I just can't get over that the 2008 Escape dropped to three stars on the NHTSA frontal crash rating while the foreign competition is scoring five all around. Fair or not, this advances the public perception that Ford either lacks engineering prowess, or engages in some cold financial calculus. Continuing the cold calculus theme, I suggest that Ford continue to market this vehicle for a younger demographic, since older adults tend to place a higher priority on safety.