Considering '08 Escape

[popsicle]

Anyone have any experience with this car? My mom has the 04 and loves it. I need to have 4 wheel drive. I can't envision a scenario where I'd need to have more than 3 car seats so I don't really need a minivan. I would LOVE to have a RAV-4 but I can get a killer deal on Fords so that's probably what it'll be. Does anyone have any :thumbsup: or :thumbsdown: info on safety and car seat installation in these? I would need to put a Radian and/or a Marathon in it. FF, preferably in the middle rear seat.

[mom2riley]

I have an '01 and every car seat install is a breeze, Radian, Tourvina, Marathon, BV, Regent, Crappy Sport, Chase. Haven't had an issue yet. And I :love::love::love: my car. It is my favorite car I have ever had (and I have had many). If only it would grow a 3rd row it would be perfect, lol.

[An Aurora]

My mom had a 2001 and my SIL has a 2004. They both love/d theirs, but I have to say that it was REALLY hard to get a RF MA, RF Scenera, and backless Turbo in the backseat. I ended up having to put the Scenera FF, which I hated to do, in order to get all 3.

[popsicle]

If I ever do need to fit 3 across it would probably be 2 FF and 1 RF and one, maybe both of the FF would be Radians.

I'm also casually considering the Edge. I like the reclining rear seats. I'm not real keen on buying the first model year of any car though. Seems like there's always bugs to work out. Maybe on a lease though.. hmm....

[TXAggieTech]

We bought my mom an 05 and love it! Normally it has just a RA in it but has also had Regent, Laptop, Marathon, Scenera, Radian, Parkway and TurboBooster at one time or another. You can put a seat in the center with LATCH under certain conditions, you have to check first on width allowances.

Seat belts are cheap to replace and it has only be in the shop once for problems that weren't caused by a person. It has been in the shop quite a bit for damages done to it and our mechanic says it is easy to work on. The leather & cushion on the driver's seat has not held up like it should have.

[popsicle]

Well I've changed my mind and decided I think I want the Edge instead. Of course I probably won't get anything new until the '09s start coming out and they start offering big rebates on the '08s. So I may change my mind again by then. :D I know it's just new this year but does anyone have any info on istalling car seats in the Edge?

[codex57]

If you reconsider the Escape at that point, just remember the 09 Escape is the one that gets the better engine/drive train. The 08 is still working off what came with the car 7 years ago. I'd get the Edge if you can.

[CPSDarren]

What about a Taurus X (formerly Freestyle)? Too big? If not, you get great safety ratings, too.