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 51 through 60 of 391.00

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  Great but has problems - 2005 Ford Escape
  By InspectoRob - March 24 - 8:55 am

  We Loved our 03 xlt so we bought an 05 Limited. We missed the selector switch for AWD, but the center console and LTD amenities made up for that. Wind noise is much better. Still has the annoying temperature problem - heater blows very hot or cool with no in-between. Fog/driving lights are better. At about 10k miles transmission would slip when gas was let up then back on while moving - Dealer said it was ok. Got worse over time. Plastic parts broke mysteriously - front wheel lip and a panel on the back hatch. The ABS module went - 100 miles after warranty. Fought with dealer and got it for reduced cost (Ford was No Help!) It just went again so we are trading today.

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  I love it - 2005 Ford Escape
  By MeganNY - March 13 - 1:36 am

  I love my 2005 Ford Escape. I did a lot of reserch on compact SUVs and the Escape gives me the most bang for my buck. Its easy to drive, responsive and small enough to park anywhere (even in NYC)!

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  Great SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By escape guy - March 8 - 2:12 pm

  We have really enjoyed our escape the last month. We got a great deal and for the money we couldnt have asked for a more useful SUV. Its great for us because where we live there isnt much room to park. We enjoy camping and the wilderness so the 4x4 will work out great for that.

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  2005 Ford Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Dawn Burrell - February 22 - 4:56 pm

  The Escape Hybrid is excellent on gas, fun to drive, and awesome in snowy weather. Overall, I like the cars performance, and was surprised when I floored it how fast it accelerated. I bought the car and will have it for the next 5 years and will definitely buy the 2010 model.

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  Mikes Review - 2005 Ford Escape
  By MJS585 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised by the new 2005 Escape...it has good pickup and a newly revised, high quality interior. I would definitely recommend it to those in the market for a compact SUV.

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  Very Nice - 2005 Ford Escape
  By almarin - February 22 - 10:00 am

  It is a very nice looking vehicle and drives very comfortable. The interior is comfortable and is user friendly. I also like the intelligent 4WD system.

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  MY FORD ESCAPE - 2005 Ford Escape
  By CHEERJB - February 19 - 1:26 pm

  THIS IS A GREAT VEHICLE, IT IS VERY ROOMY, GREAT DRIVING

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  I love my Ford but.... - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Anne Lance - February 15 - 5:30 am

  The car handles well and looks nice. Heated seats are great to take the chill off quickly. My issue is with the gas mileage. Rating is 20/25 but so far (almost 2,000 miles later) I am only getting around 16 or 17 in the city and 23 freeway.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Escape - February 13 - 3:10 pm

  I bought a new Ford Escape and it is just a fun SUV to drive. I leased it and I ended up getting the 4 cylinder. Before I test drove it I thought I would never buy a car with a 4 cylinder, but after driving it I found out the 4 cylinder has a lot of zip. I brought it home and my kids always want to drive it, they love it too. I would definitely recommend buying an Escape.

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  Head and shoulders above small SUVs - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Higheriq - January 14 - 4:13 am

  Wanting something other than my old F150 for better gas mileage, and wanting 4WD, I had looked at a Toyota RAV4, Subaru Outback, and the Escape. Feature for feature, the Escape had the others beat. What sealed the deal was the price. The gas mileage with the Escape, equipped this way, is one of the very few vehicles which gets BETTER gas mileage than the EPA estimates. The ride is firm, controlled, and quiet (even at interstate speeds). The interior appointments give me more features than I will ever use. Strong air conditioner, great 4WD system, and more than ample power even with the 4 cylinder. The choice was obvious.