I looked into the Escape before buying my 2008 Explorer. But it gave up a lot of space, power, and towing capacity for 1 extra mile per gallon over the V-6 Explorer. Even my V-8 4x4 gets about 18 in town.
I bought my daughter a 2007 Accord last July and its a sharp car. I know its not "manly" but it looks good and I dont mind driving it at all. Its the V6 4-door with leather interior, sunroof w/wind guard and a nice exterior trim package. Gets good mileage and has some torque being its a V6.