Used 2005 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews
Used Escape for sale
4...
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.
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.
Love my Escape!
Michael, 04/07/2006
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my 05 Escape. It looks a lot better than the previous years. It has an excellent ride (no bounce like other Fords usually have) and great pickup! I love the room inside. I think it could have better gas mileage. I get average 19 mpg (I drive about half city and highway). I would really recommend this car. 30,000 miles, and not a problem so far (knock on wood).
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.
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.
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.
My Escape is Awesome
vietnam71, 03/07/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive, comfortable for my 6'2" frame. Very little engine or road noise. The V6 has the power you need to get up and go when needed. I test drove the CRV and Liberty and they don't hold a candle to the Escape.
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.
Had an Infiniti QX4 before
pierceevan, 03/14/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The fit and finish of the interior of the 2005 Escape Limited impressed me the most. The automatic transmission shifter has been moved from the steering column to the center floor console which I prefer. The leather interior is rich looking. The MPG ratings improved this year and performance is excellent.
Overallest Small SUV
kenstar23, 03/17/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I test drove a number of small SUV's in this class, and recently drove a Jeep Liberty for a week on a vacation. The Ford is more refined than the Jeep and makes better use of interior space. The Jeeps engine was slightly underpowered as is the Escape's...a bit more HP would help both. I was disappointed with the Jeep's mileage, only a bit more than 20 MPG. These were the two highest on my list for consideration. I chose the Escape. I've owned two Ford trucks previously and have had no reliability issues, actually no problems whatsoever.
Justin's No Boundaries Package
No Boundaries, 03/30/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I personally am a very outdoors type guy. I like biking, kayaking, camping, hiking, climbing; you name it I've done it. I purchased the No Boundaries Package for my Escape. I was debating between this and the Xterra. With everything that my wife and I do, and everything we bring with us, the Escape was a better choice. Not only that but it was more reasonably priced. We've found that it has ample room for both her and I, and my newborn son. We've been able to carry almost everything we take with us camping on the exterior rack. Including our bikes, and kayaks. We had a real rough night a while ago, and we folded the seats down and slept in the back of the Escape. It was comfortable.
FUN FUN FUN
Rod Barajas, 03/30/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my new 2005 Ford Escape...The front is cool looking and the interior is so fresh with the new floor shifter...I could not resist...I in the past thought the Escape was ugly...But for did a good job in redesigning this vehicle...I love the smart 4x4...It was a very good car to buy!
Ford Escape
Mac110m, 07/04/2006
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Drives very nice .Good on long trips. Smart 4 wheel drive system works really good. Just love the whole SUV!
2005 FORD ESCAPE
kd890, 04/02/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like everything on my new escape, the thing i most Like is the interior design, easy to drive and so soft.
Great Redesign
JohnnieG, 04/14/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT Sport AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This Escape handles great and is fun to drive. On the open road it handles better than some of the larger SUV's. The 4 wheel disc brakes makes stopping very easy. The sound system sounds very rich, very little road/engine noise. I was looking into the new 2005 Equinox but this SUV has much more to offer.
You need an Escape too!
Iona Escape, 03/30/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Escape. It handles well, seats are very comfortable on long rides, and short ones too! It handles very well in the snow and I didn't even purchase the 4-wheel drive feature. The 6-CD feature is very convenient for listening to audiobooks -you don't have to switch after every CD is done. Put the first 6 in and enjoy the story. The hatchback is very easy to use - lightweight, easy to close. The back seat could use some extra leg room, but is a comfortable ride otherwise. The fog lights are awesome, my old vehicle had fog lights - you couldn't see a difference - these are very bright. Other than the expensive fill-up these days, I'm very pleased I chose my Escape.
Escape
rickc, 04/14/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The escape is the first AWD vehicle that I've owned even with living in the snowbelt. Iam thoroughly pleased with it. It was the most responsive of the small SUVs I drove. It also felt to be the most roomy and I'm 6ft2 and 225lbs. I don't feel cramped at all.
2005 Limited
les10, 04/16/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After my wife looked at the Toyota and Honda, she couldn't believe that a US car was designed so much better. She was looking at the RAV4 but found the backseat and cargo horrible. Likes the Escape's easy of converting from passengers to cargo. Takes almost no effort. This was a huge selling feature for her, a big miss for the Japanese. V-6 performance and handling didn't hurt either.
I love my 2005 Ford Escape
Carol Camp, 04/01/2005
2005 Ford Escape Limited Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had wanted a Ford Escape ever since they came out. I knew the one I bought was the one for me the first time I laid eyes on it. I absolutely love driving it. It handles well, is very comfortable and it has a attractive body style. It has plenty of room for hauling just groceries or even something big with the seats laid down, which is very easy to do.
