We needed a new vehicle for Mom; she's been driving a 1993 Toyota Camry Wagon since it was new. I've been driving extended cab pick-ups, from Toyota to GMC, and now a Chevy with four doors. Considerations: We live on a dirt road (durability, comfort), we live in the country and have to haul more 'stuff' (room), and our driving preferences (elevation, visibility, safety).
The affordability factor brought the 2004 Ford Escape base model V-6 to us. The first challenge for us 'diminutive folks' is entry into the vehicle. The seat level isn't as high as our Chevy pick-up, and even as short as we are the height is not bad; what is complicating is the floor has a 3" or so rim at the door, so to get in or out you have to really LIFT your feet or smack them at the door jamb, and the seat position for shorties leaves VERY little space for the knees to get in. Once seated, the driving height is pleasant and, with a high cab and lots of window, the visibility is quite good. With two people in the front seats, there's no room for anything else (purse, packages, etc.). The steering wheel adjustment goes from 'on your knee' to 'in your chest', but never 'out of the way'; shorties like me may feel crowded behind the wheel. The factory does not offer pedal extenders; the adjustable pedals may be available in the pricier model, but not in this basic unit. The crash test ratings for front impact are 'better than average', and the side impact was rated in the top of it's class.
Driving on our gravel road, the comfort level was similar to the Camry Wagon - moderately noisy, with jolty tight new suspension. The seats are okay; the Silverado is much more comfortable (like a luxury car) by comparison, and more padding would probably help the ride. It's likely that a good protective undercoating would help to soundproof it, too. On the paved roads it performs reasonably well for it's class as far as sound and handling, with a decent center of gravity for stability. The overdrive V-6 is geared well for performance and economy. After driving a Chevy Silverado, it doesn't give the impression of durable safety that are reported in it's crash test performance ratings. Hopefully we'll never need to know.
Concerning space: a lot of it is vertical. With the rear seats in the normal upright position, there's precious little room in the back cargo area. We could just fit our larger cooler (48qt), with less than a foot on each side remaining. The Camry Wagon had more room both in length and width. We found it quite difficult to force the rear seat down (we're 'little old ladies') and work it to a reasonably flat level to utilize the cargo space.
For comfort, roominess(passenger and cargo) and perceived safety,I'm happier in my Silverado, but at half the price, the Ford Escape may be a good 'around town' vehicle, even though it's gas mileage is about the same as my V8.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 19,000.00
Condition: New Model Year: 2004 Model and Options: Base model V6
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