Shelby 350H – Unrestored and 30 Years Racing
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Ford Escape Safety Review

July 20, 2009

SAFETY | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Good," frontal offset impact; "good," side impact; Top Safety Pick
IIHS

Five stars, front impact; five stars, side impact
NHTSA

rear brakes were downgraded to inferior drums in 2009
ConsumerGuide

In terms of safety, the 2009 Ford Escape is not only a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but the SUV also earns five stars for front and side impacts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2009 Escape does, however, have a few drawbacks: drum brakes in the rear and a lower-than-typical rollover rating.

The Escape comes equipped with Ford’s Personal Safety System: a combination of seven safety technologies, including new dual-stage front air bags, side air bags, and a front passenger sensor system. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control are also standard.

Edmunds notes that "a rollover sensor" for the curtain airbags is standard, but on the downside, they point out that the Ford Escape's "rear brakes were downgraded to inferior drums in 2009, and the '09 Escape continues to bear this badge of shame." TheCarConnection.com’s editors remark that drum brakes bring added weight and inferior high-speed braking ability, but they cost less.

Some SUVs are notorious for their poor visibility, but the compact Ford Escape doesn't suffer from this common SUV criticism. In fact, ConsumerGuide proclaims that the Ford Escape offers "fine all-around visibility," thanks to its commanding driving position and large windows.

Conclusion

The 2009 Ford Escape rides on an underlying design that’s at least nine years old, but it manages to perform well in crash tests.

SAFETY | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Good," frontal offset impact; "good," side impact; Top Safety PickIIHSFive stars, front impact; five stars, side impactNHTSArear brakes were downgraded to inferior drums in 2009ConsumerGuide In terms of safety, the 2009 Ford Escape is not only a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but the SUV also earns five stars for front and side impacts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2009 Escape does, however, have a few drawbacks: drum brakes in the rear and a lower-than-typical rollover rating. The Escape comes equipped with Ford’s Personal Safety System: a combination of seven safety technologies, including new dual-stage front air bags, side air bags, and a front passenger sensor system. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control are also standard. Edmunds notes that "a rollover sensor" for the curtain airbags is standard, but on the downside, they point out that the Ford Escape's "rear brakes were downgraded to inferior drums in 2009, and the '09 Escape continues to bear this badge of shame." TheCarConnection.com’s editors remark that drum brakes bring added weight and inferior high-speed braking ability, but they cost less. Some SUVs are notorious for their poor visibility, but the compact Ford Escape doesn't suffer from this common SUV criticism. In fact, ConsumerGuide proclaims that the Ford Escape offers "fine all-around visibility," thanks to its commanding driving position and large windows. ConclusionThe 2009 Ford Escape rides on an underlying design that’s at least nine years old, but it manages to perform well in crash tests. 2009 FORD ESCAPE STYLING | [8 out of 10] Popular Mechanics: "Exterior changes are subtle" Automobile Magazine: "receives a redesigned center stack" Car and Driver: "Not even a thorough interior and exterior refresh could save the 2008 iteration from a seventh-place finish” If you want ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

If you color within the lines, only a few measure up to the same narrow definition of a compact SUV as the 2009 Ford Escape. Many people admire the styling of the Saturn Vue. Like the Escape, the Vue offers a hybrid option (a second hybrid choice is on the way for the Vue). The Hyundai Tucson drives more like the pre-2009 Escapes, but does so with a low price and an especially long warranty. In terms of driving dynamics, the Honda CR-V is one of our all-time favorites, but some people have a hard time getting past the SUV's styling and the lack of optional V-6 power. However, the SUV that comes closest to the Escape is the Dodge Journey. In terms of styling, the Journey has strong looks that turn heads and plenty of features inside, such as multiple cubbies and rich infotainment options. However, the Journey's interior design isn't pleasing to the eye, and the materials feel subpar for the category—not just in comparison to the Escape.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Ford Escape from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Ford Escape

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Ford Escape

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Ford Escape near you

See the Ford Escape in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

Comments (2 total)

  1. By  kingoftheroad88 #1, Posted: 10/11/2009

    I don't know why but the design of this car is totally alien to me. Nevertheless some people like it

  2. By  Car Insurane Maniac #2, Posted: 11/1/2009

    Well this car's security features: a combination of seven safety technologies, including new dual-stage front air bags, side air bags, and a front passenger sensor system could be the best pick of buyers and probably it will lower the insurance rates.

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy