Used 2005 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews
My Escape Hybrid
The Escape is an awesome vehicle. The fuel economy is outstanding. I really like how quiet it is when in electric only mode. It gets everyone looking at you when in electric mode. You can only hear the wheels turning from the outside of the Escape when it is in electric. It is outstanding in the snow. I live in Worcester, and there are a lot of hills. The Esape Hybrid goes right up them all even when they are covered with snow. It is so nice that it knows when to shift into four wheel drive on its own. You can't even tell when it goes into four wheel drive. The CVT transmission is so smooth. There are no shift points. I highly recommend it.
Just a great vehicle
Just fun to drive...a great vehicle!
- XLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,999219 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,999223 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,900294 mi away
Escape Hybrid
Combined city/highway driving, I am averaging 32 miles/gallon. In city I have averaged about 35 miles to the gallon. This is more than I expected, even with its rating of 36 city, 31 Highway.
What a great Escape!
We were looking at moving from our Windstar to a small SUV when we discovered the Escape. We were hesitant about giving up some space, yet we have been very happy with the Escape. The V6 is quick and powerful and the ride is car! This is the most FUN vehicle we have ever had! The only negative we have is that we wish there were a little more padding in the door armrest. Other than that we really love this SUV! This is a little bottle rocket!!!!
Sonic Blue First Review
My 78 year old mother bought this sonic blue hybrid SUV. She is still trying to figure out some of the technology, but loves it. Seats could be a little more "cushiony"; pretty firm, for an older lady with not much fat (and me too), more plumpness in the seating would be nice. Was told it has "intelligent 4WD", meaning it puts itself into 4WD when it needs to; would be nice to have a light or something on the instrument panel that shows when it is actually in 4WD. But so far we love this little hybrid SUV! Oh yeah, sometimes there is a pretty loud "thump" when the electric engine kicks in, like while sitting at a light, that kinda freaks you out, I thought what the heck just hit my car?
edwin
Fun to drive. Worst every buck.
Saved our lives
Stopped at toll booth. Ryder truck slammed into back and knocked us into culver and toll booth.He had no brakes. I was pinned against front door and wheel. Both of us went to hospital and it could have been worse. My husband brusied on side that was not hit.Car was totaled but we made it due to strong workmanship of this car. Only know this SUV held up under severe conditions. Thanks Ford.
I'm disappointed
I thought I was buying a fun economical vehicle. It is not getting the mileage I had hoped. Several items have come apart or do not work as well as they should. I don't like the dash board styling. I wish Ford had offered some helpful live hints about how to drive it for its best economy. (They have offered now). Also, you HAVE to be sure to keep the maintenance up and I'm worried about the cost of a replacement battery when mine dies. Also, the leather seats are only partially covered.
It's great!
I special ordered it the first day possible. It is a wonderful vehicle. The acceleration is very good (I haven't yet gotten to the pedal to the floor going "go, go!" )in every instance. The higher visibility is what led me to it. FInally, an SUV that I can justify on ecological basis. It rivals my Ford Escort in mileage
My '05 Escape
I have wanted an SUV for a long time, and am very pleased with the comfort, ride, and performance of the Escape. It does everything it is supposed to do without any hesitation. The quality of this vehicle is amazing, and it is hard to beat the price in this level of SUV's. I have driven many different kinds of vehicles, and this is one of the funnest ones I have ever driven. Plus you can throw all your camping gear in it, with the dogs, and have an adventurous weekend, wherever you want to go. I rate the Escape with an A+!
Built Ford Touch For Me
First SUV I have ever had. Love it. Like driving a car! Fantastic
FORD Escape 2005
This is my first SUV and it fits me perfectly. My wife and I both enjoy riding it.
My SUV
I drive 20 miles to work and back every day. I also drive to Chicago 60 miles round trip three times a week, My Escape has never failed to perform for me. The gas mileage is above average with 24 combined city and country mpg. I also carry a good size load in my cargo area weekly. My husband and I enjoy its guts and the features we chose.
Good Mileage and Fun to Drive
I expected to get better gas mileage, but did not expect the actual mileage to be within the "published" range. However I AM getting between 29-33 mpg on a regular basis. The display module showing constant fuel economy, and the GPS navigation make the vehicle FUN.. Also the sound system is much better that I expected from a factory built-in. All in all, a really fun vehicle to drive, with good gas mileage (and a lot of questions from potential buyers everywhere I go).
