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 61 through 70 of 391.00

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  2005 Escape - A must have SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Traci Muchowski - December 25 - 1:40 pm

  I have driven Ford cars my entire life. This is my first SUV. I will probably never go back to driving a car. I absolutely love this vehicle. We live in the Cleveland area and have seen hundreds of these vehicles on the road. It appears to be a very popular here. I would recommmend this vehicle in a heartbeat!

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  Little touches make the difference - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Sharon - December 23 - 9:23 pm

  I bought a 2006 Hybrid FWD in November. I have been VERY impressed (as a former Mercedes owner) with the vehicle. Rides great, leather seats are good quality, cruise is very easy to use. The heated mirrors (did not have on the Benz) are a nice touch. The dealer came down only a little on the price ($1.600) but the car is worth it. The mileage is not yet that great - averaged 28 MPG between Santa Barbara and San Francisco, and around 30 around town. But I understand I need to learn to drive differently. At 75 mph, mileage drops considerably to 26-28 mpg. At 65, results are closer to Fords posted 31 mpg. NAV system is a little disappointing, tho GPS positioning is a great touch.

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  Nine months, 10K miles and Im happy - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jim In Tampa - November 12 - 10:16 pm

  Im very happy with my 2005 Escape XLT Sport. Mine was one of the first with just the canopy air bag and now they have the side seat and canopy air bags. Great handling. Quick. A little thirsty. Back seat is very comfortable with the stadium type seating. The seat fabric can be irritating after a few hours of travel. Mine arrived with a non-functioning 6 disk radio. I cant believe that the factory AND dealership didnt notice that before it left the showroom. But it was replaced and no problems since then. I know its been recalled, but I havent received a notice yet from Ford.

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  PERFECT & Lovin the No Boundries Package - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jennifer - November 7 - 10:20 am

  I LOVE my new SUV. I am petite and had trouble finding a vehicle that was comfortable to drive, but the Escape gave me comfort and so much more. Its small enough that I dont feel like Im driving a tank, but still has a roomy interior. I LOVE the exterior and interior of my No Boundries package. Could not be happier!

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  Bills 05 Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Bill Street - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I like my 2005 Escape XLT better then my 2001 Loncoln LS. Both had the Ford V6 engine but the Escape is very Quiet and Solid! The new floor shifter makes the Escape look and feel sporty! The new front bucket seats feel great. My only complant is the Escape needs a larger gas tank,try going to 18 gal up from 16! If you dont drive this car before you buy, you will never see how much FORD has done to get you BACK!

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  GREAT - 2005 Ford Escape
  By NIKI - November 4 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS GREAT IT IS SO SMOOTH ON THE STREET AND ON GRAVEL IT IS NOT AS BUMMPY AS OTHER SUVS.

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  I Love my Escape! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Smurfette - September 27 - 12:22 am

  I absolutely love my Escape! I am really happy that I bought it, especially as a college student traveling back and forth between campus and home. In fact, I was almost able to pack my brothers entire dorm room in my car. The car is very nice looking, it handles well, has plenty of power under the hood, and is easy to control. I would recommend this car to anybody.

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  Ford Escape XLT AWD V6 (No Boundries) - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jennifer Dobey - September 19 - 11:10 pm

  Ive driven several vehicles and the Escape is by far best one yet! The ride is incredibly smooth with little outside noise filtering in. The seats are comfortable with built in lumbar support, but they are narrow in width. Everything else is wonderful! I am extremely satisfied and would recommend anybody to put their money down on this vehicle! Its fun, sporty and handles well in the snow. However, I wish the AWD system could be handled manually instead of it being automatic when the wheels spin at different rates.

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  2005 Ford Escape Limited with 20 - 2005 Ford Escape
  By davidjsmith - September 16 - 10:00 am

  This 2005 Ford Escape Limited is the first SUV Ive Bought. I dont think you could find an SUV that is this quiet. There is no tire or wind noise. Interior is awsome, with premium leather seats, heated of coarse.Lots of pep with the 3.0 V6, and the gauges and controls are very nice.

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  Best Fit - 2005 Ford Escape
  By olcrank - August 31 - 2:57 pm

  This vehicle does all we want it to. Also have a 4WD 2003 Escape w/no problems. These vehicles are the most practicle,easy-to-drive,comfortable on the road. I drove all kinds of SUVs and pickups over a 35 year career as a mine inspector in the central Mts. of PA (the last being a 2001 Escape). 45,000 miles of mud,dust,water and with regular maintenance no problems.Sure,it wouldnt go some of the places a Jeep could( didnt have the ground clearance)but I was impressed enough to replace two personal cars- a Durango and a Cherokee with the Escapes and have never been sorry.