I am would like to hear opinions about the Ford Escape SUV hybrid. I am looking for gas mileage and cargo space. What do I ask the dealership? Also what about a used one (good/bad idea) What kind of gas mileage does it get highway and is there some kind of tax break?

Those guys above could only give you opinions (most of which are inaccurate or flat-out wrong). Here are the facts:

The Escape Hybrid is a good car, with very low maintenance requirements because:

- The Escape Hybrid uses regenerative braking, which means you don't need to change the brake pads until after 100,000 miles. Regular cars need brake jobs every 30K miles or so.

- The Escape Hybrid uses a Power Split Device transmission, which has only one single planetary gearset, no gear-shifting, no clutches. Because of this simplicity, it is FAR more reliable than the transmissions in regular cars, which uses complicated transmissions that has either multiple gear-shifting or friction-belt-driven CVTs.

- The Power Split Device transmission in the FEH is very similar to the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive (Toyota Hybrids are good too).

- The Escape Hybrid has no starter solenoid / motor (which frequently causes trouble in regular cars), no alternator, no timing belt. Less things to wear out and need repair.

- The Escape Hybrid's battery system has an 8-year / 100,000 mile warranty. If the battery dies within 8 years, Ford replaces it for free.

- You can get 30mpg easily with the FEH.

- The FEH does indeed qualify for a federal tax break if you buy (not lease) the car. $1950 for the 4WD model, $2600 for the 2WD.

- As a testament to how tough the FEH is, most of the FEHs in use with the NYC Taxi Fleet has racked up 200,000 miles with no problems, despite the abuse cabbies heap on them every day.

The Escape Hybrid is a great car for daily driver use, for hauling groceries or kids.

Get a new one so you can have the full 8-year warranty on the Hybrid system (rather than a transferred warranty that only has part of the 8-year 100,000 mile coverage left on a used one).

Those are the facts.

DO NOT BUY THAT it's not reliable

it is the most fuel efficient SUV in the world .
ford build quality products..but hybrids are trouble prone no mater who make then
if you think you need one only buy it new..the cost is high .
.to ever get your money back you will be driving it a long long time

don't ever buy a Ford. I would suggest a Saturn Vue

Female
Or
Redneck
Drivers

Toyota builds the best hybrids.