Faults:

Other than a visor bracket that is loose (bent headliner backer board; like that when I purchased it) and can't be fixed, nothing.

General Comments:

I bought this car to replace a Chevy Uplander with 265,000 km (160,000 miles). I wanted 4WD and room for cargo and two dogs, plus the ability to tow a utility trailer. I wanted also something that would be reasonable on gas consumption while providing plenty of passing power on the highway.

I understood from the start this was a rebadged Ford Escape, and considering the number of them on the road in my area (Central Ontario), I figured they had to be relatively reliable to have achieved this level of sales.

I have the V6, 6-speed automatic and 4WD. It is about 15% more fuel-efficient than my old Uplander. It has 240HP and goes like stink. I can get up to 600km (360 miles) on a full tank on the highway at about 115 km/h (70 MPH).

I put snow tires on it for the winter and it's a blast in the snow. Handling is great even on twisty, hilly country roads. It feels well planted and I haven't been in a situation where I felt understeer or oversteer. It is well balanced.

I would recommend it strongly (as well as its 2009 to 2012 Escape sibling) to anyone looking for a fun-to-drive utility vehicle.