noj

Hello.. i'm a potential buyer of a new 07 Escape XLT. I've read mostly mixed reviews and was wondering what advice or guidance may be offered by those on the forums. My current vehicle is a 97 Mountaineer, horrible gas mileage. I believe it's about that timet to get a smaller SUV, with better mileage... i've looked at The Chevy Equinex.. the Toyota RAV's.. and the Honda's. I must say that i liked the Escape the best. (Chevy = too small/tight a fit inside, Toyota= too feminine, Honda= wasn't impressed with design and handling).

I've read how Ford's offering incentives for the leftover 07's to make way for the 08's, but im wondering (from what i've seen on negative 08 Escape reviews) if the Escape's glory days are over. I was impressed by the handling and fit of the vehicle...

From my readings, my major concerns are, -
1- Fuel Efficiency - i've seen in multiple posts that the listed fuel ratings of the Escapes don't come true. Particularly that Escapes with a V6 engine get poor mileage. How true is this from the experiences of those on the board here? Would i still notice a spectacular increase in MPG compared to my current V8 Mountaineer?

2- 4X4, my vehicle must have an AWD/4X4 option, as it'll be used on Hills and inclement (snowy new england) weather. How does the Limited 4wd work in such types of weather and environments such as the occasional unpaved road?

3- Reliability - How do the scapes rate in overall reliability

a 2007 XLT 4WD 3.0L Duratec v6 4-spd Automatic o/d Trans is what i'm looking at... going rate after incentivies is 20,000. Is this a recommended bargain or should it remain a pass-me-by?

any advice would be appreciated
Thankyou for your time.