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 1 through 10 of 391.00

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  Rusty SUV, But Good - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jfohl - October 4 - 11:49 pm

  I bought this SUV last winter with 100k miles on it. Took it to my mechanic to get all the filters, fluids changed, who found rust holes in rear passenger inner wheelwell that compromised the strut and safety of vehicle. Fixed that, and took all the plastic cladding off exposing more rust than Ive ever seen. Driven 20k miles and no real mechanical problems except the exhaust needs replaced. Very simple interior compared to new vehicles. AWD system is excellent. I get 20mpg. 3.0 engine may have been powerful 10 years ago, but its relatively slow compared to todays SUV standards. These are great deals if you are looking for an AWD vehicle.

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  Rust Issues - 2005 Ford Escape
  By alexm80 - August 24 - 8:24 am

  We bought a 2005 Ford Escape off of craigslist knowing full well that it came with rust issues. At the time we bought it, the rust looked to be only cosmetic. But about after about 10 months, the rear right wheel well began to rust through and then rust away. Some of inner portion of the wheel well was gone and you could see the material used to line the inside of the vehicle. As a result, the rear right shock was barely hanging on and every time you hit a bump just right, there was a very loud popping sound coming from the area. Quotes to fix it were between $700 and $1600.

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  Too many things gone wrong - 2005 Ford Escape
  By johnny_canuck - July 24 - 5:02 pm

  Bought in August 2012 with roughly 70k miles, heres what has gone wrong: - one tie rod, other is now in need of replacing - hole in exhaust - fuel pump - spark plugs - front brakes now need replace - transmission is clunking In not even two years, ugh. It cannot handle the 3,500 lbs it says it can, bad mileage, just awful.

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  keeps on ticking... - 2005 Ford Escape
  By rebel16 - July 12 - 4:24 pm

  176,000 miles plus..still a daily commuter, just lost the A/C compressor, that is the only major thing since I bought it in april 2005...other wise has preformed flawlessly

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  I Love my Escapee! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By missg3 - May 27 - 7:49 pm

  Bought this when married to a paraplegic whose wheelchair fit in the back without taking the seats down and my bicycle fits in the back, with seats folded down. I have owned this car for just over nine years. driven in all kinds of weather and road conditions, only with recommended maintenance, tires and one battery. This year the power steering pump was recommended for replacement after 120,000 miles I think thats pretty good.The only thing that has failed is the sunroof motor. It is a fun vehicle to own! Whips in and out of parking spaces, turns easily, but still rugged. Not my first Ford, but definitely my most favorite!

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  First Escape, not the last - 2005 Ford Escape
  By bnosay - April 25 - 3:42 pm

  Ive owned my 05 XLT AWD for 5 years now and only ever had problems with coil packs going bad. I think its a great little SUV that has just enough room for my family plus the dog and any luggage we need. Seats stain somewhat easily but overall quality I give it a 9 out of 10. There are some design flaws like the rear seat headrests that cause terrible blind spots. but other than that, nothing major. Its small enough to whip into parking spaces and maneuver yet big enough that everyone is seated comfortably up front and room in the back. My favorite - gas mileage. no one believes me but I get 23-24 MPG on a regular basis. Roughly 320 Miles to a tank. cant complain 188,000+ strong

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  My first Ford and SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By dee_hayden - March 12 - 7:43 am

  I bought my 2005 Ford Escape XLT 4x4 Sportx in 2013 at Oak Motors. I had a 94 Pontiac Grand Prix prior to that, but had to trade it in due a oil leak. I was going outta state to Wisconsin and needed the extra space. Its been a great vehicle. Ive had it for a year now and all Ive done is changed the oil in it. Its roomy. Drives smooth. Its comfortable. Ive even slept in it on a occasion. It does well on gas too. It has more features than my old car does which I love. Its the first SUV Ive ever had. And its my first Ford. If I were to ever trade it in for something else, Id probably another one.

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  Its not worth it. Run away. - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ih8ford2 - July 8 - 9:17 am

  Worst purchase I have ever made in my life. Have had nothing but MAJOR problems with this car. its always one thing after another. I have owned this car for less than 5 years. After my spark plugs and coils went then it was the transmission. After that it was the catalytic converter, and after that the ABS. The final straw came last night when I was driving home from work and the alternator had apparently gone out. now Im driving 70 on the highway when all power goes out, my power steering seized up and I have to fight for my life to get this junk of crap off the road without killing anyone. Never buying a ford again. Complete and total POS.

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  first time hybrid not so well - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mrblue3 - May 23 - 8:42 pm

  bought the car only six months ago and its running in to problems. the first couple months it ran awesome what i expected, good mpg for a suv with awd. now the cooling system for the HV battery is falling apart piece by piece, that seems to be just one of fords flaw with the beginning years of the escape hybrid. first it was the cooling fans the whole kit actually, parts plus labor about 700 at dealer. now the blend door actuator is not opening to allow air in to cool the battery. from what i was told by another diagnostic the ac is not working proplery, had that diagnosed and the rear ac line going to the battery is punctered. cant wait to trade it in for a fusion hybrid

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  New to me - 2005 Ford Escape
  By tulareave - April 24 - 7:45 pm

  Just purchased a 2005 Ford Escape XLT, and so far it has been great! I have had to have a few things replaced but thats to be expected at 85000 plus miles. The negative is the road noise! Wholy cow, I am looking for tires to help lessen it. I wish it had a few more bells and whistles but for me right now it seems to be working out just fine. I have for the most part only purchased fords Im hoping this one does not disappoint. Hoping to get the 2013 eventually. I