'09 Escape - More Improvements Than We Thought

[range]

FIRST DRIVE

 

We all heard of the improvements to the engines and the addition of the new 6 speed transmissions (where is yours Honda?), but Ford made even more changes to improve the vehicle.

 

 

for example:

 

= The structure of the Escape has been enhanced by shifting to more high strength steel in areas like the A-pillars and cross members. The more rigid body means less noise is transmitted through vibrations in the structure and from the road, also a major improvement over 2008 models.

 

 

=For the first time, the Escape gets a rear anti-roll bar, and combined with the re-tuned springs and dampers, as well as new tires, the handling of the CUV feels much more composed. On some twisty roads west of Pinkney, MI the Escape felt surprisingly good with only moderate understeer and well-controlled body roll.

 

= The only visual changes to the 2009 Escape are a deeper, wider front air dam and spats in front of the rear wheels on vehicles without running boards. The air dam is said to contribute a 2/3mpg improvement at 70mph.

[range]

on the new 6 speed transmission:

 

"Those gear changes are also amazingly smooth. Both up and down shifts were almost seamless."

[Deanh]

on the new 6 speed transmission:

 

"Those gear changes are also amazingly smooth. Both up and down shifts were almost seamless."

typical if it aint broke don't fix it let the competition make the first move , loser ford attitude....should have left the car as is...public doesn't know any better.....