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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  Six Weeks After Purchase... - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Pat "Duffy" Sheeran - June 10 - 1:10 pm

  I purchased the base model with the convenience group that had cruise control. Outside, the Escape looks lively, higher up off the ground than most. Inside seating is a bit jammed--my coat gets caught in the door about half the time. But the leg room is spacious and the interior is comfortable. Sound system (base) is good, better than Ive had in other cars. Acceleration is fair with the 4 cylinder; Ive not had problems getting up to freeway speeds and merging, but this is Ohio, and in the sharp corners of Massachusetts it could be a problem. Gas mileage is fair, about 20 mpg city, 24 Hwy. Gas gauge doesnt work properly, but thats the only flaw I found. Very good car for the price.

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  not worth the money - 2005 Ford Escape
  By dean hinderliter - May 24 - 12:30 am

  Absolutely horrible gas mileage. 16.7 mpg best ever; this was interstate driving. Same trip with my Chevrolet V-8 engine we get over 18. Also Escape has a lot of road noise; its much more pleasant to drive my pickup. No follow up on delivery problems, was delivered with no manuals - this was corrected - no cargo cover in rear - was supposed to get us one in May. We have checked back and still have no cargo cover. I am not happy with the vehicle and would trade it now if I could and it would not be a FORD ESCAPE. To use a strong word I hate the fuel economy of this vehicle and do not drive it any more then I have to because of fuel mileage and the road noise.

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  747 Review - 2005 Ford Escape
  By k. brown - April 20 - 11:46 am

  I was looking for a new SUV that would give better gas mileage and performance than my Jeep Cherokee. I found it in my new Limited Escape. The 6 is really snappy and I get 20+ miles in combo driving. For a less expensive SUV I got a great deal and am very satisfied.

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  2005 Escape XLT Sport - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Holly - October 31 - 12:56 pm

  Poor gas mileage, about 250 miles per tank. Tank is only 16.5 gallons. That is the only complaint I have.

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  The Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By THOMAS M. KING - October 22 - 1:40 pm

  This is my second Escape. I owned a 2001 model and put a bunch of miles on it in a year. Traded for a Mercury Sable, and then traded it for a 2005 Limited Escape. Love the vehicle and recently drove a Jeep Liberty my wife had rented for her job. The Escape in my opinion is the better vehicle. Better ride and comfort.

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  Good entry into the SUV Market - 2005 Ford Escape
  By INTERAVE - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I leased my 2005 Escape Limited due to the fact that the suv has so many good write ups and reviews. I love the way Ford is marketing the Escape on the Radio and Television commercials. Those commercials are almost as if you are buying a Mercedes or BMW. The Truck drives very carlike and I recommend getting the Limited edition because of all the immenites that come along with it. The engine is a bit noisy and the fuel economy could be better but all in all this is a very fine SUV for the money. Dont waste your money on any other Compact SUV. Ford Escape is the way to go in this catergory.

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  True Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By CT Cobb - September 5 - 1:40 pm

  We love our little Escape. Its initial eye appeal was excellent and what sold us. The V6 performs well except for jumping in and out of overdrive under load. The interior is very roomy but the interior design is bland with lots of plastic. The dashboard instrument pod well illuminated. It handles just like a car; a feature we really appreciate. Although car-like it is rugged and handles off-main-road side trips with ease. We have experienced minor inconveniences. Replaced rear window windshield wiper assembly. Replaced sticking accelerator assembly. Tie rod squeaks. Needs replacing. Seats are a bit stiff on long trips. Added seat padding. Overall, excellent vehicle for our use.

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  A Grumpy Owners Bad Dealer Experience - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Grumpy Escape Owner - August 16 - 8:16 pm

  Transmission failed 170 miles. Ford was attentive to repair. Dealers service was terrible in that the dealer took too long to repair and did not appear to know what to do. Dealer said vehicle would be ready at the end of the day and then calls three hours later to say engine removed and and vehicle would be ready sometime the following week. Extremely poor service from dealer and Ford needs to supervise repairs to assist the customer. Dealer refused to furnish repair manual information and allow third party inspection of transmission. Car returned with bracket hanging after 19 days. Ford needs to tell prospective purchasers that vehicle may have a long break in period of about 5,000 miles.

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  going back for a second time - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Lori Keith - August 7 - 4:53 pm

  This is our second Ford Escape. First one was great with few minor problems. Not completely confident in this new 2005 intelligent 4WD system until used in a Vermont winter.

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  Ford Escape . . . . A-OK - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Buford - July 24 - 8:16 pm

  sports model looks good, accelerates surprisingly well, rides and handles nicely. The interior appointments are adequate, and the sound system is acceptable. Head room is excellent and it is quieter than I expected.