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 41 through 50 of 391.00

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  Ford Hybrid, Go Green! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By David Yates - July 18 - 3:46 am

  With gas prices continually going up, it was time to re-think fuel economy. Although I would probably never have considered the Ford Escape (I was looking at minivans) the thought of a Hybrid SUV caught my attention. The Escape has a pleasing body line and the interior is adequate for a family of 5. While I may not be the tree hugging type, it is nice to drive past the local gas stations without turning in. If you are looking for quiet, this is the car for you. No engine noise, no road noise and handling which is very responsive.

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  LOVE THIS CAR - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Simone - July 3 - 1:06 am

  Have had Escape 05 Limited for 3 days; test drove about 9 months ago and last week when a tree finished off my 97 RAV4 I knew it was time. This car is fabulous. The leather seats are worth every penny (you will be sorry if you settle for cloth). It drives effortlessly, comfortably with little road noise, good stereo, beautiful interior. I have read all reviews on Edmunds for Tribute, CR-V, RAV4 and more people than any other car agree about the Escape - it is FUN! See CR-V complaints about noise, few standard options, RAV4 about comfort and power, and Tribute for just plain boring exterior. Mariner is supposed to be equal car but not many people are buying it or have rated it.

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  Escape is tops. - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Don Ogle - May 22 - 7:03 pm

  The 2004 Escape has plenty of power, plenty of room and good gas mileage. I have had, knock on wood, absolutely no problems with the SUV.

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  Outstanding small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Brian - May 20 - 3:53 pm

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle with the safety canopy and our first child on the way. This car feels solid and is a blast to drive. The 3.0 liter engine is outstanding for car of this size and weight and the transmission, although a 4 speed has been smooth and feels well matched.

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  I love it - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Tom - May 5 - 10:51 am

  I drive my escape every day and I just love to get into it. The 5 speed transmission makes it more fun to drive and helps me control my gas mileage more. I drove from NY to Arizone and I was averaging 32 mpg.

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  Disappointed again - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Cheryl - May 4 - 6:38 pm

  Replaced my 2002 Escape at 38K mi. due to too many major repairs (torque converter, manifold, bearings, struts - to name a few) with a 2005 Escape with an extended warranty. After 3 months there was a leak in the gas line. At 60K mi. the torque converter and sunroof motor went up. Now at 65K mi. the ABS sensor went up ($700+ to repair). Sometimes I hear a crunching sound in the rear when I make turns or go over bumps. I have only done street/highway driving. All maintenance has been done on schedule by a Ford dealer. I will not buy another Ford.

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  Mile high ride - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ray Salinas - April 30 - 4:27 pm

  The Escape is easy to drive and the AUTO AWD with bigger tires handles well in snow and off-road driving in the Colorado mountains. Very responsive steering and braking - I avoided an accident when another car blindly merged into my lane and I had to react quickly by braking and steering away from the other driver to avoid a collision. Escape is very responsive. Large cargo space for our two dogs but would prefer a rear power window. Small SUV with roomy interior and powerful V6.

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  Run away fast! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Forditaboutit - April 19 - 5:14 pm

  I had this car for only two years. It developed a problem with the spark plugs that caused it to die (momentarily) when I hit 70. A thousand dollars later, that was fixed. Then the transmission went. Two thousand dollars later, that was fixed. Then, just last week, a piston rod broke free and destroyed the engine. This car was less than five years old, and had less than 100,000 miles on it. Never again. I am done trying to support the domestic auto industry. I dont expect much from a car. But I certainly expect more than the Escape provided.

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  very disappointed - 2005 Ford Escape
  By wanda harless - April 13 - 11:03 am

  I bought my Escape on 1-21-05. The check engine light came on 1-24-05. I was told to drive it. They had to order the part for the converter. Wednesday 2-2-05 I had trouble getting to work in it. There was popping and cracking noises; I thought it was catching on fire. I had it towed to the garage. I smelled something burning. When you turn to the left it seems to have jerky movement.

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  Moving on up - 2005 Ford Escape
  By orapol - March 27 - 12:16 pm

  This little beauty is fun to drive. We find ourselves looking for more places to go just for the ride. It holds a ton of cargo, but even sitting in the very back is surprisingly comfortable, making seating six a breeze. It handles very well in the snow as well as on dry pavement, even with only front-wheel drive. The optional six disc stereo system is awesome! It has seven speakers cleverly tucked in all corners of the vehicle. The sound is magnificent. The Escape has become the new official Saturday night out car for our 86 year old parents. They have no problem getting in and out of the Escape. The running boards add to accessibility and great looks.