Debuting for the 2001 model year, the Ford Escape was once referred to as the “Baby Explorer”. Now, five years into its third generation, Escape is firmly entrenched as Ford’s No. 2 nameplate behind only the F-Series.

Significantly updated for the 2017 model year, Escape now features more of what Ford says its customers told them they really wanted.

Manufactured at Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Kentucky with a unitized welded steel body, Escape has tweaked its exterior demeanor to create a more confident, rugged persona. The redesigned hood and raised hexagonal grille replaces the old trapezoid, and slimmer headlamps look sexy. In the rear, the liftgate is more upright and pleasing, and the taillamps have also been slimmed.

Inside, a new push-button electronic parking brake replaces the large hand-actuated parking brake, and the gear shifter has been repositioned rearward for improved access to climate controls on the center stack. The redesigned steering wheel is more ergonomic and the center armrest is more comfortable, combining with the other changes for a greater feel of spaciousness.

The 2017 Ford Escape has also updated its engines, replacing a 1.6-liter engine with a new turbocharged 1.5-liter EcoBoost® I-4, and it has added 5 hp to its 2.0-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine. Additionally, Escape is the first Ford vehicle to make Auto Start-Stop technology standard.

The new Escape also features available SYNC® Connect mobile access, which allows owners to use the FordPass® smartphone platform to start, lock, unlock and locate their vehicle.

The 2017 Escape continues in its compact crossover footprint at 178.1 inches in length, 66.3 inches in height and 72.4 inches in width on a 105.9-inch wheelbase. Minimum running ground clearance is 7.9 inches and Escape has a curb weight of 3765 lbs. for its 2.0-liter powerplant and 4WD. When properly equipped, Escape can tow 3500 lbs.

Escape’s engine choices include the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter iVCT inline-4 engine that delivers 168hp and 170 lbs-ft of torque with sequential multiport electronic fuel injection. For the economy minded, a direct-injection 1.5-liter EcoBoost® I-4 with Auto Start-Stop is available, rated at 179hp, with 177-lbs-ft of torque. My test Escape Titanium was powered by a turbocharged direct injection 2.0-liter Twin-Scroll EcoBoost® inline-4 with Auto Start-Stop that supplied 245hp and 275 lbs.-ft. of torque on premium fuel. EPA ratings are 21mpg in city driving and 29mpg on the highway for the 2.5 in FWD configuration; the 1.5-liter EcoBoost® is estimated at 23/30 in FWD and 22/28 in AWD; and my test 2.0 liter EcoBoost® was rated at 20/27 in AWD configuration. A week of mixed-use tests including long interstate drives, and a few off-road excursions, averaged 24.3mpg.

Escape handles and steers in carlike fashion. The rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assist is responsive and predictable, and the MacPherson front struts with stabilizer bar and twin-tube hydraulic gas-pressurized shocks work in concert with an independent double lateral link rear suspension with semi-trailing arms, stabilizer bar, linear-rate springs and monotube hydraulic gas-pressurized shocks to soften many road irregularities, but it is NOT a luxury smooth ride and road noise often permeates the cabin.

Power from the 2.0-liter was strong across all ranges. Passing at speed and uphill grades are conquered without issue, and a zero-to-60mph dash was accomplished in 7.7 seconds during a 15.9-second quarter-mile (hand-timed).

Inside, the cabin is well-appointed and seats five with headroom of 39.9 inches in front and 39.0 in row two. Legroom can be stretched to a maximum of 43.1 inches in row one, while second-row passengers have 37.3 inches. Shoulder room is 55.9 in row one and 55.2 for row two.

My test Escape in Titanium trim also came standard with remote start, power liftgate, reverse sensing system, silver roof rails, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and SYNC® with SYNC Connect.

The 2017 Ford Escape starts at $23,750 in S trim with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine, and moves to $25,250 for the SE and its 1.6-liter EcoBoost®. My test Escape Titanium in Ruby Red paint, started at $27,645 in 2WD with the 1.5 engine, and came with leather-trimmed 10-way heated power driver and passenger seat, remote start, Blind Spot Information System and a 10-speaker Sony audio system. The Ruby Red paint added $395. Up-powering to the 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine added $1345 and 4WD upgraded road capabilities for an additional $1750.

