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 1 through 10 of 391.00-
Rusty SUV, But Good - 2005 Ford Escape
By jfohl - October 4 - 11:49 pmI bought this SUV last winter with 100k miles on it. Took it to my mechanic to get all the filters, fluids changed, who found rust holes in rear passenger inner wheelwell that compromised the strut and safety of vehicle. Fixed that, and took all the plastic cladding off exposing more rust than Ive ever seen. Driven 20k miles and no real mechanical problems except the exhaust needs replaced. Very simple interior compared to new vehicles. AWD system is excellent. I get 20mpg. 3.0 engine may have been powerful 10 years ago, but its relatively slow compared to todays SUV standards. These are great deals if you are looking for an AWD vehicle.
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New to me - 2005 Ford Escape
By tulareave - April 24 - 7:45 pmJust purchased a 2005 Ford Escape XLT, and so far it has been great! I have had to have a few things replaced but thats to be expected at 85000 plus miles. The negative is the road noise! Wholy cow, I am looking for tires to help lessen it. I wish it had a few more bells and whistles but for me right now it seems to be working out just fine. I have for the most part only purchased fords Im hoping this one does not disappoint. Hoping to get the 2013 eventually. I
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The best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Ford Escape
By smashley745 - April 17 - 2:13 pmI love this car. If you are looking for a more "roomy" car that gets great gas mileage this is it. I get about 30mpg on average driving mostly on the freeway. The seats are super easy to put down, my sister and I have gone camping and slept in the back of my car rather comfortably. If you have never owned a hybrid car it can be rather eerie because it is so quiet, I cant tell you how many times Ive panicked at stop lights thinking my car had died when I first bought it. Down sides: When your heat is on and the car goes to battery it blows cool air, Not fun in the dead of winter. Does NOT have a outlet to plug in an mp3 player. But overall, I love this car.
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Ford Escape purchased brand new - 2005 Ford Escape
By kyleservice - May 10 - 7:17 pmWe picked up this Ford Escape new in 2005. So far in 2012, it has about 72,000 miles on it, with absolutely zero problems so far. (Well, I did have to replace the battery this spring.) This SUV still has the same tires, same brakes, same exhaust system. Ive looked at the front and rear brakes, they look like theyll go many more miles before needing replacement. We might have to replace the tires this fall, this is Wisconsin, and we do have snow around here.
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2005 Ford Escape is a great vehicle! - 2005 Ford Escape
By kpbo24 - July 24 - 6:22 pmI had to junk my 2005 Dodge Neon after many, many problems and decided to buy this 2005 Ford Escape to replace it. I am very happy that I did. It runs great, even with 90,000 miles on it. I havent had the opportunity to try out the all wheel drive in the snow yet. The only issue I have with the vehicle is that it is a gas guzzler. I only get about 20 miles to the gallon, as I do mostly city driving. It seems like I just fill it up and the next thing I know my tank is down 25 to 50 percent. I got nitro put into my tires to increase the gas milage a little bit.
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Overall a nice little SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
By Gpowers - November 25 - 2:00 amThis is the wifes car, not mine. We had it since new. Dislikes, no power passenger seat, no compass or outside temp display, Uncomfortable seats everywhere except driver. Bad design on heated seats switch placement and function (cant see light, no temperature control, turns on accidentally) , poor placement of cruise on switch(on steering wheel, accidentally gets turned off), noisy tires at road speed. V6 gets buzzy when in second and delivers less than stellar mileage (19 City, 21 Hwy). Great vehicle in snow and reliable as a rock. Wife loves it. Im not as impressed. I hope Ford addressed these issues in future versions. Only problem was front brakes at 39K which is maintenance.
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Nice truck - 2005 Ford Escape
By SUVguy - June 3 - 12:30 pmI bought my escape in October of 04 with 13,000 miles on it. Thus far only one major repair which was the ignition module around 40,000 miles. Other than that just normal wear and tear (water pump, serpentine belt etc). Overall very pleased with the performance and reliability. Just hit the 110,000 mile mark.
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Very Dependable! - 2005 Ford Escape
By Fred Reno - January 29 - 10:14 pm165,600 miles with original brakes, shocks, clutch, and battery. This has been the most dependable car I have ever owned.....it drives as good as the day I bought it.
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Time to get rid of - 2005 Ford Escape
By ejbjb - January 18 - 11:25 pmLove my Escape. 2 problems...brake routers warp and need turning or replacement frequently. 121000km and the engine has died. Will replace with a newer Escape. Reliable, great cargo hauling, good basic transportation.
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great so far....just got it a month ago - 2005 Ford Escape
By lotekgirl - December 14 - 12:59 pmI just traded in my 01 Intrepid for this 05 Escape. So far my husband and I are very pleased with it. This vehicle is great if you are looking to step up to your first SUV from a car. The Escape is very responsive it drives and handles great. I agree with other reviewers about filling the gas tank: it is annoying because you cant just put the nozzle in, lock it in place and walk away. It always clicks off a few seconds later so I have to stand there and hold it, which I never had to do with my car. The gas mileage on the v6 isnt that great. Im constantly filling my gas tank (city driving about 90% of the time). the ignition could have been more well placed (odd spot, have to search).
