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 61 through 70 of 391.00

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  Fun to drive but too much plastic. - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Usual suspects - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Escape handles like a dream. Spacious and comfortable to drive and it is also very capable in the snow and unpaved roads. Cons: the interior parts such as, the armrest consol cover and the dash should be constructed of better materials.

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  Ford Escape 2004 - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Christine Hanyzewski - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Perfect size. Great handeling. Lots of power. Lots of cargo space.

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  Nothing Compares - 2005 Ford Escape
  By xleex1 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my new XLT Escape. Ive owned Toyotas and Hondas all my life. My friend had one with 50,000 miles on it and has had zero problems with it. So I made the jump and couldnt be happier. It handles better than the CRV, Highlander, and RAV-4. It has more power than any of those. It has more than enough cargo space for anything. The only thing I would change would be a bigger fuel tank. Im so glad I didnt pay more just for the name HONDA OR TOYOTA!!!!!!!

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  Escape to Wherever you want - 2005 Ford Escape
  By rltotten - January 9 - 2:22 pm

  I purchased my Escape brand new. I take it up in the Colorado/New Mexico Mountains skiing and snowboarding. I love the space and gas mileage. 26 MPG avg have hit 28 mpg once. I wish this vehicle had daytime driving lights and better cup holders in the center console. The gas filing thing that others wrote about is true, Ford needs to change this design. Ive flattened the rear seats and have hauled over a 1000 lbs of patio pavers at a time. This is a fun vehicle to drive and knock on wood I have had no major repairs to date. The seats do stain easy but also clean up just as easy. I would purchase another Escape no problem.

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  Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mary Jo - January 6 - 8:40 am

  Fun car to drive. Very comfortable. Just the right size for me.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By bill lee - December 8 - 2:13 pm

  Looked far and wide for a 4 cyl/5 speed FWD. This is a great drivetrain. Have gotten 31 MPG several times. Overall I get 28+MPG on my mostly highway commute. Snow is no problem with FWD. I run good snow tires and have had no problems even in deep snow. Not as good as my old jeep but never got stuck. Get the 05 and up vs the 04 if you can. Much better interior design and the bigger 2.3 motor gives better performance and fuel milage. Looked at the Toyota and Honda, but were much more expensive and much smaller. My son is 63" and fits in the back with no problems. Also no $300-500 timing belt to worry about on these cars. Has been very reliable. 60,000 miles and no problems what so ever.

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  Glad I waited - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Dennis - December 7 - 6:13 am

  My first SUV. Went for the 4 cylinder. Great on gas, over 22 mpg average. Extremely comfortable ride, easy to manage in traffic. Interior well designed, a real joy to drive. All the creature comforts of a sedan with the storage and security of a 4 wheel drive. Lots of leg room in the back. Really hugs the wet and snowy roads. Best vehicle I ever owned in 41 years of driving.

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  Affordable performance and room - 2005 Ford Escape
  By John Engelmann - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Perfect size for single person or couple with two or less children. A lot of space for the price. Handles well and has sufficient power for the smooth shifting 5 speed manual transmission under the power of the 4 cyl engine. The 4 cyl engine in that vast engine compartment puts everything in easy accessible reach. All controls are straight-forward and well-located. Great fuel economy for a vehicle of that size. This car was enough to get me to reconsider my 14 years straight of VW purchases.

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  Not satisfied - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Joe - November 30 - 11:50 pm

  I like the style and interior design of the vehicle, however, the performance is terrible. Im almost afraid to enter highway traffic not to mention the gas mileage; it seems like as a four cylinder the use of gasoline would be terrific. I also have a six cylinder car that does better on gas. The vehicle sounds and feels like it constantly struggles.

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  great little suv - 2005 Ford Escape
  By anthony pisciotta - November 22 - 10:00 am

  drives great, very comfortable, and looks great, we traded in our sedan in and dont regret it.