Without going into greta detail, Mercedes (my wife) was forced into a situation be work where she needed a car, to commute. Little time was given, and we had to get a vehicle for her, and fast...

Luckily, we knew someone who was getting ready to sell a low mileage, well maintained, still under extended warranty Ford Escape... Years ago, when Mercedes first got her driver's license, a Ford Escape was her "dream car" so it all kinda came together... It took all of a couple of days, and we were the proud owners of a new (to us) Escape XLS.

The interior is okay, for me, perfect for her. The Escape drives more like a truck than a car, but is relatively well mannered, for an SUV. Where it really shines, is inclimate weather. Sure-footed and confident, the Escape seems to just go through anything, with no questions asked.

Realistically, the Escape is Mercedes' vehicle, and won't see too many modifications, as a result. Maybe a new stereo (does Ford put something other than crap in any of it's offerings???), and possibly some other odds and sods. Mercedes did purchase an air freshener, if that counts ;)