escape door latch

:screwy: The passenger door handle lifts up but does not open door. Have to open it up from inside. Door locks work etc. When lifting up door handle feels like nothing is happening on the inside. Not the same feel when opening the other doors. I'm sure I have to take the door panel off is there anything I need to know before I start and what part most likely is the one I need to replace.
Also any infor on new Escape Hybrids? Looking to purchase one soon loking for info. Alot of my driving is 45-60 mph driving. Will I see the benefit of Hybrid/ Any input kindly taken
Thanks DM

The exterior handle is connected by a rod to the latch mechanism. Hopefully it is just the rod no longer connected to handle or the latch and didn't break one of those connecting points. If I remember right, that rod has a bend in it. Maybe it just got straightened out, but if it did, the handle would probably want to stay up a little when it is released. Take off the inside panel and have a look. The window has to be up or it will be in the way.