Why I love my 2005 Ford Escape XLT
Tammy Laeno, 04/24/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT Sport Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 2005 Ford Escape XLT is good on gas. Its fun to drive. I love the design. I previously drove a Dodge Stealth sportscar and the transition was very easy which surprised me. Since the Stealth is a small sporty vehicle. This compact SUV was an easy transition for me. I have not noticed any problems and the mileage is good. To fill it up is only $25 in Detroit, MI.
Refined Escape
New Owner, 04/22/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Escape has very good handling on the road in various conditions. Performed well in the heavy rain. Excellent acceleration, but taxes fuel mileage. Transparent shifts from 2 to 4 wheel drive. Interior is well done. Unfortunately I wanted the slate gray interior but was only offered black (too hot) or pebble (uninspiring). Surprising flexibility when adjusting vehicle features (daytime running lights, speed volume control, brake starting override, headlight delay, rear wiper speeds)
Happy with a hybrid
CJS, 04/10/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've never owned an American car before, so this was a big jump for me. I've driven my hybrid for 2 months/4400 miles, and am enjoying it. The instrument layout reminds me a lot of my Mazda. Escape was a joint venture between Ford & Mazda, and it shows. I'm not frustrated with this car the way I am with many American-made rental cars I've driven. Plenty of acceleration - from a start and at highway speeds. Good cargo room (important for me, as I haul a couple of large dogs on my trips). I've been getting around 29/30 on trips and 30/31 in town, but I don't do a lot of stop and go driving.
Fun & Peppy Ride @ a nice $
Marjorie Constantino, 05/02/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT Sport Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have the sport model. I found the Sport package to be a great buy for the money. You get great all-terrain tires, cool sport rims, roof rack, trailer hitch, and side step bars. It's good on gas. I love the smooth ride and handeling, unlike some other SUV's with a more bumpy ride. The back seats are quite roomey with a good size cargo area.The exterior is pleasing to the eye. It is stylish and sporty. It is a nice size, not too big and not too small. There are also alot of nice Escape accessories available from the Ford dealerships like: bike rack, roof storage bin, bug & rock shield, and more. I highly reccomend the Ford Escape.
LOVE MY TRUCK
will1, 05/04/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my 2005 Ford ESCAPE. I purchased the full package including the Guidepoint system and could not be happpier.
GREAT
NIKI, 05/07/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT Sport Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THIS CAR IS GREAT IT IS SO SMOOTH ON THE STREET AND ON GRAVEL IT IS NOT AS BUMMPY AS OTHER SUV'S.
exellent
bennett,d, 05/08/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the 2005 escape is awesome.it has great inside room,with the 3/4 fold down seat offers great versatility.looks are are very stylish and handles like a car.this suv offers alot for good price.
Limited AWD Escape
Paul Zollinger, 04/13/2005
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Our Escape is fun, nimble, roomy & cute. With the second row of seats folded down there is tremendous room to haul cargo, plus it has a 3,500lb towing capacity.
My Second Escape
Ara, 05/06/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Ford Escape. I am a musician and camper so I appreciate the interior space. I find it quite comfortable and easy to handle. It does however have some road noise and isn't the "smoothest" ride, but after all, it is an SUV. I have the XL package with 4 wheel drive which I have never had to use but feel it's worth it just in case. I would buy another unless the price goes too huigh for what it offers.
Fun Driving Escape
John Ping, 04/14/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This SUV is fun to drive, easy to park, and provides a very comfortable ride.
Young and Fun
cutelilreiner, 05/15/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT Sport AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like it, I came from driving a 04 4dr turbo diesel dualy to this and it is soooo much fun. It's little and easy to get around in but I don't feel like I'm gonna get completely squashed by other vehicles. It was great for gettin' around a college town where drivers are crazy.
#1 SUV
Red Escape, 05/15/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been the all around best car. I do not have to worry about going out of town and having any problems with it, or waking up and it not starting. I know that this will be like every other Ford that my family has owned, a 200,000 mile+ car.
Ford Escape Hybrid is a Plus
Barry, 04/15/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased the Ford Escape Hybrid one month ago and the mpg has been about what Ford said it would be. 33 on the highway and about 37 mpg in the city. It handles well and is a pleasure to drive. As gas prices continue to soar, my decision to purchase the Hybrid looks better and better!
ABSOLUTLY LOVE IT!
jessyhanley, 05/19/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am so thrilled with my new 2005 Escape Limied. This is my first suv and I can't get over how easy it is to drive. The pick up is great, the ride is smooth, the sounds system is fantastic. Ford obviously spent a lot of time designing the interior as well as the exterior beucase everything is in an intutive and comfortable place!
So far so good...
Daniel, 04/15/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am impressed so far. My only grip is the fuel economy. Otherwise a very nice SUV.
great suv
cag, 05/12/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great suv also own 2001 escape with 40000 miles on it never had a problem with it drives great
Great SUV
bjinak, 05/26/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is our second Ford Escape, our 2001 Escape was totalled by a drunk driver. The changes, inside and out, for the 2005 Escape are wonderful. A great buy for what you get! Great acceleration, comfortable, We love our Escape.
Awesome!