Right size & Fun to Drive
I've had my 2005 Escape Limited 4WD for 3 months now and absolutely love it. It is a lease, but I'm already planning to buy it when the lease comes up. It is the perfect size for communting and still has plenty of room to haul people or goods. The power to weight ratio makes it a blast to drive, and it is especially nimble off-road. The vehicle feels rugged and solid and I feel like it is a very good value for the money. I'll cover the main likes/dislikes in the next 2 sections, but the bottom line is I would buy this vehicle again in a heartbeat.
Escape, Fantastic
So far the only complaint I have is when it's get dirty! This is one heck of an SUV. I love this Ford Escape. Very strong, yet very car like. Handles very well, tight. I'm 6'2 and very comfortable with the power seating. Controls are fine for me. Good Job Ford!
U.S. Power
I've had my '05 XLT AWD V6 Escape for almost a year now, and I love it. It has excellent pickup, and I have driven the CR-V,Santa Fe, and the RAV4, and despite what some publications say, it is every bit as quiet as the others. As for performance and road feel, it simply blows the others off the road. The CR-V and the Santa Fe had sloppy handling, and the RAV4 was a little slow. As for interior quality, the CR-V and Santa Fe were way below. The Escape is a perfect combination of power, quality and practicality. The rest of the world just follows the leader!
Looks
Love the drive, but unless they re-did the interior I would not buy another Escape. Has no upscale amenities.Temp control, too much plastic, otherwise I love the car..
Great SUV, Hybrid or Not
I have had my Ford Escape Hybrid for about 6 months now and have driven it in all conditions - plus a coupe of trips - one from Atlanta to NYC and back. Got great gas mileage and the Nav system worked without a hitch (we affectionately call our Nav system 'Dora'). Just keep the cruise on 55 for the best freeway driving and change your driving habits to get stay on electric power as much as possible in intown traffic.
Loving My Escape
I recently purchased my Escape after driving a '03 Honda Civic EX for a year and a half, which I hated. The Escape reminds me of the '01 Explorer Sport I had before the Civic which I loved but it was leased and had to be returned and they no longer make it so I got the Civic because it seemed nice. I longed for an SUV again and I looked at all the smaller ones from the Liberty to the XL-7 and I found that the Fords seem to be the most comfortable and best designed. I was a little leery about returning to Ford because there was a gammit of problems I had with the Explorer, but I loved it so much. I think the Escape is by far the best in its class. It had the best ride and the nicest features.
Escape to Ford
A midsize SUV at a good price. Handles better than the Toyota CRV that i owned before this one also larger than the Toyota. I wish it had a door in the rear like the Toyota CRV had. The hatch back is ok, but i prefer a door. Door is much easier to open and close when taking things in and out. Other than the door issue the Escape is a solid SUV. (needs a built in ashtray, LOL)
Love it
Fun to drive, smooth.... Love it. Take a test drive if you want a small SUV.
We really like our Escape
We looked at all the models available in this class and this one came out heads above the rest
Driving an SUV
I like the size of the SUV, the gas mileage and it is SO MUCH fun to drive
so far so good
Not that much of a downgrade (roomwise) from my Explorer Sport. Handles good, blast package worth the money for the sound system. Not tons of power but knew that was an issue before buying (better on gas). Average 20-21 mpg with 24 being the best with just over 3000 miles on vehicle.
05 escape
Great SUV fun to drive plenty of power.The size is just right for getting in to tight parking places not like some of the gun boats that have to back in and out three times to get into parking areas, but plenty of room inside to transport all my stuff.
2005 all wheel drive Escape
We bought the SUV when it had 15 miles on it. It now has 250 miles and no problems. However it came with Continentall Contac tires which don't have the best reputation. We'll see. Haven't used service deptartment yet but sales was great.
Owner of second hybrid
This is our second hybrid car. Our first hybrid is a Honda Civic. The electric only propulsion mode takes a little coaxing to get the car to shift into it. If you are already in gasoline mode you need coast down from 35 till the car shifts over to electric then continue. You can be in electric mode up to 29 MPH. If you desire to startup from a stop in electric do not gun the engine but rather ease it into acceleration. Otherwise it will promptly start in gas mode to ensure you have the power you demand. The leather interior makes for a very comfortable ride. Well worth the investment. Made sure your dealer has a trained mechanic available, ours dealer does not always have one.
Love my hybrid Escape
Although I understand this vehicle is hard to get, if you are looking for hybrid technology I would highly recommend this vehicle. Most of my driving is done in the city and the nearly 40 miles per gallon really helps with $2.00+ per gallon gas prices here in California. This Escape is roomy and fun to drive. The quality, fit and finish is excellent.
