My first experience with driving a Ford Escape, was when I had one as a rental car. I am bigger than average, and I fit into it comfortably (huge plus). Plus, I thought the dashboard was laid out well and I was able to find everything easily. So when my car was having problems, I went to the Ford Dealership and purchased a Ford Escape, for less than $16,000 in late 2006. This was so much cheaper than many other cars cost, and it satisfied my needs well. I sometimes have the need to carry things about, and the SUV gives you more storage than most. I like white, my car is white. The interior is fine, it may be a bit plain but that is OK with me. I have a stick shift which makes the car seem a bit sporty. I have a four cylinder engine, which provides plenty of pickup for me. I wouldn't have wanted the six, available then. The car has AC, power locks with remote, and a nice radio and CD player (minimum these days). After 81,000 miles AC still works well. I have done the suggested maintenance at the suggested times, always a good idea IMO. I have had no problems mechanically, just one incident with a rock coming up and cracking the windshield on a trip. So I claim the car is dependable. With better than average gas mileage, 26 to 28 (with my light foot). With the low running costs, low purchase price, and good dependability, I claim a Ford Escape is a great deal, great value for the money.

The 2010 Ford Escape has taken me through six moves, a cross-country road trip, several trips to Vegas, thousands of trips to the grocery store and countless trips for back country hiking trips. It's been 150,000 miles of living.