ROAD TEST: FORD ESCAPE

Call it the trickle-down effect. Ford's newly redesigned small SUV, the Escape, has the same luxe goodies as the carmaker's more expensive models. The best part? It costs a whole lot less. For about $25,000 this comfy ride includes standard features like leather seats, air conditioning, six-disc in-dash CD, power driver's seat and dual illuminated vanity mirrors. Now, I'm not saying that you'd mistake the Escape for a Mercedes, but amenities like these aren't normally found in such a well-priced vehicle.

The benefits don't stop with creature comforts. Because it's lightweight and wearing a Duratec 3.0-liter V-6 engine that cranks out 201 horses, it's spry. And with its four-wheel independent suspension, I felt that the Escape handled less like an SUV and more like a car. On a day trip up the California coast, the interior was roomy enough for my friends and our gear, and the exterior compact enough that I didn't feel like a road hog. While with the larger SUVs lane changes often need scheduling, I had no problems in the Escape. For the money, it's hard to beat.

Tip: Go green and wait for the late-summer launch of the 35mpg hybrid.

© 2004