The 301A Equipment Package of auto high beams, Enhanced Active Park Assist with Parallel Parking, Park Out Assist, Reverse Perpendicular Parking, Forward and Side Sensing Systems, Bi-Xenon HID headlamps, LED Signature Lighting, heated steering wheel, Lane-Keeping Alert, Lane-Keeping Aid and Driver Alert System, rain-sensing windshield wipers and supplemental PTC heater added $1995.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Pre-Collision Assist added $595; a Panoramic Vista® roof added $1495; roof-rail crossbars added $145; all-weather floor mats added $75; a cargo mat in the back added $90; a Sony® audio system with SYNC® 3 and Voice-activated Navigation System added $795; side-window deflectors added $89; and destination charges of $895 put the sticker-as-tested at $36,269. Incentives are available and could save you as much as $2500 depending on your region, so check with your dealer.


> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

Automotive history on display at a Carlisle Events car show is a given, but this year’s Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals is taking the unique to a whole new level. Earlier this year, the event planning team announced that the first-ever Camaro would be part of the show. Fast forward a few months and Carlisle Events can now proudly announce the inclusion of a Camaro made 4,999,999 cars later. That’s right, Camaro #5,000,000 will be on display for all to see June 23-25 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

While Chevrolet has made thousands more Camaro’s since this special powerhouse rolled off the assembly line in 2011, it’s the most recent million milestone car available, meaning Chevrolet has yet to produce a 6 millionth Camaro.

Built with little external fanfare, this car is a 2011 1LT model, with a black interior and exterior as well as the base wheel package available at the time. It was so under the radar in 2011 that it took about a month before the news leaked out that a 5 millionth Camaro existed. Aside from some pretty basic visual pieces and parts, it’s powered by a 312 horsepower V6 engine with a manual transmission. The Lexington, Kentucky dealership that received it also installed a GM specific dovetail spoiler and it carried a sale price of $24,700.

So, that’s what it is and where it was, but how does this milestone car make it from Kentucky in 2011 to the Carlisle Chevrolet Nationals in 2017? Carlisle Events co-owner Lance explains via the following comments:

“We were so excited to have Camaro #1 join us for this year’s Chevrolet Nationals that we decided having the last millionth Camaro would really be a home run,” noted Miller. “We looked long and hard to find the car so our loyal participants had an opportunity to see the two cars together for the first time EVER and finally, we found it,” continued Miller. “We’re thrilled to make this announcement and I’m certain it’ll be a sight to be seen. Bring your camera because the opportunity for pictures will be out of this world. A Camaro enthusiast or not, this will be a MUST SEE display and certainly one for the history books!”

This car, Camaro #1 and many more classics spanning the history of the Chevrolet family brands will be on display at Carlisle starting June 23. A link to buy single day or weekend tickets can be found online at www.CarlisleEvents.com as will details on the event itself and information on how to register as a vendor or show a car.

Carlisle Auctions has considered adding a third day to its Spring and Fall Carlisle auctions for some time and in 2017, it finally happened. That decision, combined with the demand for high quality classic and collector cars offered a three-day event in April that will be talked about for years to come. Carlisle auctions saw a massive increase in not only registered bidders, but those who did so well in advance of the show, plus with 500+ consignments, saw a record sales total too.

Between the time the first piece of memorabilia came up for auction on Thursday (4/20) to the final slam of the gavel and last classic car crossed the block on Saturday (4/22), $4.7 million in sales had occurred and a whopping 60% sell through rate had been executed. There were periods of time each day where it looked like every car would sell. The passion among the bidders and sellers alike ran high because the cars and trucks crossing the block were just that good.

Tops across each day included a 1970 Boss 302 Mustang (Thursday/$58,315), a 1992 Ferrari 512TR (Friday/$161,035) and a 1968 Dodge Charger that was screen used as part of the Fast and Furious movie franchise (Saturday/$96,300). While these were the top selling cars each day, the top five overall are as follows. The Ferrari and Charger were the top two, with a 1969 Dodge Super Bee A12 moving for $75,435 coming in third. Fourth was a 1969 Camaro Z/28 at $67,677 and rounding out the top five was a 1966 Corvette at $58,550. Each price listed includes fees.