Redford, 05/27/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This newly designed Escape is outstanding. I previously owned a 2001 Ford Escape and when I saw the new 2005 model I just had to drive it, needless to say I traded. This vehicle is so much fun to drive, dependable, and handles great in the snow. If you are considering the Escape - DRIVE IT! You will love the spunk of this little SUV.
Awesome
mauijewels, 07/08/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really love my new ford escape. I tested the jeep liberty, and the Xtera,the escape definately drives alot better. smooth ride. The All wheel drive (4 x 4) works really good too. It is a very comfortable car. We have a new baby, and I feel very safe in this vehicle. I would have really liked to wait for the hybrid, but I needed a new car for the summer.
Ford Escape 2004
Christine Hanyzewski, 06/02/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Perfect size. Great handeling. Lots of power. Lots of cargo space.
I'd Buy it Again
cekestner, 05/01/2005
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife had an '02 Escape XLT but she wanted a Honda Element, so we traded in the Escape. When I got in the position of being able to purchase one myself, I bought this one. It's red all over with a black interior. (1st choice was Chromecoat Yellow, but stupid Ford killed THAT colour a couple years ago.) It doesn't seem to corner quite as quickly as the '02 did (maybe they softened up the ride?), but it rides a bit softer. It also doesn't seem to stop quite as quickly as the '02. Then again, it doesn't soil up the front wheels with LOTS of brake dust like the '02 did. I hate that they moved the spare under the car, because the in-car tire well gave added storage in the '02.
Fun to drive but too much plastic.
Usual suspects, 06/02/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Ford Escape handles like a dream. Spacious and comfortable to drive and it is also very capable in the snow and unpaved roads. Cons: the interior parts such as, the armrest consol cover and the dash should be constructed of better materials.
Nothing Compares
xleex1, 06/02/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought my new XLT Escape. I've owned Toyota's and Honda's all my life. My friend had one with 50,000 miles on it and has had zero problems with it. So I made the jump and couldn't be happier. It handles better than the CRV, Highlander, and RAV-4. It has more power than any of those. It has more than enough cargo space for anything. The only thing I would change would be a bigger fuel tank. I'm so glad I didn't pay more just for the name HONDA OR TOYOTA!!!!!!!
'05 Hybrid
W. Snippe, 05/12/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have over 1000 kilometers on my hybrid now and am on my second tank of gas. Performance is excellent and mileage is good but not as high as advertised. The CVT takes getting used to as does the electric drive, but both work flawlessly. Very pleased with my purchase.
Thought I was buying a small SUV
bensgranpa, 06/08/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Handles well and easy to drive. Engine noise apparent. Interior so-so. Performance very good:good braking and engine performance. Good looking. But I thought I was buying a small SUV, not a full size Hummer. Have yet to get more than 12 mpg in city driving. Our big Honda Odyssey gets much better mileage both in town and on the road. And that matters now that it takes $27.00 to fill up with regular.
Good entry into the SUV Market
INTERAVE, 06/07/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I leased my 2005 Escape Limited due to the fact that the suv has so many good write ups and reviews. I love the way Ford is marketing the Escape on the Radio and Television commercials. Those commercials are almost as if you are buying a Mercedes or BMW. The Truck drives very carlike and I recommend getting the Limited edition because of all the immenites that come along with it. The engine is a bit noisy and the fuel economy could be better but all in all this is a very fine SUV for the money. Dont waste your money on any other Compact SUV. Ford Escape is the way to go in this catergory.
Poor paint finish
Ford Junk, 06/09/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The dealer ship was great ! But this will be my last Ford My wife picked up our 2005 Escape she did not notice the paint on the hood had a mark by both windshield squirters looked like water marks. They do not come off ! look its a new car and already has to have body work. You can leave the key in and no alarm (makes it easy to lock your keys in the ESCAPE) doors do not lock when you put it in drive this is a safty issue if you have small children.
2005 escape xlt awd
appleone, 06/12/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had a 2002 escape xlt fwd loved it. 46,000 miles puton it with no problems traded in for 2005 escape xlt awd. 2005 feels mor solid. This vehichle is a great value for the buck.
Mike's Review
MJS585, 06/13/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was pleasantly surprised by the new 2005 Escape...it has good pickup and a newly revised, high quality interior. I would definitely recommend it to those in the market for a compact SUV.
Very Nice
almarin, 06/13/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is a very nice looking vehicle and drives very comfortable. The interior is comfortable and is user friendly. I also like the intelligent 4WD system.
Hybrid SUV -- Feels Like Cheating
Bullwinkle, 05/17/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I simply love my Escape Hybrid. I have all the room I need for the wife, 2 kids, and the dog in the back, and yet I regularly get fuel economy close to 30 mpg average per tank.
Enjoyable driving!!
Robert Feaster, 06/18/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Keep up the great quality that you put into your new units. The best thing you can do is to test drive a new Escape and enjoy all the great features the SUV has!
4...