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 81 through 90 of 391.00

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  Great SUV - We love it |8>) - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mr P - March 11 - 10:53 pm

  After doing a lot of research, and test driving, we decided on the Escape. The 2005 improvements sold us, but the dealer bent over backwards to make us a deal. Toyota and Honda dealers were not interested!!! With X-plan and rebates - we shaved $3700 off the sticker and then got top dollar for our trade-in. Chose the sport for looks (wheels- tires-steps), but side air bags were mandatory. Mileage is OK, but until engine is broken in, it will be hard to tell the actual MPG. Right now it is about 17 in town. Highly Recommended.

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  Great little SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By me - February 22 - 11:37 am

  I have owned my Escape AWD for a year and a half now, and I have been impressed with the vehicle. It is fun to drive, and the interior is roomy enough for my family of four. I have a little over 50,000 miles on it, and I havent had to replace or repair anything. It handles great on the icy Idaho roads in the winter, and my wife feels safe driving it. That being said, gas mileage leaves something to be desired. I only average 17mpg with the Escape, while I average 14mpg with my much larger Duramax truck. The fuel tank is also too small.

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  XLT Sport 3.0L AWD - 2005 Ford Escape
  By vbcwizard - January 24 - 10:29 am

  I had my ‘05 Escape Sport since Nov ‘04. It is very similar to the ’07 . I put 26K miles on it so far. Aside from changing the sway bar link kit (which is a wear item) it is a great little SUV. I had several high speed avoidance maneuvers and it performed like a champ! If I am easy on the gas pedal at acceleration from 0mph I do see 17 to 19 mpg city/highway. That is considered very good around where I live because of the high number of cars and stop lights on my local streets. No rattles\noises so far (btw, every car need to have its seals, hinges, and bushings sprayed with silicone at least once a year). No engine\transmission issues so far. Fit and finish is great!

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  Great Vehicle! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By anfmichael82 - December 30 - 9:03 am

  I leased the 05 Ford Escape in April of 04. I absolutely love this truck! I have had no problems with it, and have been very satisfied. This is a very reliable vehicle. The only things that I didnt care for was that it needed better gas mileage, and when on uneven ground the interior started to sound like cheap plastic. Overall I would definitely lease this car again.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By J D - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Read Edmunds.com reviews prior to purchase and previous comments were on target in regard to benefits and limitations. My choice was between the full size Explorer and the Escape. Feel I got a better value (considering my needs and affordability)buying the XLT Excape versus an XLS Explorer. Lots of zip with the V-6, feels sporty and more car-like. Console shifter a plus. Love the cargo space and the fact that the rear seats fold flat. It fits my two needs-- haul a few passengers comfortably or haul some gear efficiently. Looking forward to driving this vehicle on an upcoming road vacation.

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  2005 Escape Review Limited 4WD - 2005 Ford Escape
  By George S. - December 4 - 4:46 am

  I have owned my Escape for 2 1/2 months and put 7,200 miles on the SUV. Went from a 98 Navigator to the Escape - what a difference, the Escape is a blast to drive; the Navigator was a chore to drive. Great power, roomy, seats are comfy and, did I say it was fun to drive? Great brakes - a deer ran in front of me on a snowy road and the brake assist worked great, nice feature.

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  A Good Value - 2005 Ford Escape
  By John Troutman - December 3 - 11:23 am

  The Escape is easy to drive and is "light and easy" on its feet which means it is appropriately responsive to steering and braking. This SUV has plenty of pep and drives as well at 80 mph as it does at 30 mph. It has comfortable seating for four people on a long drive and comfortable seating for five people for short distances. The cargo capacity is not really limited and is sufficient for most needs. An excellent automobile.

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  Very Satisfied - 2005 Ford Escape
  By H. Mayo - December 2 - 7:10 am

  I recently traded in my Jeep Cherokee which I loved but had a lot of maintenance problems with it. I decided on the Ford Escape and it went through its first winter with no problems. I love the cargo space which is more than the Ford Explorer 2004 has in it. Enjoy. Definitely a great buy.

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  Excellent Small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By SoSaysU - November 26 - 6:30 pm

  Looked at all the small SUVs before buying the Escape. Great handling, visibility and power. Test drove both the 4 cyl. and v-6, and wouldnt consider anything but the v-6. Also didnt get sidestep bars as were a hinderance, more than a help, to entry on a test driven vehicle. Just took it on a road trip across the state for hockey tournament. Held all gear and passengers wonderfully and was comfortable on long drive. Averaged 19mpg fuel economy on trip. I have leather seats and moon roof, both of which I love. Im not usually a fan of leather, but they were way more cushy than the cloth seats, and figured they would hold up better, as Im leasing my Escape. Would get again-no regrets

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  Definitely Recommend - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ritchie - November 25 - 3:53 pm

  This is our first SUV and therefore we researched and test drove all competitors. Amongst mid-size, above average SUVs, this is clearly the best. We drove almost 5,000 kms (March Break trip) in the third week of ownership and have nothing but great things to say about the comfort, handling and performance. Very responsive engine performance and steering and rides comfortably on semi-rough roads (dont have any reason to take it off-road). My wife and I are 59" and 57" respectively and there is ample leg, head and shoulder room. Love the moonroof, heated seats, upgraded stereo system. Really like the simple, classy exterior styling unlike some of the competition. Reasonable storage room in rear.