Every once in a blue moon, my position as 5.0's Tech Editor affords me cool opportunities to participate in Ford's "Media Drive" events that are held in Southern California. Naturally, my excitement is higher when a new or upgraded 'Stang, or even a vehicle in Ford's truck family is being shown off, but, when you bleed Ford Blue like I do, being able to check out anything from the Blue Oval family is cool.

This was the case in late May, when myself and several other members of the automotive media got to check out Ford's 2009 Escape SUVs. Escape has received several cool upgrades for '09, such as a new powertrain lineup (featuring a more-powerful, and in these days of high fuel prices, more fuel-efficient 2.5L I-4 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, as well as a 3.0L V-6 that packs 40 more cranshaft horsepower and a 1-mpg jump in fuel economy), enhanced chassis, suspension and seats inside for improved ride comfort, and the ultra-cool SYNC communications and entertainment platform, that gives users control of MP3 and Bluetooth cellular devices via voice commands. We made our way around the streets, freeways, canyons and beautiful Pacific coastline (5.0's Editor-At-Large, Tom Wilson, was my ride-along partner) and had such a great day of driving Ford's nice, new Escapes (I-4, V-6 and I-4 Hybrid). There's really nothing like the look, feel (and smell) of a brand-new car. Couple that with the neat upgrades that Ford has given Escape and you'll understand how hard it was to get back in our own cars when our great escape (from the office) came to an end!