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 31 through 40 of 391.00

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  Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Heather - November 24 - 6:43 am

  Love the size, look, gas mileage! However road noise is an issue. If it were not for that I would give it a perfect score. If Ford could decrease road noise this would compete with Honda CRV,and Toyota Rav 4 hands down. I looked at those too, but chose the Ford because of the economical price. However the road noise can be annoying. My husband is thinking about pulling up the carpet and putting down a noise pad to see if it helps. So, maybe ford could try that! I love the look and gas mileage and have had zero mechanincal issues and it has 80K miles on it now. I love the fact that there is no tire on the back..that is why I nixed the CRV and Rav 4.

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  Not happy - 2005 Ford Escape
  By highlander - November 20 - 8:47 am

  Bought this vehicle new in 2004. No major problems for the first 40k miles other than the "fragile" paint. It is covered with pain chips that form rust almost immediately. Next I had brake problems that were repaired free due to a service bulletin on the rotors. The spare tire release rusted out and was replaced. The seat cloth is easy to stain/hard to clean. Headlight has developed condensation problem - will be replaced shortly. The engine is now drinking antifreeze. Cant find any leaking so it must be a more severe problem. Driver side door seal torn apart due to a poorly placed screw in the door trim. Overall Im not happy with my Ford Escape and will not be a repeat customer.

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  Likable SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Good SUV - September 20 - 5:59 pm

  Ive never really been a Ford advocate, but I think they got it right with this vehicle. This thing does great loaded for 4 full size adults in the Rocky Mtns. As a matter of fact, it runs better in the mountains than my Mitsu Galant GTZ sports sedan. The vehicle clearance and stock tires are great for offroad. Ive had this vehicle offroad several times with no issues, and the AWD works great in the deep mud and rocky trails. The Mach Stereo is surprisingly good. Overall, I would recommend this car to a friend or family member.

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  Awsome SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By nelson - August 27 - 12:08 am

  It has been very good SUV so far. I put a KN air filter and it runs better with it. NO major work so far, only oil changes and a fuel filter. Tires are loud. I would rather put Goodyear tires when the stock ones need replacing. I get about 19mpg around town and 24mpg highway.

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  2005 Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mary Manley - August 9 - 12:36 pm

  Very nice car for the price range with WONDERFUL gas mileage. I drive 100+ miles per day, mostly highway, and my average miles per gallon is now 36.2.

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  Love it/hate it - 2005 Ford Escape
  By april - July 23 - 4:26 pm

  I love this SUV but i HATE the way that i must fill the gas tank up every 3-4 days due to the small gas tank and the AWD 6 cylinder. It seems that every time I drive it, I must stop at the gas station. I also find blind spots in changing lanes and backing up but hope in time I will get used to it! I am also disappointed in the placement of the speakers in this vehicle. Sound is not that great.

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  Sonic Blue First Review - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jomomma - June 7 - 10:06 am

  My 78 year old mother bought this sonic blue hybrid SUV. She is still trying to figure out some of the technology, but loves it. Seats could be a little more "cushiony"; pretty firm, for an older lady with not much fat (and me too), more plumpness in the seating would be nice. Was told it has "intelligent 4WD", meaning it puts itself into 4WD when it needs to; would be nice to have a light or something on the instrument panel that shows when it is actually in 4WD. But so far we love this little hybrid SUV! Oh yeah, sometimes there is a pretty loud "thump" when the electric engine kicks in, like while sitting at a light, that kinda freaks you out, I thought what the heck just hit my car?

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  My SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By H. Joven - June 7 - 5:46 am

  I drive 20 miles to work and back every day. I also drive to Chicago 60 miles round trip three times a week, My Escape has never failed to perform for me. The gas mileage is above average with 24 combined city and country mpg. I also carry a good size load in my cargo area weekly. My husband and I enjoy its guts and the features we chose.

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  Love it! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JHTKGT - April 11 - 12:54 pm

  When we got this car, I was worried that it felt to much like a truck, rather than a car. This actually wasnt an issue, since I got used to the new feel very fast (we had never owned an SUV before). Its very easy to handle and very comfortable. I love the leather seats, tinted windows and roof rack. It is perfect for us, since we travel a lot. I actually only have one major complaint: The gas tank. This one really irritates me! Every single time I try to fill it up, the nozzle clicks off, as if its full (when its completely empty). My husband said its the gas fumes in the tank, but even when I let the fumes air out before pumping, it happens every time I squeeze the nozzle handle!

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  Great Performance - 2005 Ford Escape
  By zadscmc - April 7 - 2:20 am

  This is my second hybrid, the first with a CVT. After getting "used" to how the transmission drives the car, the characteristics of electric assist, and the general drive of the SUV, we are now averaging well over 30 MPG. The dealer has been very good, and to date, weve had no problems whatsoever. We expect to be able to push this to 35 MPG by the end of the summer.