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Used 2005 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
409 reviews

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Pros
Cons
3 out of 5 stars

I must have bought a lemon

Mark, 12/07/2016
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my 2005 Escape XLT 3 years ago and it has cost me more money in repairs than any vehicle I have ever owned. Since I have owned it I have had to replace the alternator, (the car just died while I was at a stop light), tie rods, ball joints, brakes (normal wear though), and the latest is my back end went totally out. This means I have had to replace the rear axle, differential, and trailer bushings (whatever those are). All to the tune of $2,300.00 which brings my total repairs total to about $6,000.00 not including oil changes. I really like to vehicle but I have to get rid of it.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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3.63 out of 5 stars

Good portability

mike, 03/21/2008
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought the Escape in 06 to replace my 04 full size Sierra. Hoping to save on gas. Well I do a little bit but not as much as they claimed I would. Being a carpenter I needed something I can pack full of tools. I can do that pretty easliy with the Escape. I love how I can basically eliminate the rear seats altogther to create that flat bed back there. I don't like the cheap plastic bumper that dosn't hold up well to cold weather or minor bumps. At 63,000 miles its is now making a "drive line whine" is what the dealers say it is and it's nothing to worry about. So that's kinda annoying. The gas tank is very annoying as well as I find myself having to hold the pump the entire time.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Car is a gas hog!

Fran, 08/13/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I'd hoped to come close to the sticker advertised MPG rating but so far, can't come close. I am not a hot rodder, but a 76 year old female who drives to drive the posted speed limit, city or highway and don't dig out at stop signs. The last fill up I got 17.95--not anywhere near the 33 or 29 MPG as advertised. I wished I had kept my 2000 Sable, as I got 24 MPG with that and did not have to sit in a furnace at a stop light unless I turn on the Max Air which turn on the engine. I have conferred with the dealer two times, the last time they said I should try PREMIUM GASOLINE!!! I bought this vehicle for economy not to break my budget. Is anyone else out there getting this bad gasoline mileage?

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5 out of 5 stars

Best Fit

olcrank, 08/31/2007
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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 SUV's and pickups over a 35 year career as a mine inspector in the central Mt's. of PA (the last being a 2001 Escape). 45,000 miles of mud,dust,water and with regular maintenance no problems.Sure,it wouldn't go some of the places a Jeep could( didn't 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.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Escape

Mary Jo, 07/23/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT Sport Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fun car to drive. Very comfortable. Just the right size for me.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

'05 Escape A+

Morano, 06/23/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT Sport AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Outstanding inside and out. I've been looking at the Escape for over 2 yrs. When Ford released the XLT Sport AWD package it was my time. It was worth the wait! Also if you plan to purchase spend the extra money on the Mach Stereo and the moonroof. It makes your driving experience TOP NOTCH. All around great SUV. You can carry 5 passengers, your kayak, bike, and carry material for weekend projects. All around great SUV.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Vehicle

Brian Yee, 05/28/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my Escape last December and it hasn't let me down yet. It's quick and comfortable like a car, like a quick car, and it still rides right over the bumps like an SUV. I can fit a lot in the rear area, including a few surf boards or my dogs crates. All of the seats in the back fold down and they are all comfortable. The front seat is fully adjustable and it feels really nicely put together, like a really stiff nice ride. The 6 CD changer is nice, but the speakers could be a little better. There are enough room for cups and CDs or whatever else. It looks great and it feels wonderful to drive, I really recommend going and driving an Escape for yourself.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

The Best Small SUV

Rich, 01/29/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have been a die hard Japanese buyer since 1979. When the American car makers, especially Ford, design an SUV that not only looks as nice as the Japanese models, but also performs as well and has the fit and finish to match, you owe it to reward them for their effort and purchase this only Hybrid SUV at the moment.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Likable SUV

Good SUV, 09/20/2007
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've never really been a Ford advocate, but I think they got it right with this vehicle. This thing does great loaded for 4 full size adults in the Rocky Mtns. As a matter of fact, it runs better in the mountains than my Mitsu Galant GTZ sports sedan. The vehicle clearance and stock tires are great for offroad. I've had this vehicle offroad several times with no issues, and the AWD works great in the deep mud and rocky trails. The Mach Stereo is surprisingly good. Overall, I would recommend this car to a friend or family member.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Affordable performance and room

John Engelmann, 02/17/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Perfect size for single person or couple with two or less children. A lot of space for the price. Handles well and has sufficient power for the smooth shifting 5 speed manual transmission under the power of the 4 cyl engine. The 4 cyl engine in that vast engine compartment puts everything in easy accessible reach. All controls are straight-forward and well-located. Great fuel economy for a vehicle of that size. This car was enough to get me to reconsider my 14 years straight of VW purchases.

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