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

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  keeps on ticking... - 2005 Ford Escape
  By rebel16 - July 12 - 4:24 pm

  176,000 miles plus..still a daily commuter, just lost the A/C compressor, that is the only major thing since I bought it in april 2005...other wise has preformed flawlessly

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  I Love my Escapee! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By missg3 - May 27 - 7:49 pm

  Bought this when married to a paraplegic whose wheelchair fit in the back without taking the seats down and my bicycle fits in the back, with seats folded down. I have owned this car for just over nine years. driven in all kinds of weather and road conditions, only with recommended maintenance, tires and one battery. This year the power steering pump was recommended for replacement after 120,000 miles I think thats pretty good.The only thing that has failed is the sunroof motor. It is a fun vehicle to own! Whips in and out of parking spaces, turns easily, but still rugged. Not my first Ford, but definitely my most favorite!

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  First Escape, not the last - 2005 Ford Escape
  By bnosay - April 25 - 3:42 pm

  Ive owned my 05 XLT AWD for 5 years now and only ever had problems with coil packs going bad. I think its a great little SUV that has just enough room for my family plus the dog and any luggage we need. Seats stain somewhat easily but overall quality I give it a 9 out of 10. There are some design flaws like the rear seat headrests that cause terrible blind spots. but other than that, nothing major. Its small enough to whip into parking spaces and maneuver yet big enough that everyone is seated comfortably up front and room in the back. My favorite - gas mileage. no one believes me but I get 23-24 MPG on a regular basis. Roughly 320 Miles to a tank. cant complain 188,000+ strong

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  My first Ford and SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By dee_hayden - March 12 - 7:43 am

  I bought my 2005 Ford Escape XLT 4x4 Sportx in 2013 at Oak Motors. I had a 94 Pontiac Grand Prix prior to that, but had to trade it in due a oil leak. I was going outta state to Wisconsin and needed the extra space. Its been a great vehicle. Ive had it for a year now and all Ive done is changed the oil in it. Its roomy. Drives smooth. Its comfortable. Ive even slept in it on a occasion. It does well on gas too. It has more features than my old car does which I love. Its the first SUV Ive ever had. And its my first Ford. If I were to ever trade it in for something else, Id probably another one.

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  planning a long trip - 2005 Ford Escape
  By leavingjersey - March 22 - 1:53 pm

  Purchased my Escape in 2010 from Ford dealership in Mount Holly,New Jersey the minute I took it home I had problems with the censors. Called Dealership and after much heated discussion they repaired it. Mileage is about 21 mpg. Should have inspected the undercarriage better. Found lots of rust. After living in New Jersey and driving in snow and ice, which we have plenty of, Im planning to drive to San Antonio, Texas. Im a little nervous to attempt the trip. Will update after my arrival in Texas.

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  Gas Tank - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jerod - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I recently switched from a 2003 Explorer to the 05 Escape and although I really loved and miss the Explorer, I think the Escape is great. The only thing that really pisses me off every time is when the gas hose shuts off. I should be able to start the gas and walk away. I live in Wisconsin. Its cold. Come on! Other than that I love it :)

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  9 months in on 2005 V6 2wd - 2005 Ford Escape
  By invictarocks - January 3 - 8:27 pm

  I bought this car after a lot of research on Subaru Forrester, RAV4, Honda CRV and the Escape. I did some test drives, and the Forrester was the fastest and funnest, but a little small, and my buying decision came right after a bad experience with a Subaru dealership. The RAV4 seat was unbearable in the "fold down, kicking back" position, and sitting on the back with the hatch up was designed OUT of the model years I was looking at. I didnt like the way the RAV4 looked driving down the road from behind, as the rear suspension didnt inspire much confidence. I LOVE my Escape, and its styling. The gas mileage was a little disappointing at 20.

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  One Year Later - 2005 Ford Escape
  By AdirondackTrek - December 8 - 1:53 am

  After almost one year of driving this great little SUV Im as happy now as when it was first purchased. More than enough power with the 4 cylinder automatic if you drive sensibly and average gas mileage is around 23 MPG. Highest MPG on a trip was 28.5 which I think is good for an SUV of any size. As far as handling, it is crisp and stable enough that we were able to avoid being hit by someone who wasnt paying attention by doing a rather radical swerve that convinced me some of the stability issues brought up are unfounded. It is a safe, fun vehicle to drive that has caused no problems and was a pleasure to drive on our sometimes unplowed winter roads during the last year. Cargo space galore.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By bjinak - November 11 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Ford Escape, our 2001 Escape was totalled by a drunk driver. The changes, inside and out, for the 2005 Escape are wonderful. A great buy for what you get! Great acceleration, comfortable, We love our Escape.

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  Keeps Working Hard - 2005 Ford Escape
  By WNYFordGuy - October 28 - 3:13 pm

  Bought new Apr 05, this is my wifes daily driver. It has 70k miles, and runs like new again after repairing damage to the front susp (wheel bearings and sway bar links) caused by the harsh upstate WNY roads at 58k. I was disappointed that the Uni joints failed shortly afterwards (61k), along w/ the rear wiper (63k), and ABS sensors and rear shocks (67k) - $$$! But its great in the snow, and gets pretty good gas mileage w/ the 2.3L 4 cyl 5-spd manual. Replaced the orig General tires w/ Goodyear Fortera SilentArmors at 41k, though I probably could have gotten 4k-10k more out of the Generals (which werent anywhere near as bad/noisy as the reviewers claim the Continental Contitracs are)