltage. When additional power is required, the Escape Hybrid's 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine seamlessly engages, contributing 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 124 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm. The net result is 155 horsepower with 0-60 times comparable to a 200 horsepower V-6 engine and a boost in city-driving fuel economy of nearly 75 percent. Escape Hybrids are equipped with a smooth-shifting, electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

For 2008, Escape Hybrid engineers made revisions to software in the control system to improve transparency, or the transition between gasoline and electric operation. The transition from all-electric to gasoline power to a combination of the two is now even more seamless and virtually imperceptible to the driver.

Source - Ford

2008 Ford Escape

Year2008
MakeFord
ModelEscape
Engine LocationFront
Drive TypeFront Wheel (standard), 4WD
Body / ChassisUnitized welded steel body
Production Years for Series2008 -
Weight3272 lbs | 1484.2 kg
MPG City20
MPG Highway26
Combined MPG0.00
Introduced At2006 LA Auto Show

Engine  
Engine ConfigurationI
Cylinders4
EngineDuratec 23
Aspiration/InductionNormal
Displacement140.00 CU IN. | 2294.6 cc. | 2.3 L.
Valves16 valves.
4 valves per cylinder.
ValvetrainDOHC
Horsepower153.00 BHP (112.6 KW) @ 5800.00 RPM
Torque152.00 Ft-Lbs (206.1 NM) @ 4250.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio21.4 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter66.5 BHP / Liter
Compression Ratio9.7:1
Fuel TypeGasoline - Petrol
Fuel FeedFuel Injected
Sequential Electronic Multi-port Fuel Injection
BlockAluminum
HeadAluminum
Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Gear Ratios
1st Gear3.666:1
2nd Gear2.058:1
3rd Gear1.310:1
4th Gear1.030:1
5th Gear0.837:1

Standard Transmission
Gears5
TransmissionManual
with Overdrive
Final Drive4.13:1

Optional Transmission
Gears4
TransmissionAutomatic
Overdrive

Dimensions   
Cargo Volume66.30 cu. ft.
Passenger Volume99.401 cu. ft.
Towing Capacity1500.001 lbs
Standard Payload0.00
Fuel Capacity16.5 Gal
Seating Capacity5
Doors4
Exterior
Length174.701 in | 4437.4 mm.
Width71.101 in | 1806 mm.
Height68.001 in | 1727.2 mm.
Wheelbase103.101 in | 2618.8 mm.
Front Track61.101 in | 1552 mm.
Rear Track60.401 in | 1534.2 mm.
Ground Clearance8.501 in | 215.9 mm.
Interior
Front Headroom40.401 in | 1026.2 mm.
Rear Headroom39.201 in | 995.7 mm.
Front Legroom41.601 in | 1056.7 mm.
Rear Legroom35.601 in | 904.3 mm.
Front Hip Room53.31 in | 1354.1 mm.
Rear Hip Room49.11 in | 1247.4 mm.
Front Shoulder Room56.601 in | 1437.7 mm.
Rear Shoulder Room55.901 in | 1419.9 mm.
Vehicles with similar dimensions

Suspension
SuspensionFront : Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs and stabilizer bar

Rear : Independent Double Lateral and Semi Trailing Arm Design


Steering
 Rack and Pinion with Power Assist
Steering Overall Ratio17.7:1
Turning Circle36.701 ft

Brakes
Front Brake Size11.901 in | 302.3 mm.
Rear Brake Size10.001 in | 254 mm.

Tires / Wheels
TiresP235/70R16
Wheels16-in steel

Bumper-to-bumper Warranty Information
Mileage36000
Months36


 
Similar Automakers
Add Review
View Reviews (3)
Ford History
Manufacturer Website
Other models by Ford
View Specifications
AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Vehicle Ratings
StylingVehicle Styling Rating: 80%
PerformanceVehicle Performance Rating: 82.222%
InteriorVehicle Interior Rating: 82.222%
QualityVehicle Quality Rating: 86.666%
OverallVehicle Overall Rating: 86.666%
No. of Votes: 9
Rate the Vehicle
Add Review
View Reviews (3)

Articles and Event Coverage
2006 LA Auto Show

Topics
The Escape changed very little

Replies: 1
Thursday, November 30, 2006
The Escape changed only little

Replies: 0
Thursday, November 30, 2006
General Comments

Replies: 2
Thursday, November 30, 2006

2008 Ford models
E-Series
Edge
Escape Hybrid
Expedition
Explorer
Explorer Sport Trac
Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin
F-150
F-Series Super Duty
FG Falcon FPV GT
Fiesta
Fiesta ST Mountune
Focus
Focus RS
Focus RS WRC 08
FPV F6
Fusion
Fusion Hydrogen 999 Land Speed Record
GT-R
Harley-Davidson Super Duty
Mustang
Mustang Bullitt
Mustang FR500S
Mustang WIP
Ranger
Taurus
Taurus X
2008 Ford Concepts
Ford Explorer America Concept
Ford Flex
Ford Flex by Chip Foose
Ford Flex by Funkmaster Flex
Ford Verve Concept

Other Model Years
2008 Escape Hybrid
2007 Escape
2007 Escape Hybrid
2006 Escape
2006 Escape Hybrid
2005 Escape
2004 Escape Hybrid
2004 Escape
2003 Escape
2001 Escape
Recent Vehicle News
Dallara Andretti Green Racing IndycarIFR Automotive AspidAudi R10
Lola B06/10Lotus EagleAston Martin Ulster Team Car
Aston Martin Le MansDallara Doran Racing JE4 PrototypePorsche 911 GT3 Cup
SMS Limited 25th Anniversary Mustang ConceptRolls-Royce Pininfarina HyperionLamborghini Murcielago LP640 Versace
Edo Competition Gallardo Superleggera2008 Lamborghini ReventonBMW GINA Light Visionary
Spada Codatronca TS ConceptBugatti Veyron Sang Noir