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 71 through 80 of 391.00

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  Awesome - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mauijewels - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I really love my new ford escape. I tested the jeep liberty, and the Xtera,the escape definately drives alot better. smooth ride. The All wheel drive (4 x 4) works really good too. It is a very comfortable car. We have a new baby, and I feel very safe in this vehicle. I would have really liked to wait for the hybrid, but I needed a new car for the summer.

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  Ride to Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By winnie - July 3 - 2:05 pm

  An excellent vehicle in all respects. The only complaint is the tires. Highway noise is bothersome at any speed. After two long trips we changed to Michelin and solved the noise problem.

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  Mixed bag - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Missouri owner - July 2 - 12:56 am

  Very comfortable with a smooth as silk ride. Mileage is decent. Room for 4 with comfort. Very sharp eye appeal. Its my second Escape and the resale is very good. Very good acceleration. Oh yeah, there is one big problem. This vehicle squeaks and rattles like it is about to fall apart. Dont seem to be able to get it fixed.

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  Ford Tough - 2005 Ford Escape
  By whowe417 - June 22 - 12:03 am

  Love the V6-pep, get-up-and-go of my new SUV Escape, very reliable, stops on a dime, makes me feel safe out on the road, handles like a dream, nice headroom for taller people which is quite nice, roomy interior, very nice exterior in body style, I like the Ford warranty on the Powertrain, love the safety features as well, very happy with my new Escape SUV...thanks FORD!!!

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  What a great Escape! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By TXRangers - June 20 - 1:36 pm

  We were looking at moving from our Windstar to a small SUV when we discovered the Escape. We were hesitant about giving up some space, yet we have been very happy with the Escape. The V6 is quick and powerful and the ride is car! This is the most FUN vehicle we have ever had! The only negative we have is that we wish there were a little more padding in the door armrest. Other than that we really love this SUV! This is a little bottle rocket!!!!

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  U.S. Power - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Rob K. - June 18 - 1:13 pm

  Ive had my 05 XLT AWD V6 Escape for almost a year now, and I love it. It has excellent pickup, and I have driven the CR-V,Santa Fe, and the RAV4, and despite what some publications say, it is every bit as quiet as the others. As for performance and road feel, it simply blows the others off the road. The CR-V and the Santa Fe had sloppy handling, and the RAV4 was a little slow. As for interior quality, the CR-V and Santa Fe were way below. The Escape is a perfect combination of power, quality and practicality. The rest of the world just follows the leader!

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  Ford Escape is the best S.U.V. - 2005 Ford Escape
  By bosgeo - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  2005 XLT FWD V6 - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mec1974 - May 15 - 12:32 pm

  I first saw the Escape in 2000 when they first came out and was amazed with how peppy they are. Bought a used 05 with 18K miles. The dealer had several Limited editions on the lot with better options but I opted for one with the No Boundaries package with cloth. I like the more aggressive look of the roof rack and the black fender flares. It does drive somewhat like a truck, but I like that. You sit a little higher in traffic, which I like, and makes me feel safer. I did not want the AWD because my wife had an AWD SUV and the gas mileage was horrible. Plus, here in Texas 4x4 and AWD really are not necessary.

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  AWD Hybrid Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By NYdriver - April 25 - 10:33 am

  We now have close to 2000 miles and the gas mileage is 31.5 mpg. We like the SUV a lot. There is no other 4WD SUV that comes close to the gas mileage and living in the north east where the winters are brutal, 4WD is very important.

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  Let the fun times roll! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jdsh2 - April 19 - 5:50 pm

  I love my Escape. I have a black XLT Sport package. It has great pickup, its roomy, and its sporty and stylish. I agonized over buying this vehicle and I am so incredibly happy I did. I looked at the Mazda Tribute and even though they are made on similar lines, the Escape is peppier, has better dash setup, etc. I could go on and on. I have 5 friends that have them and they all love them too! That speaks volumes to me.