rosemaryrupp@mac.com

Here's more info if you want the correct answers. I walked away from two Ford dealerships because instead of finding me the correct answer about towing, they made up an answer. If I was going to buy the car and live with it, I wanted to see the manufacturer towing guidelines in writing. The dealership where I bought my 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid did it right. The service advisor told me the car was towable four wheels down and all I needed to do was put it in neutral and of course put the ignition in accessory so the front wheels would turn. He showed me the user manual instructions that confirmed it. When they don't know, they find out instead of making up an answer. I recommend the Bob Allen Ford dealership in Overland Park, Kansas (913) 381-3000. Note: They had never had someone who was going to tow this vehicle so they declined to install the Blue Ox tow baseplate or braking system so I had my rv service people do that for me. I'm happy they were honest and sent me elsewhere rather than doing a poor job.

I've owned a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid for 2 years. (We got one of the first ones off the production line I guess because the dealership still had the 2007s available. Anyway, I've towed mine at least 10,000 miles in that time and have had no problems at all. I've towed a Dodge Caravan (with transmission lube pump), Honda Civic and Saturn L300. This Ford is the easiest towing vehicle I've had. I love it! I had a vacuum breaking system installed in it (Toad Stop II) because my other tow brake (Apollo) will not work on the hybrid. I love not having to worry about the 65mph speed limit I had on the Saturn. There are no fuses to mess with! I had trouble with the angle of the towbar with the Saturn because it was so low to the ground. None of this is an issue with this wonderful little car! I recommend the Ford Escape Hybrid for anyone considering a new toad. I don't know about the 2009. If I had it to do again though I'd investigate the Brake Buddy as a tow brake because it was very expensive having the vacuum system installed. I learned afterward that the Brake Buddy can be adjusted to properly work with the braking system on the Hybrid.