The perfect blend of crossover styling and SUV capability has made the 2008 Ford Escape the most sought-after vehicle in its segment. For the 2008 model year, this compact SUV features an all-new burly exterior that strengthens the family resemblance to Explorer and Expedition. The 2008 Ford Escape XLS 2WD Manual (starting at $19,005) comes with a standard 2.3-liter, 16-valve Duratec 23 I-4 that produces 153-horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 152 pound-feet of torque. This engine, mated with a 5-speed manual transmission, delivers enhanced performance and a quiet ride.

Standard and optional convenience features in the 2008 Ford Escape XLS 2WD Manual include low-back front bucket seats; 60/40 split rear seats; power windows, locks and outside mirrors; AM/FM stereo with CD player and audio input jack; flow-through center console, storage bin with removable trays; 16-inch aluminum wheels; clear lens headlamps; solar tinted glass on door glass and liftgate with dot matrix pattern on windshield; removable rear seat cushion; instrument cluster with gauges, tachometer and warning signals; battery saver feature; cargo package: retractable rear cargo area cover, lockable hidden wet trunk, roof rack with crossbars; 6-disc in-dash CD changer; integrated side step bars; roof rack without crossbars; Ice Blue dash lighting; Interior lighting with off-delay: center dome light with map lamps and rear cargo area light and illuminated entry.

Standard safety features include Personal Safety System consisting of dual-stage airbag system for driver and front passenger sensing system; Safety Canopy System and front-seat side airbags; side intrusion door beams; Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH); 4-wheel anti-lock brake system; AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control); tire pressure monitoring system; remote keyless entry; SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System and Safety Belt Restraint System with manual 3-point shoulder and lap safety belts at all seating positions, including rear center seating position, safety belt pretensioners and height adjustable D-rings on driver and front passenger seats.

The 2008 Ford Escape XLS 2WD Manual comes with a basic Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty (3 years/36, 000 miles), as well as extended coverage for the powertrain (5 years/60,000 miles) and safety system (5 years /60, 000 miles) and protection against corrosion perforation (5 years/unlimited miles).