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 141 through 150 of 391.00

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  Not bad for a FORD - 2005 Ford Escape
  By goodnewsauto.com - March 10 - 9:36 am

  I am a dealer and bought this car to get me to North Dakota from Missouri. Drives very nice. Very peppy. I am not a Ford guy, but this is not a bad little SUV. Mine has 95000K on it and seems to still be very tight. I have not had any problems with it so far. It is for sale though - only because I need money!

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  Great little SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By me - February 22 - 11:37 am

  I have owned my Escape AWD for a year and a half now, and I have been impressed with the vehicle. It is fun to drive, and the interior is roomy enough for my family of four. I have a little over 50,000 miles on it, and I havent had to replace or repair anything. It handles great on the icy Idaho roads in the winter, and my wife feels safe driving it. That being said, gas mileage leaves something to be desired. I only average 17mpg with the Escape, while I average 14mpg with my much larger Duramax truck. The fuel tank is also too small.

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  Ford Escape - Skip this one - 2005 Ford Escape
  By gomar - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Our Ford Escape is the least reliable new car weve ever owned (weve bought plenty new). It has been back at the dealer at least once a month on average since we bought it. It is been repaired more often than my old Subaru. Not all of it is Fords fault - it started with the Firestone tire fiasco. There have been no life threatening failures, but the car has continuous problems.

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  XLT Sport 3.0L AWD - 2005 Ford Escape
  By vbcwizard - January 24 - 10:29 am

  I had my ‘05 Escape Sport since Nov ‘04. It is very similar to the ’07 . I put 26K miles on it so far. Aside from changing the sway bar link kit (which is a wear item) it is a great little SUV. I had several high speed avoidance maneuvers and it performed like a champ! If I am easy on the gas pedal at acceleration from 0mph I do see 17 to 19 mpg city/highway. That is considered very good around where I live because of the high number of cars and stop lights on my local streets. No rattles\noises so far (btw, every car need to have its seals, hinges, and bushings sprayed with silicone at least once a year). No engine\transmission issues so far. Fit and finish is great!

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  Great Vehicle! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By anfmichael82 - December 30 - 9:03 am

  I leased the 05 Ford Escape in April of 04. I absolutely love this truck! I have had no problems with it, and have been very satisfied. This is a very reliable vehicle. The only things that I didnt care for was that it needed better gas mileage, and when on uneven ground the interior started to sound like cheap plastic. Overall I would definitely lease this car again.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By J D - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Read Edmunds.com reviews prior to purchase and previous comments were on target in regard to benefits and limitations. My choice was between the full size Explorer and the Escape. Feel I got a better value (considering my needs and affordability)buying the XLT Excape versus an XLS Explorer. Lots of zip with the V-6, feels sporty and more car-like. Console shifter a plus. Love the cargo space and the fact that the rear seats fold flat. It fits my two needs-- haul a few passengers comfortably or haul some gear efficiently. Looking forward to driving this vehicle on an upcoming road vacation.

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  Great little SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By WHE - December 7 - 4:16 am

  Taut ride but very stable and handles beautifully. Drives more like a car than a truck. Peppy, powerful and quiet engine. Strong brakes. Very comfortable and roomy with numerous power-assists. Good driver visibility with well-designed console and smooth, straight-through floor shift. Adequate storage space. Solid body with no rattles or excessive wind noise. Overall an excellent, great-looking vehicle inside and out.

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  2005 Escape Review Limited 4WD - 2005 Ford Escape
  By George S. - December 4 - 4:46 am

  I have owned my Escape for 2 1/2 months and put 7,200 miles on the SUV. Went from a 98 Navigator to the Escape - what a difference, the Escape is a blast to drive; the Navigator was a chore to drive. Great power, roomy, seats are comfy and, did I say it was fun to drive? Great brakes - a deer ran in front of me on a snowy road and the brake assist worked great, nice feature.

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  A Good Value - 2005 Ford Escape
  By John Troutman - December 3 - 11:23 am

  The Escape is easy to drive and is "light and easy" on its feet which means it is appropriately responsive to steering and braking. This SUV has plenty of pep and drives as well at 80 mph as it does at 30 mph. It has comfortable seating for four people on a long drive and comfortable seating for five people for short distances. The cargo capacity is not really limited and is sufficient for most needs. An excellent automobile.

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  After Careful Research - 2005 Ford Escape
  By TLee - December 3 - 9:13 am

  Fun car to drive that drives like a car and not like an SUV. Much more fun to drive than the wobbly RAV-4. With the employee discount price it is hard to pass the deal up. I looked at Japanese cars mainly for the reliability but I believe the the American cars tend to be more innovative and quality has gone up. I hope to take this car for 100,000 plus miles. I look forward to driving this car home and with a piece of mind that after thorough research, this car is probably going to last long.