2005 Ford Escape Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Still one of our favorites in the category, the 2005 Ford Escape is a very capable small SUV thanks to its powerful V6 and hybrid electric engines, spacious cabin and carlike handling.

Pros

Powerful V6, quick and efficient hybrid model, large cargo capacity, comfortable interior, carlike handling, optional side curtain airbags.

Cons

Four-cylinder models feel unrefined at high rpm, so-so interior materials quality.

What's New for 2005

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.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Keeps Working Hard

Written by: WNYFordGuy on 10/28/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	10

Vehicle

2005 Ford Escape XLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought new Apr 05, this is my wife's daily driver. It has 70k miles, and runs like new again after repairing damage to the front susp (wheel bearings and sway bar links) caused by the harsh upstate WNY roads at 58k. I was disappointed that the Uni joints failed shortly afterwards (61k), along w/ the rear wiper (63k), and ABS sensors and rear shocks (67k) - $$$! But it's great in the snow, and gets pretty good gas mileage w/ the 2.3L 4 cyl 5-spd manual. Replaced the orig General tires w/ Goodyear Fortera SilentArmors at 41k, though I probably could have gotten 4k-10k more out of the Generals (which weren't anywhere near as bad/noisy as the reviewers claim the Continental Contitracs are)

Favorite Features

5-spd manual tranny, exterior styling & color (vivid blue), smooth ride for a small SUV, roomy interior for 4, v. good gas mileage (avg 22 MPG highway+city).

Suggested Improvements

Replace the low-budget cloth material for the seats on the XLS that get stained by everything - the selling dealer admitted the fabric was a problem on the XLS! Could use a more powerful 4-banger - I wish you could buy a new Escape AWD w/a 5-spd. I don't care much for the fnt/rear wiper controls.

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A Welcome Escape

Written by: Rod Minnesota on 10/15/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	9

2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

As of October 2009, my wife has 153,000 miles on her 2005 Escape. She loves the vehicle and I appreciate its relatively low cost of ownership. Only repair that we have had has been two door latches replaced - not sure why they are plastic.

AWD Ride height Performance Good gas mileage for AWD 22-26 mpg Ease of owner oil changes (Mobil One)

Better door latches Revland Alignment in Wanamingo, MN told us about alignment issues, so when we purchased new set of tires, we had them install and align. The Escape is quieter and handles better then new. Ford dealer's prior alignments had not resolved issues.

Crappy Sun Visor

Written by: Wojo on 08/26/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	5	Exterior Design:	8

2005 Ford Escape XLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)

Although almost everything on my Escape Hybrid is great I have had problems with the sun visors since I bought it. On the driver's side, where I need it the most, it has come loose and had to be replaced about once every two years! As it is no longer under warranty it is about $100 to do this, which is in itself outrageous. Although I like the vehicle, if Ford can not fix this I will be looking into a different vehicle. I refuse to pay this for a problem that has been identified by many and not fixed.

Pretty good gas mileage for an SUV.

Recall and install better quality sun visors.

A worthwhile purchase

Written by: PhilFromDetroit on 07/28/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

We have had this SUV for two years, buying at the 24,000 mile mark and now at 42,000 miles. We have not had any unexpected problems except one: the rear tailgate started to rust. The dealer fixed that. Replaced front discs at 40K and the Conti's at 40K. Otherwise no problems to report. It's surefooted in MI winters. On extended Highway driving it got almost 24 MPG, but in extended stop and go it's getting about 16 MPG.

The leather seats were comfortable enough for me to spend 18 hours in them for a single day, 800 mile driving marathon.

Better gas mileage. Better rustproofing on the rear tailgate.

Big Problems

Written by: george-e on 07/20/2009


Performance:	4	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	1
Comfort:	4	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	3	Exterior Design:	9

2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)

Great little car. Aside from the transmission going out at 50k! Had a nice Mit. Galant with over 100k still ran great, but I just thought I should get something newer.

auto 4x4. Front bucket seats. Six cd changer.

See Toyota, and Nissan.

2005 Ford Escape Consumer Ratings & Reviews