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

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  Very Satisfied - 2005 Ford Escape
  By H. Mayo - December 2 - 7:10 am

  I recently traded in my Jeep Cherokee which I loved but had a lot of maintenance problems with it. I decided on the Ford Escape and it went through its first winter with no problems. I love the cargo space which is more than the Ford Explorer 2004 has in it. Enjoy. Definitely a great buy.

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  Excellent Small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By SoSaysU - November 26 - 6:30 pm

  Looked at all the small SUVs before buying the Escape. Great handling, visibility and power. Test drove both the 4 cyl. and v-6, and wouldnt consider anything but the v-6. Also didnt get sidestep bars as were a hinderance, more than a help, to entry on a test driven vehicle. Just took it on a road trip across the state for hockey tournament. Held all gear and passengers wonderfully and was comfortable on long drive. Averaged 19mpg fuel economy on trip. I have leather seats and moon roof, both of which I love. Im not usually a fan of leather, but they were way more cushy than the cloth seats, and figured they would hold up better, as Im leasing my Escape. Would get again-no regrets

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  Definitely Recommend - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ritchie - November 25 - 3:53 pm

  This is our first SUV and therefore we researched and test drove all competitors. Amongst mid-size, above average SUVs, this is clearly the best. We drove almost 5,000 kms (March Break trip) in the third week of ownership and have nothing but great things to say about the comfort, handling and performance. Very responsive engine performance and steering and rides comfortably on semi-rough roads (dont have any reason to take it off-road). My wife and I are 59" and 57" respectively and there is ample leg, head and shoulder room. Love the moonroof, heated seats, upgraded stereo system. Really like the simple, classy exterior styling unlike some of the competition. Reasonable storage room in rear.

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  2005 Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Glenn Flesher - November 2 - 4:06 pm

  Perfect vehicle for retired couple. Really fun to drive. Easy to park, lots of pep. Just wish the gas tank was larger.

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  not for off road - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ZACK - October 28 - 10:56 am

  i took my Escape to the ranch and the road was, as usual, muddy and thick. It performed great, but it seemed to slow down further when I took it out to test it with water... it almost failed me. It slowed down dramatically and it just about let me down. It still works; I rely on it on road with little bit of a puddle ... it still scares me to take against natures worst.

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  So far so good... - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Daniel - October 13 - 6:10 am

  I am impressed so far. My only grip is the fuel economy. Otherwise a very nice SUV.

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  Refined Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By New Owner - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The Escape has very good handling on the road in various conditions. Performed well in the heavy rain. Excellent acceleration, but taxes fuel mileage. Transparent shifts from 2 to 4 wheel drive. Interior is well done. Unfortunately I wanted the slate gray interior but was only offered black (too hot) or pebble (uninspiring). Surprising flexibility when adjusting vehicle features (daytime running lights, speed volume control, brake starting override, headlight delay, rear wiper speeds)

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  Exceeded expectations - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Dave - September 29 - 8:40 am

  My wife and I were hoping to pay off our 2002 Jetta, until mechanical issues began cropping up. I decided against sinking a large chunk of change to pay it off, and buy new again. Test drove larger SUVs (4Runner, Pathfinder). I really wanted a Honda Pilot. I loved the ride and handling. Reality set in, and we opted for a smaller SUV because of price. It was between the CR-V and Escape. We bought the Ford because of rebates, discounts and pleasurable buying experience from dealer, and its grown on me more and more each day. Very surprised by the amount of room, power, and handling.

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  Our Ford Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By McCollums - September 23 - 9:16 pm

  It is just fun to ride in, drive... we like knowing it is helping the environment... and our wallets. Please keep making them Ford! We also got a Kermit sticker for it, and people love them and remember the commercials.

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  2005 Ford Escape XLT - 2005 Ford Escape
  By b scott - September 14 - 7:13 am

  Fun to drive, plenty of horsepower, more than enough head and leg room for six footers and taller, reasonable gas mileage, responsive steering and handling room for four with golf clubs and made in America.