The Fast & Furious Charger turned lots of heads Saturday as it was hands down the star of the day. A Facebook Live stream generated hundreds of views, the live web broadcast of the auction spiked when it came up for auction and the proverbial flash bulbs were popping left and right within the expo center. This is the second star car that Carlisle Auctions’ has sold in recent years, with a Trans-Am owned by Burt Reynolds selling for over 100,000 a few years ago.

With two auctions down and two to go, Carlisle Auctions Director of Operations Tony Cline is very pleased with not only how this event played out, but with how his season is going so far.

"At nearly $5 Million in sales, this is by far the most successful auction that we have ever presented,” said Cline. “It was great to sell the Fast and Furious car, and I look forward to an even larger auction this September at Fall Carlisle."

The next Carlisle Auctions event is part of Fall Carlisle. Again running three days, this event takes place September 28-30 at the Carlisle Expo Center. Visit www.CarlisleAuctions.com or call 717-960-6400 for details on bidding or consigning for the fall auction in Carlisle or on how to get involved with the two Florida based auction events too.

When Spring Carlisle rolls around each April, for the Carlisle Events staff, it’s the third event of the year. For the 100,000+ guests that pass through the gates of the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, however; it’s opening week of car show season for them. For five days, April 19-23, America’s Automotive Hometown came to life with an international audience, all focused on one thing; the classic and collector car hobby.

Wednesday of event week got it all going, as it has for decades. This day saw many of the vendors finalizing their load in and set up, plus some early wheeling and dealing within the swap meet and car corral. Wednesday also saw many of the 500+ cars that were part of the newly expanded auction roll in to the Carlisle Expo Center in front of a wildly successful auction weekend. In addition to those cars at the auction, the fairgrounds also hosted over 1,000 classics. These gems within the car corral were for sale person to person, with many sales reported throughout the weekend.

Thursday through Saturday really helped solidify Spring Carlisle as one of the premier events of its type in the world. Aisles were packed shoulder to shoulder with guests who spent every available show hour from sun up to sun down picking, purchasing and mingling along the way. Vendor sales were also reported to be brisk and despite some wet weather, spirits remained high all around.

Of course, guests come from all over the world too, including one couple who made it to Carlisle from near Liverpool, England for the first-time ever. Their feelings on the show as first-timers echoed that of those who have been coming for years; WOW!

Spring Carlisle didn’t just offer the standard buying and selling experience either, there were charity angles and educational seminars too. On stage, Steve Mercurio of Pro-Metal Shop in Danville, Pennsylvania hosted FREE metal fabrication sessions, while Folds of Honor brought its Dream Ship to Carlisle to raise awareness and money for families of fallen service members. In addition, via generous monetary and automotive donations, Kathy Hawkins, a local cancer survivor, took in more than $5,000 in donations that will go directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

In all, Spring Carlisle was a smashing success and is just the beginning for all that the 2017 season schedule has to offer. More information on the season, including links to buy tickets, register a car or become a vendor can be found at www.CarlisleEvents.com or by calling 717-243-7855.

Model Year 2017 is barely into its halfway point, and some carmakers have already begun springing the 2018s on us. So when you read this review of the 2017 Acura TLX, you may already be watching commercials of the 2018 TLX.

While the 2018 TLX is refreshed with a more aggressive and sporty look inspired by the Acura Precision Concept’s signature diamond pentagon grille, paired with changes to the sedan's stance, proportion, wheels and sheet metal, and there are some high-tech additions, the 2017 TLX is noteworthy in its own right, having earned the Consumers Guide “Best Buy” nod in the Premium Midsize Cars segment.

The TLX journey began 30 years ago as the TL, when cars were given alpha-numeric names that meant something other than just being cool numbers and resonant letters. Launched by Acura in 1996, TL was short for “Touring Luxury.” The midsize luxury sedan became TLX in 2014 – replacing both the TL and TSX.

