Shorty's Hybrid

Two good friends of mine who have out done me inspired this article. This goes out to “G-Man” and “Shorty”. Shorty emails me saying that I may have somehow inspired her and her husband, G-Man, to purchase a hybrid vehicle. They put thought into action and after two days of shopping, the lovely couple and their darling daughter, “Sweets”, purchased a brand new 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid.

When shorty arrived at a friend’s house I didn’t even bother with subtleties. I pushed her aside (Yeah whatever, move…) and I went straight for the “Green” SUV. It was about mid-sized, similar to an Isuzu Rodeo. The engine had some gadgetry I was unfamiliar with, and the fairly large battery was nestled in the back bed of the vehicle. “The battery is designed to crumble and not spill it’s contents during an impact.” G-Man exclaimed. He was obviously proud of the safety features. I kicked the tires. Check! “Let’s take it for a spin!”

When the hybrid ignition switch is turned no sound of a starting engine is made. That’s because it switches to electric when idling and stays in electric mode until it accelerates to about 25 miles per hour. The vehicle can cruise on complete electric at about 20 miles per hour. The hybrid senses how hard one presses on the throttle, and if you press firmly the gas system will initiate for extra punch. We drove around the neighborhood and it handled just like a normal SUV. It drives much like a tautly suspended sedan, with little body roll and responsive steering.

Here is an excerpt why my friend likes her new ride:

I feel like it does a few things:
1) It makes a personal statement about our beliefs in alternative sources of energy. Just today, I could not contain the twinges of righteousness as my electric battery clicked on and I hummed silently at stoplights. It's very stealth!
2) It makes a financial statement to the capitalist system. We put our money where our mouth is. We "voted" with our dollars to elect for a flawed but sound alternative to solely gas-powered vehicles.
3) The one thing that is rock solid: it's simply better for the environment than the emissions of gas-only powered vehicles. And finally,
4) Shorty looks good in this ride!

Way to go!! Shorty does look good in her new ride! G-Man and Sweets surely agree.

The Escape has a fresh look and a new 153-horsepower, 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that's available with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. This new engine is a more viable choice for budget-conscious buyers, and like the V6, it can be matched with a new electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system. Here is what you really want to know – 36 City and 31 Highway.