2010 Ford Escape Hybrid (Image: Ford)

Not only is this a extremely well built Hybrid, the Escape is also a light truck that is built Ford Tough. The Escape Hybrid comes with the optional FWD or 4WD system with smart technology. This means that the Transmission automatically adjusts from front to 4WD when the occasion is required. This means that you can be confident no matter where you need to go.

The engine on the Escape Hybrid is a light 2.5L Atkinson-cycle I-4 engine that produces 153-hp. The electric motor is a powerful Permanent Magnet AC synchronous power-plant that produces 94-hp. This produces adequate power for the Escape in speeds from 0-44mph at which time the gas powered engine takes over. Having the engine shut off at non-efficient slow speeds the Escape can crawl through traffic or wait in the drive through with the engine completely shut off. There have been complaints however from car reviewers that the switch from electric to gas is not a smooth transition. This might alarm some people however it’s hard to complain when the Escape Hybrid can get you 32mpg in the city and 35mpg on the highway. These number can even be lowered further by learning simple efficient-driving techniques.

To ensure that the Escape Hybrid is the most ‘green’ car on the planet Ford has gone through the trouble of making sure that most of their Escapes are made from recycled materials that can be further recycled when the car ends up in the scrap-yard. The Escape also has bio-degradable chairs and upolstry. And to make sure that all care was added for the environment, Ford is paying the full carbon credits needed to produce their Escape Hybrid’s. This means that for every pound of carbon monoxide produced to make the car Ford pays the equivalent to further technology that will help reduce it.

The 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid is a little pricey with a $31,000 starting price. Those numbers can be be slashed further if you take advantage of your local government’s Tax credit advantages.

For more information about the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid visit their website and build the Escape of your dreams.

Image: Ford.ca

Post from: EveryJoe

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid

Where can you get a hybrid today … right now?

Short-term Lease/ Lease Transfers

Swap-a-Lease has just SIX hybrids available today. Right now. Payments range from $319 a month for an ‘07 Prius to $621 a month for an ‘07 Camry. Leasetrader also has a number of green vehicles available.

When you go through a lease trading company, you don’t have to pay a down payment so initially it can be cheaper. Just like anything though, pay attention to the rules of the leasing company. Do your due diligence and make sure you get a 3rd party inspection so you aren’t hit with any “excessive wear and tear” charges later.

Remember, too, that LeaseCompare.com can help you finance several different models.

Online Auctions

eBay has a number of hybrids listed, but if you go this route, pay particular attention to someone’s seller history! Hybrids are in high demand right now, and online auctions are rife with fraud, so I’m not sure I would be comfortable going this route right now unless a seller had great reviews And was comfortable giving me referrals.

Used Lots

One of our friends bought a used ‘99 Prius a few months ago, and about a week later he was having major problems. Be wary that used hybrids are just like any other car and can have problems. Have them thoroughly checked out by a trusted mechanic who knows hybrids. Our friend was stuck driving a loaner for months until he could afford to get repairs done.

The rise in gas prices may be pushing people toward hybrid alternatives but these aren’t the only cars that can get good gas mileage. If you find yourself without a car, or the time to wait/search for the model you would love to have, look to my Most Efficient & Most Affordable Non-hybrid Autos.

[Image: Toyota]

Post from: EveryJoe

Where can I buy or lease a Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid, etc?

A frustrating stumbling block for the hybrid market has been customers’ inability to change. They don’t like the futuristic look of the Toyota Prius, or the feel of the engine turning off.

Somewhat under the radar, Ford released the very first hybrid SUV and today, it is still the most fuel efficient and least polluting model on the road. It also takes into consideration styling and performance issues to fit the American lifestyle.

AutoblogGreen has posted an indepth review of the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

Post from: EveryJoe

2008 Ford Escape hybrid SUV