Overview & Reviews

The 2005 Ford Escape gets a freshened look and some new mechanicals. Last year's base 2.0-liter engine is replaced by a new 153-horsepower, 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that's available with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. This new engine is a more viable choice for budget-conscious buyers, and like the V6, it can be matched with a new electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system. Meanwhile, the V6 engine has been tweaked to provide improved throttle response. Antilock brakes are now standard across the line. Interior updates include a floor-mounted shifter, new gauges, upgraded seats and additional storage. The most significant improvement inside is the addition of the optional Safety Canopy rollover protection system. Further, the vehicle's structure has been modified to better absorb offset frontal impacts, and the backseat gets a full set of three-point belts. On the outside, all Escapes have reworked front and rear fascias with a new grille design and headlights. Finally, an XLT Sport model joins the lineup.

• Powerful V6, quick and efficient hybrid model, large cargo capacity, comfortable interior, carlike handling, optional side curtain airbags.

• Four-cylinder models feel unrefined at high rpm, so-so interior materials quality.

User Reviews:

Showing 121 through 130 of 391.00

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  Love the car on snow and gravel - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Glenn R - December 27 - 12:14 am

  This car is very fun to drive in the snow or gravel. It has a slight problem with losing the rear in cornering but only when turning too fast or going around the bend too fast. Quick reaction you have it back in line and continue. Just remember to obey the law!

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  Crash Record - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Sarah Carlson - December 13 - 12:59 am

  I was in a head on crash with this vehicle and it performed beautifully. It was raining and I was going 40 miles an hour when someone went in front of me. I have been in sales for 35 years and I bought this vehicle because of the crash record. My air bags came out and disk brakes did their job and seat belts worked well too. I am alive because of this vehicle and I am getting a 2006 XLT Sport just like I had. I love the engine and we are a Ford family of 3 new vehicles. Thanks Ford for my life.

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  My great Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ginny - December 9 - 11:36 am

  The Ford dealer and the great vehicle make this the best vehicle I have ever purchased. The Escape does everything a big SUV does. I looked at the CR-V and a RAV4 and they just did not match up to the Escape.

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  Escape is the SUV to drive! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Dove - December 6 - 1:57 am

  Traded a 2004 Chevy Blazer in on the XLT Sport Escape. BEST TRADE in the world. Love how it handles! Decent on gas. Love the leather seats, 6-cd changes, the heater heats up fast in the cold months. Like the AWD options, saves from pushing buttons. All around a super car/suv. Highly recommended! Will buy another Escape in the future!

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  Wowser! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mkgibbons - December 5 - 1:20 am

  I bought this car from a lot of rental returns. I had been toying with the idea of an SUV for a while, and this one was available. I love my little Escape (though the mileage is a bit lower than I had in my sedan) -- its so much fun to drive. I can scoot up the on-ramps like lightning and it handles great. In MN weve already had lots of snow -- its not a problem. Ive had one long road trip (400 miles) and it was comfy enough -- I didnt need to stop. Around town its great, too -- I can park practically anywhere, even parallel parking. I would definitely recommend this if you want something a little higher up, the safety of all wheel drive, and plenty of cargo space, even for a family.

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  The Great Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By lkgfnp - November 25 - 2:33 pm

  A classy, efficient vehicle. Was amazed at the fuel economy when compared with my 2001 Escape. I like it very much!

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  05 Escape A+ - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Morano - November 21 - 11:30 pm

  Outstanding inside and out. Ive been looking at the Escape for over 2 yrs. When Ford released the XLT Sport AWD package it was my time. It was worth the wait! Also if you plan to purchase spend the extra money on the Mach Stereo and the moonroof. It makes your driving experience TOP NOTCH. All around great SUV. You can carry 5 passengers, your kayak, bike, and carry material for weekend projects. All around great SUV.

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  Owner of second hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Robert A Harrington - November 20 - 12:42 pm

  This is our second hybrid car. Our first hybrid is a Honda Civic. The electric only propulsion mode takes a little coaxing to get the car to shift into it. If you are already in gasoline mode you need coast down from 35 till the car shifts over to electric then continue. You can be in electric mode up to 29 MPH. If you desire to startup from a stop in electric do not gun the engine but rather ease it into acceleration. Otherwise it will promptly start in gas mode to ensure you have the power you demand. The leather interior makes for a very comfortable ride. Well worth the investment. Made sure your dealer has a trained mechanic available, ours dealer does not always have one.

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  Excellent Vehicle, but not for everyone - 2005 Ford Escape
  By studmonsh - November 18 - 7:30 pm

  I love my new hybrid. Room of an SUV with the economy of a small car. Quite a few options, but I would have liked to seen more. Other than that, Im very pleased. Best gas mileage in the city since the brakes regenerate the energy stored in the battery, which operates the engine up to 30-35 mph. Be warned-if you plan on putting a lot of highway miles on it, youre going to get close to the same efficiency of a regular Escape, which is still great for an SUV, but if youre paying the extra for hybrid technology, youll want to make sure youll make up for it by what you save on gas. Bottom line-its not for everyone. Great for stop-and-go traffic and city driving.

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  BEST QUALITY - 2005 Ford Escape
  By AUTOS - November 16 - 11:06 pm

  To my initial surprise, I had to hold on when a hard acceleration is applied. Tremendous pick-up! Rides like an SUV handles like a sports car. Nothing but positive compliments from passengers.