Reviewed by Leonard S Kinnelon, NJ Reviewed for a 2000 Honda Accord — 2005-12-22 10:19:40 My expectations were high for this unit, and they have been exceeded. I was concerned I might get a lot of False warnings, due to the long distance sensitivity of the Es8500. To my delight, the Warnings have been on the money with earlier warnings of known 'Traps'. Reviewed by Brent J Houston, TX — 2006-01-03 16:10:19 Purchased my first 8500 years ago the first year available and love it. Bought the second one blue display X50 for my wife when her Bell detector finally gave out. Reviewed by Richard J. C Agawam, MA Reviewed for a 1992 Plymouth Grand Voyager — 2005-12-31 05:21:09 This is my first Escort unit after using Whistlers for many years. The cooler blue color temperature appearance is also more visually easy on the eyes at night than is the red when it come to the display. The feature to reduce the sensitivity of, or eliminate altogether, X band interference was a welcome option. I also like the feature of having the mute button easily reachable on the 12V power plug. No more stretching to reach the unit up on the windshield and push the mute. Overall this is the best detector I've owned in the 20 years I've been using them. Reviewed by Martin W Charlevoix, MI Reviewed for a 2008 Ford Mustang — 2008-08-19 17:39:05 Since we got this, we haven't encountered any radar or laser alerts. I trust it will perform well given Escort's reputation and other reviews we read. It certainly doesn't get many false alarms like our old First Alert cheapy did. It's a quality product from one of the leading manufacturers. Reviewed by Denise V Gibsonia, PA Reviewed for a 2003 — 2006-01-15 17:38:15 I have had my Escort 8500 x50 since December and have used it in conjunction with a Valentine One I presently have now. I have been very happy with the Valentine One and felt that it was king of the hill. Now after having the Escort 8500 x50 I am begining to rethink this. I drive the same area on a daily basis which consists of highway and secondary roadways, hills, bends,etc. To the normal x band alerts from alarms and motion sensors the Escort seems more sensative than the Valentine when in highway modes. I only use the detectors in highway since I want the greatest sensativity. For radar alerts the Escort alerts the same if not faster on occasion than the Valentine. This was especially noticed on bends where the Escort was a clear winner for me. I thought this may be due to both detectors being on at the same time but after using one at a time the Escort still won. The display is bright in the daytime and you need sunglasses at night but there are three light levels to pick from. The Escort has a basic display built into the 12volt plug. It is basic info but serves it's purpose. It is easier to identify the alerts than with the Valentine. X,K,Ka are very visable but an alert is an alert and should get your attention no matter what it is. The Escort also tells you the number of incoming signals like the Valentine but I do wish it told you the direction of the signals. I would not hesitate to recommend the Escort to anyone. It's style and functionality are great. It's ease of use and performance not to mention it's better price make it a great addition for any driver who wants strong performance at a better value and isn't that what we all want out of a product. Reviewed by CARL W FLAGSTAFF, AZ Reviewed for a 2004 Ford F-250 — 2006-04-15 14:52:09 I HAVE 6 OF THESE THEY ARE IN ALL MY CARS AND TRUCKS AND THE 5 KIDS HAVE THEM IN THERE CARS AND YES WE ALL HAVE CLEAN DRIVEN RECORDS THANKS TO THESE UNITS AS WE SAY DONT LEAVE HOME WITOUT IT IN THE ON POSITION. THANKS FOR A GREAT PRODUCT. Reviewed by Robert W Morristown, TN Reviewed for a 2010 Dodge Ram — 2006-07-23 05:23:41 This is my third radar detector, it is the best one of the three i tried. Very few false signals good range of detection. I am very satisfied. Reviewed by Blair W Pueblo West, CO Reviewed for a 2004 Mercury Marauder — 2007-02-24 20:15:14 I enjoy the detector immensely. This is my upgrade from the 7500, which has 2 sets of suction cups. The 8500 has only 1 set. It would be great if Cincinnatti Microwave would also provide the direct wiring. This is my 3rd Escort and will stay with them. If you read their background, they do the radar systems for the government. They are top notch. Reviewed by Adam D Fultondale, AL Reviewed for a 2001 Ford Explorer — 2006-02-18 08:38:59 This radar is top of the line. I was using it the first day and I was on the interstate and it all of a sudden started going off. Well it kept going off and I thought it was another one of those radars that turns out to pick up every little thing and I was going to send it back. Well about a mile and a half up the road there was a state trooper and that thing picked