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 51 through 60 of 391.00

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  Hybrid SUV -- Feels Like Cheating - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Bullwinkle - May 31 - 4:40 am

  I simply love my Escape Hybrid. I have all the room I need for the wife, 2 kids, and the dog in the back, and yet I regularly get fuel economy close to 30 mpg average per tank.

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  WELL PLEASED - 2005 Ford Escape
  By D LITTLE - May 11 - 1:54 am

  I really enjoy my vehicle. My only complaint - some areas of craftsmanship appear rushed around doors and carpet areas. Also my shocks have small leak at only 22,000 miles.

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  Build better - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Cathy - May 4 - 1:23 pm

  I like my Escape but the only thing I dont like is the cheap interior. The fan knobs break easy and I think they should use a higher quality material.

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  Ford Escape Delivers - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Tom - April 20 - 10:16 am

  The Escape is a great mini SUV that does everything well, keeping in mind its limitations. Its not what I would consider a primary family vehicle; for that I would suggest something bigger. The Escape is a great commuter, grocery getter, or light hauler. It is fun to drive, very peppy, agile, and responsive to all inputs. The build quality is quite satisfactory. I have no complaints at all.

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  Super SAFE in Snow! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jenny - March 11 - 9:00 pm

  Ive had my Escape AWD for just over a year and have almost 50k miles on it. I love it. It might not be fancy, but it is safe and reliable in just about any situation I come across, from curb jumping in the city to icy rural highways. It has never slipped on me in the snow--I laugh when I see jJeeps sliding off the side of the road and I am still chugging along! Plenty of power to pass going up steep mountains.

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  Not too bad, not the best.... - 2005 Ford Escape
  By DMedic911 - February 27 - 9:21 am

  I have owned my Escape LTD for almost two years now and have not had any problems with it. Very comfortable and nice to drive. Not disappointed in my purchase, but would not purchase another one and ready for a change 2 years later. Biggest complaint is gas mileage at an average of 11-12 mpg in the city. I think a full sized truck with a large V8, pulling a motorhome could do better. Resale value not held over two years with only 11k miles.

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  Best small SUV in its CLASS - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Robby D - February 17 - 7:49 pm

  Bought the car to help save on gas and boy it sure did so. I havent had any problems whatsoever. This has been the best bang for the my buck to date. I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for to save on gas has enough interior room and has all the gadgets that you will need.

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  Cool little gas hog. - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Lil D from Richmond - February 10 - 2:51 pm

  Im far more impressed with the Escape than expected, this being my first Ford vehicle. Good execution. Engine power, handling, space utilization, and price are great. Gas tank is way too small for its consumption. Cruise distance is just fair at best at 280 to 300 miles per tank for highway. Guess that was an agreement between Ford and some oil company. Should have outside temp and compass standard (or optional) for XLT model, their most popular model.

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  04 XLT 4X4 - 2005 Ford Escape
  By denman - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Nice vehicle for the size. Not too big or too small.

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  So far so good - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Daniel Allocca - January 22 - 11:45 pm

  Just bought an 05 Escape with only 12K miles. Got the XLT V6 with leather and am loving it. I considered sportier cars but decided to get 4WD and need the cargo space. Fuel mileage has been about 20mpg. Acceleration with the V6 is great. Plenty of power off of the line, and can even be fun on the highway. I fit in the car very comfortably at 6 foot 250 pounds. Overall great car. Some interior materials feel cheap, especially the door handles. Fit and finish is pretty good. My first American car purchase and am keeping my fingers crossed for long-term quality.