Skip to main content

Used 2005 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
409 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
3.5 out of 5 stars

Initial Impressions

Bulwark102, 02/19/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just purchased a fully loaded 2005 Escape Limited 4x4. The early 2005 was purchased $350 over invoice. My first impression is this is a solid and good looking vehicle. The engine is powerful and responsiveness is acceptable, but I found other vehicles I test drove (such as the Honda CR-V) were a bit more agile. The engine is loud at higher RPMs and the automatic transmission feels sluggish as it searches and engages the next gear. I feel very comfortable with the interior styling, indicators and controls. I will follow-up after my first 10K miles.

Report Abuse

4 out of 5 stars

Hbrid Review

anthony santoro, 03/27/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall good buy. 4 cylinder hybrid is very sluggish on start ups. Other than that, so far, no problems.

Report Abuse
2005 Ford Escape for sale near you
Showing 3 of 8 listings
See all 8 listings

4.88 out of 5 stars

Michigan based company finally makes one

Su, 03/26/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the car back in October '04. While I personally think it should be getting at least 30 MPG, the 26 and above that I am getting with it is acceptable. It does take time to learn to drive to get the better millage, so I'm giving myself time. The handling and quietness of the ride is terrific. The car always has the power available when or if I need it.

Report Abuse

4 out of 5 stars

Not too bad, not the best....

DMedic911, 02/27/2006
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have owned my Escape LTD for almost two years now and have not had any problems with it. Very comfortable and nice to drive. Not disappointed in my purchase, but would not purchase another one and ready for a change 2 years later. Biggest complaint is gas mileage at an average of 11-12 mpg in the city. I think a full sized truck with a large V8, pulling a motorhome could do better. Resale value not held over two years with only 11k miles.

Report Abuse

2.75 out of 5 stars

Ford Escape - Skip this one

gomar, 02/20/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Our Ford Escape is the least reliable new car we've ever owned (we've bought plenty new). It has been back at the dealer at least once a month on average since we bought it. It is been repaired more often than my old Subaru. Not all of it is Ford's fault - it started with the Firestone tire fiasco. There have been no life threatening failures, but the car has continuous problems.

Report Abuse
4.13 out of 5 stars

Not Bad

Sal, 03/26/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just got my Escape a couple weeks ago. I noticed it was a louder ride then expected. Engine noise is a bit much but turning up the radio does help, lol. The ride is a bit stiff but it does say truck on the sticker. Getting the jack out does take some effort but I will say it has a better lug wrench then my old van. Pick up is a bit slugish but ok. It's a week old and I am not going to really romp on it yet. My biggest "not worth it" is that the factory step bars are to close to the body. They work well if putting stuff on the roof but not for a step in to it. Over all I am happy with it but time will tell.

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

Super SAFE in Snow!

jenny, 03/12/2006
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had my Escape AWD for just over a year and have almost 50k miles on it. I love it. It might not be fancy, but it is safe and reliable in just about any situation I come across, from curb jumping in the city to icy rural highways. It has never slipped on me in the snow--I laugh when I see jJeeps sliding off the side of the road and I am still chugging along! Plenty of power to pass going up steep mountains.

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Great SUV for the money

ddelpo, 02/24/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This SUV is ideal for handleing and function. I am getting older and find this a great vehicle to get around in. This is my 6th Ford Vehicle, just love them. Ford Stands by their products.

Report Abuse
3.5 out of 5 stars

Should have waited for the Hybrid

Jeanette, 03/29/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the '05 XLS mainly because I'm a tall woman with back problems (thanks to Army). I wanted something that wouldn't eat that much gas and safer than my '97 Saturn was for my children. I love driving it, I can jump curves and I'm able to drive it almost like a Humvee. I should have shelled out the extra money though for a V6, so that I wouldn't have to floor it when I'm passing someone. Overall I like but I should have waited until the Hybrid came out so that I could save more money on gas.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Love my Escape

Guru21, 03/30/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I had a 2003 F150 and was afraid I wouldn't like getting something a bit smaller, but I love the Escape. My wife and I just got married and wanted something to help build our family in. It's perfect. Plenty of room and plenty of potential for cargo space. Handles great and drives like a dream. We couldn't be happier.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
10