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 101 through 110 of 391.00-
Not for the petite - 2005 Ford Escape
By kathy m - February 18 - 3:20 pmNice looking vehicle, inside & out. Terrible gas mileage; was expecting 18- 21 mpg but getting only about 15 (and its not my driving style causing low mpg). Not a good vehicle for shorter folks (I am 5 ft. tall). Rear seat headrests obstruct view when looking back, emergency brake is on the other side of the center console (causing you to have to REACH), and needing to have the seat as far forward as possible to reach pedals means that knees/shins bump up against the dash under steering column - saftey risk if ever in accident. Havent experienced its handling in snow yet.
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I love my 2005 Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
By Carol Camp - February 2 - 4:50 amI had wanted a Ford Escape ever since they came out. I knew the one I bought was the one for me the first time I laid eyes on it. I absolutely love driving it. It handles well, is very comfortable and it has a attractive body style. It has plenty of room for hauling just groceries or even something big with the seats laid down, which is very easy to do.
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Great SUV for the money - 2005 Ford Escape
By ddelpo - February 2 - 2:00 amThis SUV is ideal for handleing and function. I am getting older and find this a great vehicle to get around in. This is my 6th Ford Vehicle, just love them. Ford Stands by their products.
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Trading in - 2005 Ford Escape
By Trading in - January 16 - 9:55 amWe bought a 2005 XLD AWD Escape used in March 05 with 17,000 miles on it. As others have written, we have had problems filling up the gas tank. Gas nozzle keeps shutting off which drives my husband nuts. Started having problems with the brakes at about 50K. Mechanic replaced tires, rotated tires and put on new brake pads which solved the problem for only a little while. It probably needs new rotors, but at only 2 yrs old with 57K miles on it and 3 years left on the loan, we decided to trade it in for an older car with less miles that we could pay off sooner at $100 less/month. Overall though, this was a good car, preformed very well in the snow with the smart AWD but hard on gas.
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Not bad but needs improvements - 2005 Ford Escape
By Nolan - January 12 - 10:33 pmI bought this 05 XLT AWD 3.0L with 25000 miles on it and its been very good on road and off road whether its snow or mud. Ive read alot of complaints about noise level of tires, I cant say I agree I find it very quiet with the OEM tires on it. I installed a K&N air filter which gave me on average a noticeable increase on fuel mileage per tank.
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2005 Escape - A must have SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
By Traci Muchowski - December 25 - 1:40 pmI have driven Ford cars my entire life. This is my first SUV. I will probably never go back to driving a car. I absolutely love this vehicle. We live in the Cleveland area and have seen hundreds of these vehicles on the road. It appears to be a very popular here. I would recommmend this vehicle in a heartbeat!
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Little touches make the difference - 2005 Ford Escape
By Sharon - December 23 - 9:23 pmI bought a 2006 Hybrid FWD in November. I have been VERY impressed (as a former Mercedes owner) with the vehicle. Rides great, leather seats are good quality, cruise is very easy to use. The heated mirrors (did not have on the Benz) are a nice touch. The dealer came down only a little on the price ($1.600) but the car is worth it. The mileage is not yet that great - averaged 28 MPG between Santa Barbara and San Francisco, and around 30 around town. But I understand I need to learn to drive differently. At 75 mph, mileage drops considerably to 26-28 mpg. At 65, results are closer to Fords posted 31 mpg. NAV system is a little disappointing, tho GPS positioning is a great touch.
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Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
By Heather - November 24 - 6:43 amLove the size, look, gas mileage! However road noise is an issue. If it were not for that I would give it a perfect score. If Ford could decrease road noise this would compete with Honda CRV,and Toyota Rav 4 hands down. I looked at those too, but chose the Ford because of the economical price. However the road noise can be annoying. My husband is thinking about pulling up the carpet and putting down a noise pad to see if it helps. So, maybe ford could try that! I love the look and gas mileage and have had zero mechanincal issues and it has 80K miles on it now. I love the fact that there is no tire on the back..that is why I nixed the CRV and Rav 4.
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Not happy - 2005 Ford Escape
By highlander - November 20 - 8:47 amBought this vehicle new in 2004. No major problems for the first 40k miles other than the "fragile" paint. It is covered with pain chips that form rust almost immediately. Next I had brake problems that were repaired free due to a service bulletin on the rotors. The spare tire release rusted out and was replaced. The seat cloth is easy to stain/hard to clean. Headlight has developed condensation problem - will be replaced shortly. The engine is now drinking antifreeze. Cant find any leaking so it must be a more severe problem. Driver side door seal torn apart due to a poorly placed screw in the door trim. Overall Im not happy with my Ford Escape and will not be a repeat customer.
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Nine months, 10K miles and Im happy - 2005 Ford Escape
By Jim In Tampa - November 12 - 10:16 pmIm very happy with my 2005 Escape XLT Sport. Mine was one of the first with just the canopy air bag and now they have the side seat and canopy air bags. Great handling. Quick. A little thirsty. Back seat is very comfortable with the stadium type seating. The seat fabric can be irritating after a few hours of travel. Mine arrived with a non-functioning 6 disk radio. I cant believe that the factory AND dealership didnt notice that before it left the showroom. But it was replaced and no problems since then. I know its been recalled, but I havent received a notice yet from Ford.
