Test Drove
reviewed by Kristin Varela

Earth Mamas Rejoice

By: Kristin Varela

Test drove: 2/1/2005 to 2/15/2005

Our family's new year's resolution for 2005 is to become more Earth conscious. For us, that means starting to recycle. I think that driving the Escape Hybrid for two weeks officially pardons me from those occasional yogurt cups I've "mistakenly" thrown in the garbage since January 1.

I've been so anxious to drive this car since a reader of mine wrote in asking if it would fit three child seats. She says that a salesman at a Ford dealer swears to her up and down that since it has three seatbelts in the back seat, three child car seats will fit. Well, we all know from experience that he must be on something. Either that, or he's a young guy without kids who's never seen how honking big child seats are these days.

I tried fitting three child seats in the back of the Escape Hybrid, to no avail. I have a Britax Roundabout (forward facing 5-point harness), a Graco something-or-other (forward facing 5-point harness) and a Graco Turbo Booster. There just isn't enough width in the back seat to fit all three (two of which have protruding snack and cup holders). Seats of differing sizes might fit (check out www.carseatdata.org for measurements on popular child seat models). The Latch connectors in the two outer seating positions are easy to see and easy to use.

For children who like to climb in on their own, I highly recommend a running board. My 4-year-old greased up several pair of tights attempting to get into the Escape on her own. She insists on wearing ballet tights to school nearly every day.

The cargo space in the Escape Hybrid is large and functional. I didn't put my double stroller in it, however. After a recent disaster at the mall, I've decided my kids are too big for the double stroller now. It was too heavy to turn so I had to go in straight lines only.

The cargo space sports an extra dry cleaning hook that actually holds hangers (unlike others I've experienced). To expand the storage room, the rear seat has a 60/40 split, and requires a two-step process to fold.

The driver's seat is easy to adjust and offers a clear and unobstructed view of the road. I find myself trying to pull the steering wheel toward me, however. It would be more comfortable with a telescoping steering wheel.

Although I haven't actually used it, the addition of the 110V power outlet (for $110) is cool. Ford claims its "perfect for ... air pump, electric razor or even holiday lights at the campsite." I'm thinking more along the lines of a bottle heater, butt-wipe warmer or handheld steam cleaner. Either way, it could really come in handy.

Driving the Escape Hybrid is an interesting experience. The gas engine turns on and off to maximize fuel consumption. I don't notice it while driving, but while idling in the carpool lane I'm startled on a couple of occasions when the engine starts up on its own accord. As with the Ford Freestyle that I drove recently, I find it difficult to get up to speed when entering the highway. Both highway noise and engine noise are slightly annoying (the engine in a full hybrid can run at a higher speed than in other vehicles in order to maximize fuel consumption). During night driving I'm unable to use the cruise controls that are black and hard to see.

The real benefit to the Escape Hybrid is the hybrid part. Not only does it make trips to the gas station less frequent, it also produces "as little as half of the amount of C02" as other vehicles. This helps me do my part to save the world, and rids my conscience of guilt for the 28 years that I didn't recycle.

*For questions about this review, write to . For additional information on the 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD and its safety features visit Cars.com.

©2005 Mother Proof, LLC — All Rights Reserved

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