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 91 through 100 of 391.00

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  Enjoying the Ford Family ... So Far - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Tom - June 3 - 9:43 pm

  So far Ive been enjoying being a member of the Ford Family. The buying experience was excellent and matches the quality and features of my new vehicle. My Ford Escape looks great and continues to be a tough little SUV. The comfort and ride are excellent. The gas mileage could be better but I didnt want an unrefined 4 cylinder. Also, I wish the highway noise could be lower. All-in-all, Im glad to be in the family.

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  The Great Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JaLester - May 28 - 8:50 am

  We really love our Escape. It has been nothing short of amazing, and I am so glad we didnt buy something else. The Escape is very reliable, handles great and looks good.

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  Escape Hybrid Seen in LA - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mark - May 3 - 10:46 pm

  Within hours of the announcement, I was aware that Ford was going to produce a Escape Hybrid. Well, their Kansas City Assembly Plant did produce a well built vehicle, beautiful vehicle that delivers great gas mileage. The Hybrid has indeed delivered on its promise of improved gas mileage, but as usual not to the EPA specs. The vehicle is so quiet that pedestrians are unaware it is running. My dealership recognized that the premiums other dealers were demanding was killing sales; I got mine without the premium. Unlike others I did not have to wait, picked mine on the lot on day of visit. All that and it looks better than a Prius.

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  Overallest Small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By kenstar23 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I test drove a number of small SUVs in this class, and recently drove a Jeep Liberty for a week on a vacation. The Ford is more refined than the Jeep and makes better use of interior space. The Jeeps engine was slightly underpowered as is the Escapes...a bit more HP would help both. I was disappointed with the Jeeps mileage, only a bit more than 20 MPG. These were the two highest on my list for consideration. I chose the Escape. Ive owned two Ford trucks previously and have had no reliability issues, actually no problems whatsoever.

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  Fun in Wheels - 2005 Ford Escape
  By rvkolako - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Escape for a short time, but I love it! It has great room inside, compared to other suvs in its class. The ride is awsome, and its a quiet car. THE V-6 engine is responsive. Ive previously owned toyotas, so I was surprised that the interior quality is every bit as good as japanes cars. The escape handles very well and you always feel in control. Anyone whos looking for a small suv , would be silly not to check out this american gem!

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  Versatile Vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By palms911 - March 29 - 12:33 pm

  I bought my Escape last September and have been pleased with it. It really does handle like a car, but offers the beef of a true SUV when you need it. I like the looks as well, inside and out. I have the leather seats and they are comfortable, especially on the lower back.

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  Good portability - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mike - March 21 - 4:46 pm

  I bought the Escape in 06 to replace my 04 full size Sierra. Hoping to save on gas. Well I do a little bit but not as much as they claimed I would. Being a carpenter I needed something I can pack full of tools. I can do that pretty easliy with the Escape. I love how I can basically eliminate the rear seats altogther to create that flat bed back there. I dont like the cheap plastic bumper that dosnt hold up well to cold weather or minor bumps. At 63,000 miles its is now making a "drive line whine" is what the dealers say it is and its nothing to worry about. So thats kinda annoying. The gas tank is very annoying as well as I find myself having to hold the pump the entire time.

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  Poor paint finish - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ford Junk - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The dealer ship was great ! But this will be my last Ford My wife picked up our 2005 Escape she did not notice the paint on the hood had a mark by both windshield squirters looked like water marks. They do not come off ! look its a new car and already has to have body work. You can leave the key in and no alarm (makes it easy to lock your keys in the ESCAPE) doors do not lock when you put it in drive this is a safty issue if you have small children.

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  Escape to Ford - 2005 Ford Escape
  By June Keller - March 6 - 10:00 am

  A midsize SUV at a good price. Handles better than the Toyota CRV that i owned before this one also larger than the Toyota. I wish it had a door in the rear like the Toyota CRV had. The hatch back is ok, but i prefer a door. Door is much easier to open and close when taking things in and out. Other than the door issue the Escape is a solid SUV. (needs a built in ashtray, LOL)

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  Very Impressive Locomotion - 2005 Ford Escape
  By hammer60 - February 21 - 5:16 am

  I have been waiting for this Hybrid for a number of years and I am extremely pleased with the final product. The Escape Hybrid replaces my Jeep Wrangler and it is indeed 100% SUV. Im proud to support hybrid technology and give my highest praises to Ford for creating the Escape Hybrid; a truly unique vehicle. I ordered my Hybrid at the end of October, 2004 and received the call that it was in on New Years Eve! What a way to celebrate. I ordered AWD, leather (because I wanted the steering wheel), the NAV system for the energy display (hybrid drive!), extra air bags and the appearance group. Its a kick to drive, especially when only the electric motor is powering the vehicle; it is so quiet!