I've had my 2013 SEL since last May. Zero problems with it, including Sync. I'm a big guy and love the amount of room in this vehicle. Very comfortable to drive on long trips. I have the 3.5 V6 (FWD only) and get about 20 mpg in the city and close to 30 on the highway. I had a 4-cylinder Escape before this and the gas mileage was about the same so I'm quite satisfied with this car's mpg. And in the snow, its fine as long as you're careful (no snows). All in all, quite happy with it.