it up soo far ahead that no matter what you drive and how fast you drive, you should be able to safely slow your vehicle and avoid a speeding ticket. Reviewed by Haroon H Baltimore, MD — 2005-11-26 22:12:26 I'm quite pleased with the device so far. I had already read about the downfalls, ie beeps too much in the city, and is supposed to be big and heavy. So for me these things really didnt bother me, and in fact its not that big at all. Love the blue light, and most of all, it gives pretty good signal for police radar, Ive had it like a week and its definitely saved me already like 3-4 times. One thing to note though, although most police guys are using Ka and K some still use X eg NJ police, so beware, not all X is city stuff. In any case, will highly recommend this product to anyone. One last thing, some cops can beat this device by simply pointing the radar into traffic as its already past them as opposed to oncoming traffic. Happened to me in Delaware, though I was doing 80 something, the cars around me were too, so I got lucky I guess. I think there's really nothing that can be done for that though, short of jammers which are illegal in some places and can get you a ticket to jail. Reviewed by Roger C Lincoln, NE Reviewed for a 2006 Chevy Silverado — 2009-08-25 18:06:58 I have my new escort 8500X 50 from AutoAnything and received it just like I brought it in the store for a great price. I had it installed in seconds and working. My son seen how good it preformed compare to his cobra detector which set next to mine in the same vehicle and mine picked up radar two miles away. Escort picked up radar over a hill also. This is worth the money. My son is now using one just like it on all his trips across the country state to state. Saved him on his first trip. Thanks AutoAnything, great service again and fast no problems at all. Reviewed by Brian S Pittstown, NJ Reviewed for a 2006 Chevy Corvette — 2006-09-06 13:45:12 Ok, so i am a bit of a fast driver, the escort is a must have for all real men behind the wheel, and if your like me and drive a flashy sports car on those sunny days with the top down, you should not leave the garage without the x50 looking cautiously around for that cop looking to remove funds from your wallet. The unit is flawless, works great, i have one it the truck and one in my Vette and one in the Porsche. Like i said, if you want to exercise your need for speed, be careful and take the escort along to protect your cash flow, driving record etc. Drive carefully, drive fast and above all have some fun out there! Reviewed by Laura M MARSHFIELD, WI Reviewed for a 2012 Chevy Cruze — 2012-08-16 04:38:51 Just received my Escort and am very pleased with both the appearance and ease of use. This is the first radar detector I have ever bought. I really like the different modes: city, highway and auto. The display info on the power cord is also a nice feature. Reviewed by Richard A Sanger, CA Reviewed for a 2006 Dodge Charger — 2010-01-26 09:50:11 i used this to travel a total of 400 miles from Fresno to Pismo beach the week after i had received it in my rental car. Average speed was close to 90 and it save me three times on the way down and several time on the way back. I would reccomend this unit. Not many false alarms! Reviewed by Steven O Birmingham, AL Reviewed for a 2007 Chevy Avalanche — 2006-10-03 00:39:19 This is a great radar detector. Just need to figure out how to hardwire it. Plugs into the side of the unit with a phone type jack, which is out of my league. Has everything you need tho, X, K, KA and the new LIDAR. Reviewed by Rick T Louisville, KY Reviewed for a 2004 Ford Mustang — 2006-09-17 09:31:22 I have only had my X50 for a couple of weeks but the performance so far has been great. My only complaints are that the mounting bracket is cheap as usual and for the price a visor clip should be included. I also think the 12volt cigarette plug is cheaply made. I have had to replace it on every Escort I have owned and this one looks no different. Great detector but they could have used the money they spent on the carrying case for a visor clip and better power cord materials. Reviewed by Fernando C Bronx, NY Reviewed for a 2005 Mitsubishi Galant — 2007-01-10 04:17:41 It's a very usefull device that will save you money, and also save you time in your long trips if you know what I mean. I recomend it as a gift to any driver. You're going to love it. I have no regrets on purchasing the Escort 8500 X50. Reviewed by James L. R Little Falls, NY Reviewed for a 2005 Ford F-150 — 2005-12-28 01:20:28 Have used it for a long time now and goes of a lot at false alerts. But when it is a cop it picks them up from a long ways away. Works great for that. Think I payed to much for all the false alerts. Had a corbra one for less money and did just as well.
