Used 2005 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews
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Poor Gas Mileage
Mike, 11/04/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has great comfort and exterior style. I find it hard to believe that FORD could not design this vehicle with better gas mileage. I am only getting 20 miles per gallon either in city or highway. This perhaps would lead me to a foreign vehicle for next purchase. FORD can do better. I come from a FORD family, and do enjoy this vehicle, but am utterly concerned with the gas mileage.
A worthwhile purchase
PhilFromDetroit, 07/29/2009
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
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Do not buy this junk!
maxout06, 09/24/2011
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
35 of 58 people found this review helpful
I bought a 2005 Escape XLT with 78,000 on the odometer. Good price and the thing looked cherry. After driving it for a couple months, the OBD light came on and it started misfiring. After a little research, I found out Ford used sub-standard parts to build this model. The ignition coils burn out the drivers in the ECM at about 100,000 miles. Well past warranty stage. Ford knew of this and sent a memo to dealers on what to look for if the code P0351 was showing. A repair that costs average $1,500. The worst thing is since this issue took place after market, the only ECM's left are used or reman. This is the reason people are buying Asian cars more. Ford, you people are crooks.
Gas Tank
jerod, 12/01/2010
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
I recently switched from a 2003 Explorer to the 05 Escape and although I really loved and miss the Explorer, I think the Escape is great. The only thing that really pisses me off every time is when the gas hose shuts off. I should be able to start the gas and walk away. I live in Wisconsin. It's cold. Come on! Other than that I love it :)
05 ESCAPE XLT with 75,000 miles
JW, 04/09/2006
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My Escape is a company car. At first I wasn't happy getting it, but after driving it 75,000 miles in 2 years, I now luv it. It has proven to be comfortable and reliable (I drive it aggressively). The V6 is torquey and quick. The interior design is functional and comfortable. I carry 4 adults, the rear passengers never complain.This SUV has been extremely reliable (NOTHING has broken) and seems indestructible when driven hard regularly. I've taken it off road a few times; the AWD was all I need to get through the deep mud. A snow storm dumped 25" and this SUV drove through unplowed roads and snow mounds without a problem.This SUV has proven to be tough, comfortable, reliable, speedy, and sporty. I recommend it.
Trading in
Trading in , 01/16/2008
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We bought a 2005 XLD AWD Escape used in March '05 with 17,000 miles on it. As others have written, we have had problems filling up the gas tank. Gas nozzle keeps shutting off which drives my husband nuts. Started having problems with the brakes at about 50K. Mechanic replaced tires, rotated tires and put on new brake pads which solved the problem for only a little while. It probably needs new rotors, but at only 2 yrs old with 57K miles on it and 3 years left on the loan, we decided to trade it in for an older car with less miles that we could pay off sooner at $100 less/month. Overall though, this was a good car, preformed very well in the snow with the smart AWD but hard on gas.
Escape Limited in Alaska
Alaskan, 09/07/2005
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Lots of research before purchase. Seriously considered Japanese products. Their quality is no doubt a bit better. None in class though, had the driveability and just plain fun in driving as the V6 Escape. The large wheels provide a most excellent ride and are optimum for Alaska winters. We bought a Limited with moon roof, leather trim heated seats and other creature comforts. Mileage is OK around town. We'd hoped for more but are all around delighted with purchase. Highly recommended.
Not bad
acceptable, 07/07/2008
2005 Ford Escape XLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this vehicle Jan 06 after having a base Taurus. I like the zippyness I get from this 4cyl 5 speed. Gas mileage is great for an SUV at 27 hwy summer and 24 hwy winter here in MN. As read in other reviews can't stand the poor quality paint but to go along with design we do travel on some gravel roads and when wet or muddy the doors in the rear will get mud and dirt between them and the inside - my other vehicles never had this and I think this is terrible. I am quite conscious of this so I make sure to clean this area afterward because I don't want it to rust out before its time
Practical Car
Adam Grey, 09/23/2008
2005 Ford Escape XLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Even though I would have liked to get something a little sexier, this car is as practical of car you can get. Having it be a stick shift helped make the car fun to drive and also allowed for better acceleration than most standard V6 cars. Never did I have one mechanical issue in the 68,000 miles that I drove it and it really does excellent on gas being it is a 4 banger. I think if you buy this car you will get a bargain as if this had a Toyota symbol on it it would be $5,000 more! I believe this car is a smart buy for those who are concerned about fuel economy, cargo space, and price.
So far so good
Daniel Allocca, 01/23/2006
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Just bought an '05 Escape with only 12K miles. Got the XLT V6 with leather and am loving it. I considered sportier cars but decided to get 4WD and need the cargo space. Fuel mileage has been about 20mpg. Acceleration with the V6 is great. Plenty of power off of the line, and can even be fun on the highway. I fit in the car very comfortably at 6 foot 250 pounds. Overall great car. Some interior materials feel cheap, especially the door handles. Fit and finish is pretty good. My first American car purchase and am keeping my fingers crossed for long-term quality.