Performance

A V-6 engine with 200 horsepower should be able to move a small crossover with ease. But this 3.0-liter V-6 struggles against the Escape’s 3,522 pounds, and acceleration from a dead stop in first gear is especially sluggish. Once moving, it isn’t bad, and passing power is adequate. The transmission’s oddly-selected cogs are the culprit, sacrificing acceleration for fuel economy, and the 18.2 mpg isn’t much of a payoff. The transmission shifts roughly at times, and if you select gears manually you can time the changes with a sundial.

Research 2008 Ford Escape

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