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 21 through 30 of 391.00

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  Takes getting use to... - 2005 Ford Escape
  By clarkt69 - September 25 - 6:43 pm

  So 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 am

  Even 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 am

  Excellent 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.

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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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  Enjoying the Ford Family ... So Far - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Tom - June 3 - 9:43 pm

  So far Ive been enjoying being a member of the Ford Family. The buying experience was excellent and matches the quality and features of my new vehicle. My Ford Escape looks great and continues to be a tough little SUV. The comfort and ride are excellent. The gas mileage could be better but I didnt want an unrefined 4 cylinder. Also, I wish the highway noise could be lower. All-in-all, Im glad to be in the family.

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  Good portability - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mike - March 21 - 4:46 pm

  I bought the Escape in 06 to replace my 04 full size Sierra. Hoping to save on gas. Well I do a little bit but not as much as they claimed I would. Being a carpenter I needed something I can pack full of tools. I can do that pretty easliy with the Escape. I love how I can basically eliminate the rear seats altogther to create that flat bed back there. I dont like the cheap plastic bumper that dosnt hold up well to cold weather or minor bumps. At 63,000 miles its is now making a "drive line whine" is what the dealers say it is and its nothing to worry about. So thats kinda annoying. The gas tank is very annoying as well as I find myself having to hold the pump the entire time.

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  Great SUV for the money - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ddelpo - February 2 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is ideal for handleing and function. I am getting older and find this a great vehicle to get around in. This is my 6th Ford Vehicle, just love them. Ford Stands by their products.

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  Trading in - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Trading in - January 16 - 9:55 am

  We bought a 2005 XLD AWD Escape used in March 05 with 17,000 miles on it. As others have written, we have had problems filling up the gas tank. Gas nozzle keeps shutting off which drives my husband nuts. Started having problems with the brakes at about 50K. Mechanic replaced tires, rotated tires and put on new brake pads which solved the problem for only a little while. It probably needs new rotors, but at only 2 yrs old with 57K miles on it and 3 years left on the loan, we decided to trade it in for an older car with less miles that we could pay off sooner at $100 less/month. Overall though, this was a good car, preformed very well in the snow with the smart AWD but hard on gas.

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  Not bad but needs improvements - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Nolan - January 12 - 10:33 pm

  I bought this 05 XLT AWD 3.0L with 25000 miles on it and its been very good on road and off road whether its snow or mud. Ive read alot of complaints about noise level of tires, I cant say I agree I find it very quiet with the OEM tires on it. I installed a K&N air filter which gave me on average a noticeable increase on fuel mileage per tank.