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 31 through 40 of 391.00-
Young and Fun - 2005 Ford Escape
By cutelilreiner - September 30 - 10:00 amI like it, I came from driving a 04 4dr turbo diesel dualy to this and it is soooo much fun. Its little and easy to get around in but I dont feel like Im gonna get completely squashed by other vehicles. It was great for gettin around a college town where drivers are crazy.
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Best of those tested - 2005 Ford Escape
By Edward R. Johnson - September 18 - 10:00 amThis SUV is everything its advertized. It handles like a car, has visibality of a pickup, and the exceleration of a sportscar. The ride is excellent, and its FUN to drive. The headlight system exceeds anything I ever owned, visability at night is excellent. The only drawback is, as mentioned in other reviews, the small gas tank and limited range. So, I have to refill the tank more often -- no big deal.
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Crappy Sun Visor - 2005 Ford Escape
By Wojo - August 26 - 12:37 pmAlthough almost everything on my Escape Hybrid is great I have had problems with the sun visors since I bought it. On the drivers side, where I need it the most, it has come loose and had to be replaced about once every two years! As it is no longer under warranty it is about $100 to do this, which is in itself outrageous. Although I like the vehicle, if Ford can not fix this I will be looking into a different vehicle. I refuse to pay this for a problem that has been identified by many and not fixed.
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LOVE MY TRUCK - 2005 Ford Escape
By will1 - August 18 - 10:00 amI love my 2005 Ford ESCAPE. I purchased the full package including the Guidepoint system and could not be happpier.
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review of 2005 Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
By Susan Sturdevant - August 6 - 10:00 amIntended to trade 2003 F150 4wd for 2004 model of same. Did not care for the cumbersome large car feel of newly designed truck. Test drove the Escape and found it far more comfortable and easier to handle. Having driven a truck for the last fifteen years (I raise horses and cattle), but also having other trucks to do the "work" I opted for the SUV. I have not regreted it in the least, and would not hesitate to do it again.
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She was right - 2005 Ford Escape
By Larry - August 3 - 4:00 pmI originally was looking for a new F-150 to replace my 2001. When stepped on the lot we saw the Escapes and stopped to look. My wife said I should look into one to save on gas. She felt we only needed one big truck, that being our 03 Expedition. Even though I wanted a new F-150 I researched the Escape and the numbers looked good. I am a big guy (61" 270lbs) and I fit, not only in the front seats but in the back. This is my new commuter vehicle, I put almost 100k on my 01 F-150 in less than 4 years back and forth to work. I got great handling, Im comfortable, get better gas mileage and I park it in a lot places I couldnt with my truck.
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Escape Well Developed for the Long Run - 2005 Ford Escape
By Richard - August 2 - 6:43 pmI drive long distances in my business and appreciate the comfort and utility of the Escape. I also drive in very hot climates of the Southwest and the air conditioner is outstanding. Picking up speed with the air conditioner on at speed is extremely satisfactory. I would recommend the vehicle to anyone; new buyers, young buyers, buyers that want to be able to carry the golf clubs everywhere as I do, or senior citizens.
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A worthwhile purchase - 2005 Ford Escape
By PhilFromDetroit - July 28 - 9:05 pmWe have had this SUV for two years, buying at the 24,000 mile mark and now at 42,000 miles. We have not had any unexpected problems except one: the rear tailgate started to rust. The dealer fixed that. Replaced front discs at 40K and the Contis at 40K. Otherwise no problems to report. Its surefooted in MI winters. On extended Highway driving it got almost 24 MPG, but in extended stop and go its getting about 16 MPG.
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Big Problems - 2005 Ford Escape
By george-e - July 20 - 10:06 pmGreat little car. Aside from the transmission going out at 50k! Had a nice Mit. Galant with over 100k still ran great, but I just thought I should get something newer.
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Escape has definitely proven itself - 2005 Ford Escape
By bw - July 19 - 11:45 amI bought this Escape in Alaska in 2005. It worked GREAT in the snow and gets good mileage. Loaded it full of stuff (so much that the rear suspension was sagging) and drove it to Minnesota in 2006, no problems. Packed it up again and drove it to Maryland in 2009. Shes still running great with 95,000 miles. I replaced the stock tires at 80,000 miles and just replaced the front pads/rotors a week ago. The original brakes were on the edge of failing, but they gave me no problems for 95,000 miles. It aint fancy but its come a long way! Im going to keep it until the wheels fall off.