Still in its first generation, with its facelift beginning for the 2018 model, the 2017 TLX last presented a refreshening in 2015, and only a new palette of colors changes this year -- San Marino Red, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Modern Steel Metallic.

Longer and wider than most of its competition in the small-midsize-luxury segment, the exterior “beak” look is underwhelming, and that figures to become striking in 2018. A blend of sports-sedan athleticism and premium refinement, the exterior design embodies taut body surfaces, dynamically sculpted fender arches, and purposeful character lines in small sports-sedan proportions.

Assembled at Honda’s Marysville, Ohio Auto Plant, TLX is 190.3 inches long, 53.0 inches high and 57.0 inches wide, on a 109.3-inch wheelbase, offering a ground clearance of 5.8 inches.

Inside, the quiet cabin is well-thought-out and offers an abundance of available luxury features and technologies including heated and ventilated front seats, HomeLink®, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, Smart Entry/Push Button Start keyless access system, Acura Navigation System with 3-D view, and AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with Traffic Rerouting. A 7-inch On Demand Multi-Use Display™ touch screen, located in the center console, controls these and other features, and, with its contextual menus, displays relevant items while minimizing instrument panel clutter. The TLX also features AcuraLink®, Acura's cloud-based connected car system.

Comfortable, but not spacious, TLX provides 37.2 inches of front headroom with 36.7 inches in row two. Legroom is a relaxing 42.6 inches in row one, but a tight 34.5 inches in the rear seats; and shoulder room goes 57.5 and 55.4.


TLX powers up with either of two engine choices designed to merge muscle with acceptable fuel economy. The TLX 2.4-liter inline-4-cylinder engine delivers 206 hp and 182 lbs.-ft. of torque for an EPA rating of 24/city, 34/highway and 28/combined mpg on Premium Unleaded 91 Octane; and the direct Injection 3.4-liter V-6 provides 290hp and 267 lbs.-ft. of torque for a 21/31/25 estimate on Premium Unleaded 91 Octane. My week of mixed-use driving with the 3.4-liter V-6 averaged 21.6mpg.

The V-6 proved to be refined and predictable, while imparting a gratifying engine purr. Passing at speed and conquering hills and inclines are accomplished effortlessly, though steering was vague at times, and road feel was often loose.

On the track, my TLX with the 3.5 engine mastered a zero-to-60mph sprint in 6.4 seconds (it seemed quicker behind the wheel) while finishing off a 14.8-second quarter-mile.

The 2017 Acura TLX sedan advances Acura's reputation for delivering cutting-edge safety performance with its AcuraWatch™ suite of technologies. The TLX deploys a cooperative monocular camera and millimeter wave radar system that expands both the fidelity and scope of the vehicle's road-sensing capabilities. This fusion of camera and radar technology underpins the TLX's available Collision Mitigation Braking System™, which can provide enhanced car-to-car and car-to-pedestrian collision mitigation, while also enhancing the capabilities of the Adaptive Cruise Control. Crash tests helped TLX earn a perfect five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It also earned a Good rating in the moderate overlap front, side, and roof strength tests and for its head restraints and seats from the IIHS.

The 2017 Acura TLX starts at $32,000 in Front-Wheel-Drive with the 2.4-liter inline-4 engine. The 3.5-liter V-6 gains you 84hp for $3400 -- included with the V-6 engine upgrade are the dynamic Sequential SportShift paddles, an electronic gear selector, 8-way power front passenger seat with lumbar adjustment and the sporty 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. All-Wheel-Drive adds $2200. The Technology Package adds $4050 for rain-sensing windshield wipers, perforated Milano premium leather-trimmed interior, Acura Navigation System with 3-D view, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with exclusive street and freeway conditions Traffic Rerouting™, Color Multi-Information Display with turn-by-turn guidance, AcuraLink® The Next Generation, ELS Studio® Premium Audio System with 10 speakers, Song By Voice®, HD Radio®, GPS-linked climate control, and such safety additions as Forward Collision Warning System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor. Back-up Sensors add $528, a Decklid Spoiler adds $397 and Body Side Molding adds $259.

With a destination charge of $950, the 2017 TLX as-tested stickered at $43,834, but with the 2018s already being talked up, there may be room to deal.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.