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 11 through 20 of 391.00

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  A Welcome Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Rod Minnesota - October 15 - 7:43 pm

  As of October 2009, my wife has 153,000 miles on her 2005 Escape. She loves the vehicle and I appreciate its relatively low cost of ownership. Only repair that we have had has been two door latches replaced - not sure why they are plastic.

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  #1 SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Red Escape - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This has been the all around best car. I do not have to worry about going out of town and having any problems with it, or waking up and it not starting. I know that this will be like every other Ford that my family has owned, a 200,000 mile+ car.

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  Young and Fun - 2005 Ford Escape
  By cutelilreiner - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I like it, I came from driving a 04 4dr turbo diesel dualy to this and it is soooo much fun. Its little and easy to get around in but I dont feel like Im gonna get completely squashed by other vehicles. It was great for gettin around a college town where drivers are crazy.

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  Best of those tested - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Edward R. Johnson - September 18 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is everything its advertized. It handles like a car, has visibality of a pickup, and the exceleration of a sportscar. The ride is excellent, and its FUN to drive. The headlight system exceeds anything I ever owned, visability at night is excellent. The only drawback is, as mentioned in other reviews, the small gas tank and limited range. So, I have to refill the tank more often -- no big deal.

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  LOVE MY TRUCK - 2005 Ford Escape
  By will1 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2005 Ford ESCAPE. I purchased the full package including the Guidepoint system and could not be happpier.

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  review of 2005 Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Susan Sturdevant - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Intended to trade 2003 F150 4wd for 2004 model of same. Did not care for the cumbersome large car feel of newly designed truck. Test drove the Escape and found it far more comfortable and easier to handle. Having driven a truck for the last fifteen years (I raise horses and cattle), but also having other trucks to do the "work" I opted for the SUV. I have not regreted it in the least, and would not hesitate to do it again.

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  She was right - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Larry - August 3 - 4:00 pm

  I originally was looking for a new F-150 to replace my 2001. When stepped on the lot we saw the Escapes and stopped to look. My wife said I should look into one to save on gas. She felt we only needed one big truck, that being our 03 Expedition. Even though I wanted a new F-150 I researched the Escape and the numbers looked good. I am a big guy (61" 270lbs) and I fit, not only in the front seats but in the back. This is my new commuter vehicle, I put almost 100k on my 01 F-150 in less than 4 years back and forth to work. I got great handling, Im comfortable, get better gas mileage and I park it in a lot places I couldnt with my truck.

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  Escape Well Developed for the Long Run - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Richard - August 2 - 6:43 pm

  I drive long distances in my business and appreciate the comfort and utility of the Escape. I also drive in very hot climates of the Southwest and the air conditioner is outstanding. Picking up speed with the air conditioner on at speed is extremely satisfactory. I would recommend the vehicle to anyone; new buyers, young buyers, buyers that want to be able to carry the golf clubs everywhere as I do, or senior citizens.

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  A worthwhile purchase - 2005 Ford Escape
  By PhilFromDetroit - July 28 - 9:05 pm

  We have had this SUV for two years, buying at the 24,000 mile mark and now at 42,000 miles. We have not had any unexpected problems except one: the rear tailgate started to rust. The dealer fixed that. Replaced front discs at 40K and the Contis at 40K. Otherwise no problems to report. Its surefooted in MI winters. On extended Highway driving it got almost 24 MPG, but in extended stop and go its getting about 16 MPG.

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  Ford Hybrid, Go Green! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By David Yates - July 18 - 3:46 am

  With gas prices continually going up, it was time to re-think fuel economy. Although I would probably never have considered the Ford Escape (I was looking at minivans) the thought of a Hybrid SUV caught my attention. The Escape has a pleasing body line and the interior is adequate for a family of 5. While I may not be the tree hugging type, it is nice to drive past the local gas stations without turning in. If you are looking for quiet, this is the car for you. No engine noise, no road noise and handling which is very responsive.