Survey says: Ford Escape Hybrid this summer’s most coveted vehicle
By David Menzies
Who’d have thunk it? The Ford Escape Hybrid is this summer’s most coveted recreation vehicle.
At least, that’s one of the conclusions drawn from a new survey commissioned by www.leasetrader.com.
LeaseTrader recently asked more than 1,500 participants what recreation vehicle they’d prefer to acquire this solstice. The number one choice was the Escape Hybrid, followed by the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Mazda CX-7.
Call it the “Goldilocks Factor”: the top three choices are neither econoboxes nor Fat Bastard SUVs. While the Escape is an SUV, it’s certainly no Expedition. Meanwhile, the Tiguan and CX-7 are more diminutive than the Touareg and CX-9 respectively.
Surely the Escape’s ascent as top dog on the list is yet another telltale sign of a wonky economy and spiking gas prices as consumers rationalize their vehicle preferences. “Living large” has apparently been eclipsed by “medium motoring.”
LeaseTrader spokesman John Sternal admits the Escape Hybrid is “not the first vehicle you’d think of” in terms of being a must-have set of wheels. But he notes the Escape does embody a fair degree of utility; it’s relatively affordable; and it’s good on gas thanks to its dual-mode powerplant. As such, the Escape Hybrid offers that trifecta many car consumers are coveting these days.
Still, how times have changed! When the same survey was conducted two years ago by LeaseTrader, the results were radically different. The most coveted car in the summer of 2007 was any vehicle with a BMW logo on the hood.
Meanwhile, the most appealing convertible in 2007 was the Mercedes-Benz CLK; this year, the Mini Cooper ragtop snags top honours. Sternal says this result is likely due to an increase in bottom line due diligence during uncertain times: a Mini at about $400/month is far more doable than a CLK at about $700/month.
The bright side: even a downscaled vehicle still beats public transit.
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Posted by: mac smith | 2009-06-26 11:23:28 AM
I read in the paper that the VW Tiguan has been out of production for 3 months and VW doesn't even bother to try and sell them anymore. It seems strange that they're considered 'coveted', since no one wants to buy them, although I've read a few reviews and they seem like good vehicles. The article I read said that they're so rare that they're instast collectibles.
Posted by: Dark Knight | 2009-06-26 12:27:42 PM
Perhaps, technologist should push towards incorporating a solar/hydro/E39 fueled bus that produces the less pollution into the crippled atmosphere. Maybe then I can breathe and think clearer for tomorrow's bright future.
Posted by: Leslie Adrian | 2009-07-03 9:12:29 PM
Oh no another ugly hybird that wants to fly higher than the truth. its an ugly drag on your wallet. My friend bought one and the mileage is not what they claim and it had a flaw from the start. after 1000km the belting in the tires seperated and knocked out a u-joint. The dealer refusedto warrenty it and claimed he drove over way to many curbs.
Who in there right mind would purposely go out and drive a vechile over curbs.
The u-joints and dirve train do not handle tire prolems. Warning improper tire pressure or tire manufacture problems will cause dealers to refuse to look after buyers properly.
Not a bad vechle just bad drive train from transmission to wheel on road.
When I looked at it I was concerned that the Disc Brakes may be getting a bit hotter than they should, to excessive drag/pressure leaking over from braking assemble.
Tolerances not enouh way to tight and causes to much heat distrubtion.
Could be his was a lemon out of the bunch but we test drove another and after 30km the Disc Caliper is hot to the touch. Thats in city driving where one is turning approx every three city blocks, left or right.
I would not buy one as I have to travel at least 60km inside of the city one way and then back.
Did ford ever do an expectancy rating on the Brakes? How many Km can you get out of a set and the rotors??
Posted by: Lucila | 2009-07-05 10:48:08 PM
Read this mac smith...perhaps, it will help explain your concerns.
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D994C9VG0.htm
Posted by: Brent | 2010-06-03 10:01:06 AM
Most coveted recreational vehicle? Ford Escape Hybrid? The design of the current Ford Escape Hybrid looks at least 10 years old. It is not attractive at all IMHO. What a load of garbage.