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 151 through 160 of 391.00

• 

  Finally - a non-hog SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ted Olsen - July 11 - 2:50 am

  Ford scores high in my books for having produced a really driveable small SUV that isnt guzzling gas but performs above expectations. I havent had a moments regret. Everything about my Ford Escape is fun - plenty of power, enough room, sweet design, easy handling, great road holding. Im a happy camper, so to speak.

• 

  Love my hybrid Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Patti Cornelius - June 24 - 2:36 pm

  Although I understand this vehicle is hard to get, if you are looking for hybrid technology I would highly recommend this vehicle. Most of my driving is done in the city and the nearly 40 miles per gallon really helps with $2.00+ per gallon gas prices here in California. This Escape is roomy and fun to drive. The quality, fit and finish is excellent.

• 

  I Love My Escape! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By EnergyTurtle - June 18 - 8:13 am

  For having V6 and 4WD I think the gas mileage is great, I would buy this car over a comparable Honda or Toyota any day. Others complain about the mileage, but mine gets 24 mpg around town and 27 mpg on the highway with the 4A 3.0.

• 

  Loving My Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By truckin girl - June 6 - 2:40 pm

  I recently purchased my Escape after driving a 03 Honda Civic EX for a year and a half, which I hated. The Escape reminds me of the 01 Explorer Sport I had before the Civic which I loved but it was leased and had to be returned and they no longer make it so I got the Civic because it seemed nice. I longed for an SUV again and I looked at all the smaller ones from the Liberty to the XL-7 and I found that the Fords seem to be the most comfortable and best designed. I was a little leery about returning to Ford because there was a gammit of problems I had with the Explorer, but I loved it so much. I think the Escape is by far the best in its class. It had the best ride and the nicest features.

• 

  GREAT CAR - 2005 Ford Escape
  By EDL - May 15 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND NEW CAR AND I LOVE IT. IT HANDLES GREAT. I RESEARCHED ALL THE OTHER CARS IN ITS CLASS AND THIS OFFERED THE BEST DEAL. ALSO IT HAS MUCH MORE INTERIOR SPACE THAN THE OTHERS WHICH I FOUND HELPFUL. PLENTY OF SPACE IN BACK FOR MY DOG.

• 

  GREAT SMALL SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By CHAS G - May 13 - 6:33 pm

  GREAT CHOICE FOR SMALL SUV. ONLY 2 MINOR BROBLEMS. A/C ONLY COOLS WELL ON MAX. MACH 300 FRONT DOOR SPEAKERS BUZZ & VIBRATE. THAT SAID, THE IS A GREAT VEHICLE. I LIKE THE LOOK & THE LIMITED DOES SEEM UPSCALE COMPARED TO OTHER SMALL SUVS. I DEFINITELY RECCOMMEND A TEST DRIVE.

• 

  Love escaping in my new Escape! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Rose - May 4 - 1:56 pm

  I absolutely love the incredibly roomy design with the great fuel economy I get with this car! Its big like an SUV and roomy in the front and back with lots of perks but still gets the great mileage of an economy car.

• 

  Ford Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By T Jaspers - April 25 - 3:00 am

  I love my new Escape Hybrid. The GPS Navigation system, map, icons showing when the gas engine is running, electric engine is running, both running and battery charging are really neat. It also tells you your mileage over last 15 minutes, and how many kilometers till your tank is empty. My model doesnt have automatic headlights which I miss. But its other features make up for that loss.

• 

  Exceeds Expectations - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Tom - April 16 - 7:00 am

  Just what I was looking for. Replaced my 1986 Bronco II (255 K miles) with it. Hope it does as well.

• 

  2005 Escape Review - 2005 Ford Escape
  By cb - March 24 - 12:13 am

  Ride feels very comfortable. Interior feels larger than exterior dimensions of the vehicle would indicate. Steering is very responsive. Ergonomically, things are designed very well. Exterior is nicely designed as well. Dashboard and instrument panel is clean, intuitively easy to use, without being too cluttered. Very nice sound system.