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 71 through 80 of 391.00-
A great compact SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
By LILG410 - November 22 - 10:00 amIt is the perfect size-- compact enough for the petite driver yet roomy enough for the average male.
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Love it! - 2005 Ford Escape
By Billabongguy - November 18 - 8:11 pmI bought my Escape when i was thinking about buying a Kia Sorrento. I decided on the Escape because it had better creature comforts, nicer interior, and a lot more power! That little 3.0 with 220hp is fast responsive and I love it. I love the Mach audio system with the sub in the back. It thumps hard.
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Ford Escape Hybrid is a Plus - 2005 Ford Escape
By Barry - November 12 - 7:13 pmI purchased the Ford Escape Hybrid one month ago and the mpg has been about what Ford said it would be. 33 on the highway and about 37 mpg in the city. It handles well and is a pleasure to drive. As gas prices continue to soar, my decision to purchase the Hybrid looks better and better!
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Mixed feelings - 2005 Ford Escape
By Dwayne C - November 1 - 2:03 pmWe started having transmission problems at 20,000 miles. It would shift hard at around 40 MPH.We took it in (not at purchasing dealership)about ten times before they finally changed the transmission. I argued with the transmission mechanic that it was not right.They tried something different each time it was brought in. They adjusted the linkage, changed the spark plugs, changed the radiator, new torque converter, etc before changing the transmission. By this time the warranty was off and they wanted me to pay for it. After lots of arguing the dealer helped cover the cost above what Ford payed.There was 30,000 miles on the vehicle by the time this was done. Been running good ever since.
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Driving an SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
By Violet Brooks - October 16 - 5:16 amI like the size of the SUV, the gas mileage and it is SO MUCH fun to drive
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Great for the money - 2005 Ford Escape
By SUVChick - October 5 - 10:00 amI shopped around for an SUV for a few months, visinting all the major competitors and I think I got the best deal with the Escape. Its comparable to the other SUVs out there and more reasonably priced.
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Lease be gone..yee haw! - 2005 Ford Escape
By marsan5 - September 28 - 10:08 pmWe just finished our lease on this SUV. Pros are lots of cargo space, zippy around town and easy to drive. Cons are brakes not designed well for rural use, rotors and brakes non stop getting fixed, AWD got locked on one day on pavement. Bit of a gas pig. We had cloth seats and they stained if you looked at them! Three kids in the back is too crammed up. The door sills are too high, trapping mud and snow in like crazy. Cheap interior. The nerf bars stink in snow as they bottom you out, and when driving AWD when you get stuck, you are stuck!
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Takes getting use to... - 2005 Ford Escape
By clarkt69 - September 25 - 6:43 pmSo far so good. The Hybrid in and of itself isnt the hard thing to get used to, its the fact that the vehicle never shifts! The CVT is an interesting device. Lets hope it works better in Fords than it has in other vehicles. The seats are comfortable and well positioned. Ford has NOT loaded this vehicle with extras, thats for sure, but as a whole this vehicle is reasonably quite, handles well, brakes very well, and is easier on the gas than the regular Escape. Ford should convert everything they build to this technology. That would put an American company out front for a change and let the others play catch up.
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Practical Car - 2005 Ford Escape
By Adam Grey - September 23 - 11:10 amEven though I would have liked to get something a little sexier, this car is as practical of car you can get. Having it be a stick shift helped make the car fun to drive and also allowed for better acceleration than most standard V6 cars. Never did I have one mechanical issue in the 68,000 miles that I drove it and it really does excellent on gas being it is a 4 banger. I think if you buy this car you will get a bargain as if this had a Toyota symbol on it it would be $5,000 more! I believe this car is a smart buy for those who are concerned about fuel economy, cargo space, and price.
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A terrific hybrid entry - 2005 Ford Escape
By gomermaid - September 21 - 9:43 amExcellent performance with good, not great mileage (about 27 mpg), but much better that comparable SUVs. Fun to drive and handles exceptionally well. Cannot think of a major drawback. A little sluggish on pick up, but once at highway speed its all there. Windshield wipers not balanced and leave major areas uncleaned. Might be just a dealer adjustment.
