Wendfish,

I had looked at the Tribute = Escape as well. Similar size and more powerful engine. A few things made me lean towards the SF and now that I've driven mine for about 2 days, I'm really glad I chose the SF!

1. The AMI Auto World Magazine head-to-head comparison of the Escape vs SF. I thought it was a good unbiased opinion (in addition to those I listed in my previous post to you). It picked the SF because of the better ride, greater versatility, safety, and warranty.

2. I do care about the safety issue. Although I love the feel of a torquey engine... I would really love for me and my passengers to be safe in a serious accident.

3. I liked the ride better, I thought it was smoother.

4. I liked what I could get for the price. I got a GLS 2WD with ABS Traction Control, Cross bars, OEM fake wood dash, and mud flaps for less than $20k. Thats not listing all the "extras" like the rear cargo shade, cargo net, hidden cargo tray, full size spare, alloy wheels, CD/Cassette, keyless entry alarm, reclining back seats, locking glove box, etc.... that can really add up on other brands.

5. I liked the aggressive shape of the SF better.

6. Despite the problems people have reported with their SFs, I found many more serious complaints on boards for other brands.

7. Warranty included is great - if I need it, I'll have it. If I never need it, I didn't pay anything for it.

Those are some of the things that pop into my head right now.

Good luck on your test drives! I had a great time, especially when I made the plastic pop-on wheel covers pop-OFF during a hard turn driving a Toyota. Heh....

BTW - I'd get the 2WD unless you have a true need for 4WD/AWD. I asked people the same question and after driving them both, I agreed that the 2WD is more nimble and will get me through 99% of the time.