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 131 through 140 of 391.00-
Sonic Blue First Review - 2005 Ford Escape
By jomomma - June 7 - 10:06 amMy 78 year old mother bought this sonic blue hybrid SUV. She is still trying to figure out some of the technology, but loves it. Seats could be a little more "cushiony"; pretty firm, for an older lady with not much fat (and me too), more plumpness in the seating would be nice. Was told it has "intelligent 4WD", meaning it puts itself into 4WD when it needs to; would be nice to have a light or something on the instrument panel that shows when it is actually in 4WD. But so far we love this little hybrid SUV! Oh yeah, sometimes there is a pretty loud "thump" when the electric engine kicks in, like while sitting at a light, that kinda freaks you out, I thought what the heck just hit my car?
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My SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
By H. Joven - June 7 - 5:46 amI drive 20 miles to work and back every day. I also drive to Chicago 60 miles round trip three times a week, My Escape has never failed to perform for me. The gas mileage is above average with 24 combined city and country mpg. I also carry a good size load in my cargo area weekly. My husband and I enjoy its guts and the features we chose.
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2005 XLT FWD V6 - 2005 Ford Escape
By mec1974 - May 15 - 12:32 pmI first saw the Escape in 2000 when they first came out and was amazed with how peppy they are. Bought a used 05 with 18K miles. The dealer had several Limited editions on the lot with better options but I opted for one with the No Boundaries package with cloth. I like the more aggressive look of the roof rack and the black fender flares. It does drive somewhat like a truck, but I like that. You sit a little higher in traffic, which I like, and makes me feel safer. I did not want the AWD because my wife had an AWD SUV and the gas mileage was horrible. Plus, here in Texas 4x4 and AWD really are not necessary.
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AWD Hybrid Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
By NYdriver - April 25 - 10:33 amWe now have close to 2000 miles and the gas mileage is 31.5 mpg. We like the SUV a lot. There is no other 4WD SUV that comes close to the gas mileage and living in the north east where the winters are brutal, 4WD is very important.
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Let the fun times roll! - 2005 Ford Escape
By jdsh2 - April 19 - 5:50 pmI love my Escape. I have a black XLT Sport package. It has great pickup, its roomy, and its sporty and stylish. I agonized over buying this vehicle and I am so incredibly happy I did. I looked at the Mazda Tribute and even though they are made on similar lines, the Escape is peppier, has better dash setup, etc. I could go on and on. I have 5 friends that have them and they all love them too! That speaks volumes to me.
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Love it! - 2005 Ford Escape
By JHTKGT - April 11 - 12:54 pmWhen we got this car, I was worried that it felt to much like a truck, rather than a car. This actually wasnt an issue, since I got used to the new feel very fast (we had never owned an SUV before). Its very easy to handle and very comfortable. I love the leather seats, tinted windows and roof rack. It is perfect for us, since we travel a lot. I actually only have one major complaint: The gas tank. This one really irritates me! Every single time I try to fill it up, the nozzle clicks off, as if its full (when its completely empty). My husband said its the gas fumes in the tank, but even when I let the fumes air out before pumping, it happens every time I squeeze the nozzle handle!
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Great Performance - 2005 Ford Escape
By zadscmc - April 7 - 2:20 amThis is my second hybrid, the first with a CVT. After getting "used" to how the transmission drives the car, the characteristics of electric assist, and the general drive of the SUV, we are now averaging well over 30 MPG. The dealer has been very good, and to date, weve had no problems whatsoever. We expect to be able to push this to 35 MPG by the end of the summer.
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Performance - 2005 Ford Escape
By linda pico - March 15 - 6:26 amI just love the way my Ford Escape handles. I was a little disappointed that it didnt have cruise control as a standard feature; however, I am still very happy with my SUV.
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OK if you are not demanding - 2005 Ford Escape
By Jonathan Devens - March 15 - 3:06 am2005 Escape - itll get ya there, but if you are a "car" person, or have high standards, stay clear. CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP - interior is awful! And the price, while reasonable, is not as cheap as it ought to be for what you get. Exterior looks great, some nice features, but terrible interior. Also, auto transmission performs terribly - hesitating after shifting w/ poor overall shifting. All other operations are fine. I should have looked at the vehicle closer - I never knew they could make a dashboard out of a slab of rock hard plastic. Now I know!
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Great SUV - We love it |8>) - 2005 Ford Escape
By Mr P - March 11 - 10:53 pmAfter doing a lot of research, and test driving, we decided on the Escape. The 2005 improvements sold us, but the dealer bent over backwards to make us a deal. Toyota and Honda dealers were not interested!!! With X-plan and rebates - we shaved $3700 off the sticker and then got top dollar for our trade-in. Chose the sport for looks (wheels- tires-steps), but side air bags were mandatory. Mileage is OK, but until engine is broken in, it will be hard to tell the actual MPG. Right now it is about 17 in town. Highly Recommended.
