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 21 through 30 of 391.00

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  LOVE THIS CAR - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Simone - July 3 - 1:06 am

  Have had Escape 05 Limited for 3 days; test drove about 9 months ago and last week when a tree finished off my 97 RAV4 I knew it was time. This car is fabulous. The leather seats are worth every penny (you will be sorry if you settle for cloth). It drives effortlessly, comfortably with little road noise, good stereo, beautiful interior. I have read all reviews on Edmunds for Tribute, CR-V, RAV4 and more people than any other car agree about the Escape - it is FUN! See CR-V complaints about noise, few standard options, RAV4 about comfort and power, and Tribute for just plain boring exterior. Mariner is supposed to be equal car but not many people are buying it or have rated it.

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  Escape is tops. - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Don Ogle - May 22 - 7:03 pm

  The 2004 Escape has plenty of power, plenty of room and good gas mileage. I have had, knock on wood, absolutely no problems with the SUV.

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  Outstanding small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Brian - May 20 - 3:53 pm

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle with the safety canopy and our first child on the way. This car feels solid and is a blast to drive. The 3.0 liter engine is outstanding for car of this size and weight and the transmission, although a 4 speed has been smooth and feels well matched.

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  Mile high ride - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ray Salinas - April 30 - 4:27 pm

  The Escape is easy to drive and the AUTO AWD with bigger tires handles well in snow and off-road driving in the Colorado mountains. Very responsive steering and braking - I avoided an accident when another car blindly merged into my lane and I had to react quickly by braking and steering away from the other driver to avoid a collision. Escape is very responsive. Large cargo space for our two dogs but would prefer a rear power window. Small SUV with roomy interior and powerful V6.

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  Moving on up - 2005 Ford Escape
  By orapol - March 27 - 12:16 pm

  This little beauty is fun to drive. We find ourselves looking for more places to go just for the ride. It holds a ton of cargo, but even sitting in the very back is surprisingly comfortable, making seating six a breeze. It handles very well in the snow as well as on dry pavement, even with only front-wheel drive. The optional six disc stereo system is awesome! It has seven speakers cleverly tucked in all corners of the vehicle. The sound is magnificent. The Escape has become the new official Saturday night out car for our 86 year old parents. They have no problem getting in and out of the Escape. The running boards add to accessibility and great looks.

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  I love it - 2005 Ford Escape
  By MeganNY - March 13 - 1:36 am

  I love my 2005 Ford Escape. I did a lot of reserch on compact SUVs and the Escape gives me the most bang for my buck. Its easy to drive, responsive and small enough to park anywhere (even in NYC)!

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  Great SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By escape guy - March 8 - 2:12 pm

  We have really enjoyed our escape the last month. We got a great deal and for the money we couldnt have asked for a more useful SUV. Its great for us because where we live there isnt much room to park. We enjoy camping and the wilderness so the 4x4 will work out great for that.

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  2005 Ford Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Dawn Burrell - February 22 - 4:56 pm

  The Escape Hybrid is excellent on gas, fun to drive, and awesome in snowy weather. Overall, I like the cars performance, and was surprised when I floored it how fast it accelerated. I bought the car and will have it for the next 5 years and will definitely buy the 2010 model.

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  Mikes Review - 2005 Ford Escape
  By MJS585 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised by the new 2005 Escape...it has good pickup and a newly revised, high quality interior. I would definitely recommend it to those in the market for a compact SUV.

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  Very Nice - 2005 Ford Escape
  By almarin - February 22 - 10:00 am

  It is a very nice looking vehicle and drives very comfortable. The interior is comfortable and is user friendly. I also like the intelligent 4WD system.