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 81 through 90 of 391.00

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  Stay Away From 2005 Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By txm - September 16 - 10:07 am

  The 4 cylinder engine in this car is extremely underpowered. Its especially worse in the summer when the air conditioning is on, then it becomes unsafe to drive, because when you need to accelerate, it just doesnt do anything for about 3-4 seconds and trying to accelerate when necessary would probably kill you in this vehicle. Also, the engine is very noisy, sounds like diesel engine. I have 60,000 miles on it. The fuel economy is terrible. I cant get any more than 20 mpg, not matter what I do. Stay away from this car.

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  Escape, Fantastic - 2005 Ford Escape
  By TONY - August 14 - 6:13 am

  So far the only complaint I have is when its get dirty! This is one heck of an SUV. I love this Ford Escape. Very strong, yet very car like. Handles very well, tight. Im 62 and very comfortable with the power seating. Controls are fine for me. Good Job Ford!

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  2005 Ford Escape XLS Auto - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Richard Hawkins - August 4 - 9:33 pm

  The car has more pep than I expected, considering that it is a 4 cylinder automatic. Having previously owned an Explorer, I thought that this car would tend to lean in tight turns, because it appears to be high centered. My experience, so far, has been very positive regarding handling. I look forward to many miles of satisfying driving. Also, its good to know that if I want to haul something fairly large, this car will handle the task.

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  Love it - 2005 Ford Escape
  By erica27 - July 17 - 8:56 pm

  I have had my Escape for almost a year and a half and I absolutely love it! I am a senior in college and its everything and more I could want in a car! My previous vehicles were sedans and the Escape drives like a car, but I love sitting higher in traffic and would not trade this car for anything! I hit a deer a few months ago and I know that I would have been injured if I were in a sedan. It is so spacious. I am now the designated driver on road trips, but its well worth it because all my friends love the car too and we all fit comfortably! I plan on graduating college and heading off into the real world in this vehicle!

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  Almost the best car I have ever had - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Lefthandedlex - July 17 - 4:20 pm

  Retirement age is in sight so I have had quite a few cars to compare to. In 3 years I put almost 62000 miles. It is an automatic 4 cyl AWD. It is peppy I have gotten 31 mpg on rare occasions but usually 28 on avg. Except for normal maint it has only seen the dealership once for a very minor issue. Took a long weekend trip almost 5 hours one way with 4 adults and the roof rack stuffed to the gills and still got 25 mpg. Only thing I miss is leather seats. The cloth seats stain easy but so far nothing that I could not get out. Looking forward to another 60000 at least.

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  Hot little car! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Tina Ver - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I ve only had the car for a month but I love it....it handles great and has lots of get-up-and-go. (Great V6 engine) I like the optional ways you can put in cargo...via door or window. The controls are all within easy reach...which was a problem for me before now. You can adjust everything quickly...and easily. You can easily get in and out of the car ....no stooping or gyrating to get in ....or hoisting yourself up to get out.

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  Not bad - 2005 Ford Escape
  By acceptable - July 7 - 8:31 am

  Bought this vehicle Jan 06 after having a base Taurus. I like the zippyness I get from this 4cyl 5 speed. Gas mileage is great for an SUV at 27 hwy summer and 24 hwy winter here in MN. As read in other reviews cant stand the poor quality paint but to go along with design we do travel on some gravel roads and when wet or muddy the doors in the rear will get mud and dirt between them and the inside - my other vehicles never had this and I think this is terrible. I am quite conscious of this so I make sure to clean this area afterward because I dont want it to rust out before its time

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  Fun combined with economy - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JP - July 3 - 1:22 am

  We purchased this Escape wanting enough room for 4 adults, cargo room and good gas mileage. Bingo! Our Escape seems to be stuck at 27 + miles to a gallon! even with more than half city driving. We packed it full to travel to an out of state wedding , left one side of the rear seat up for our grandson and had room to spare. Its great fun to drive, responsive and handles well. In fairness there is a whistling noise ( maybe roof racks) when traveling on the freeway, and the running boards are not only useless but an actual pain since you cant use them to get in- you have to crawl over them muddying your jeans as you straddle them.

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  Better than an Lincoln - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Larry - June 15 - 7:43 pm

  The 500 replaces the lease I had on a 2002 Lincoln Town Car. The 500 has more trunk space, is a all wheel drive and a lot smoother transmission and power. I only have a little over 600 miles on the car but find the seating to be excellent. I also have the safety package on the car, what more do you need.

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  Awesome performance, great price - 2005 Ford Escape
  By djrobsd - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my escape. As a former Mustang GT Convertable owner, I didnt think the Escape would live up to my expectations. However, I recently took up skiing and got a dog, so the Mustang didnt meet my needs any more. I miss it, but I love my little Escape. When you step on the accelerator, it MOVES! And it passes with ease. The transmission shifts smoothly and responsively. I think it goes 0-60 in 8 seconds flat which is NOT BAD for an SUV! Cargo room is plentiful and the Escape is a solid and reliable vehicle for the money. So far after 13,000 miles, the car has been reliable with no defects or problems.