Ford Escape Hybrid Delivers
The Ford Escape Hybrid is a gem. It has exceptional power when needed and incredible responsiveness to the touch of the wheel. The Ford Escape hybrid just won the North American Truck of the year award in Jan. of 2005. If you drive one you will know why. The Ford Escape Hybrid is my favorite lifetime vehicle purchase to date. Ford went above and beyond to build this hybrid. It is a great feeling to have a SUV with good looks, one that is clean, with a super tax rebate at the end of the purchase year, that is actually using no petrol while crawling through traffic next to that monster gas guzzler and knowing that when you need to accelerate, the Ford Escape Hybrid will deliver!
Ford Escape Hybrid AWD lives up to hype
I also have a V6 AWD Escape ('03) so I obviously like the general design, and I'm in a good position to compare the two models, as their only differences are the hybid propulsion & CVT trans. Touted as "no compromises, V6-like performance," it's true! The hybrid handles smoothly and is relaxing to drive in both city and freeway. It has as much or more power than my V6. Got 30 mpg average on a 600 mile road trip from Seattle to Sisters, Oregon, via the Santiam Pass (V6 would get 23mpg). Get 29 mpg in mixed driving near Seattle, and we live 800 feet up in a hilly area. MPG is reduced with driving in hills and with night driving (during the latter, gas engine is on more due to headlights draw.
Ford Escape XLT AWD V6 (No Boundries)
I've driven several vehicles and the Escape is by far best one yet! The ride is incredibly smooth with little outside noise filtering in. The seats are comfortable with built in lumbar support, but they are narrow in width. Everything else is wonderful! I am extremely satisfied and would recommend anybody to put their money down on this vehicle! It's fun, sporty and handles well in the snow. However, I wish the AWD system could be handled manually instead of it being automatic when the wheels spin at different rates.
Love the car on snow and gravel
This car is very fun to drive in the snow or gravel. It has a slight problem with losing the rear in cornering but only when turning too fast or going around the bend too fast. Quick reaction you have it back in line and continue. Just remember to obey the law!
Love it/hate it
I love this SUV but i HATE the way that i must fill the gas tank up every 3-4 days due to the small gas tank and the AWD 6 cylinder. It seems that every time I drive it, I must stop at the gas station. I also find blind spots in changing lanes and backing up but hope in time I will get used to it! I am also disappointed in the placement of the speakers in this vehicle. Sound is not that great.
Very Impressive Locomotion
I have been waiting for this Hybrid for a number of years and I am extremely pleased with the final product. The Escape Hybrid replaces my Jeep Wrangler and it is indeed 100% SUV. I'm proud to support hybrid technology and give my highest praises to Ford for creating the Escape Hybrid; a truly unique vehicle. I ordered my Hybrid at the end of October, 2004 and received the call that it was in on New Year's Eve! What a way to celebrate. I ordered AWD, leather (because I wanted the steering wheel), the NAV system for the energy display (hybrid drive!), extra air bags and the appearance group. It's a kick to drive, especially when only the electric motor is powering the vehicle; it is so quiet!
Better than an Lincoln
The 500 replaces the lease I had on a 2002 Lincoln Town Car. The 500 has more trunk space, is a all wheel drive and a lot smoother transmission and power. I only have a little over 600 miles on the car but find the seating to be excellent. I also have the safety package on the car, what more do you need.
04 XLT 4X4
Nice vehicle for the size. Not too big or too small.
2005 Escape is well worth the $$$$
This vehicle is living up to my expectations. Although the cruise control went out on a trip, the vehicle has performed well. Unfortunately, the seats (covered in cloth) are easily soiled. Mine came soiled. So you might want to consider fabric protection treatment.
Pretty Good Little SUV
This vehicle handles very well in the snow and in the everyday around town driving. However it is VERY VERY VERY sluggish on the highway or going up hills. Also the cruise control is not very good (you will either go 5 mph under or 5 mph over where you have the cruise control set). If you are looking for a vehicle to commute in, TRY THE 6 cylinder or another vehicle all together! If you are looking for a cheap, reliable SUV to get around town in, this is the one for you.
Ford Owner Family
Very practical and fun vehicle. Just the right vehicle for the Northeasts quickly changing weather conditions. This unit has all the bells and whistles anyone could want in a package this size. Loads of cargo space with the seats down for stocking up on supplies.
The Great Escape
Its perfect
Great ride
I love my new escape. It rides and looks great. I wish the gas milage was alittle better especially with the price of gas. I looked at all small SUV's and felt the escape was the best out there.
#1 vehicle to own
I love my Escape, I have owned 2, and I don't think I'd ever own any other kind of vehicle ever again!!
Greatest vehicle I've ever owned
I bought one of the Escapes in 2001; this is the second one. It has zoom, it has room and it has me sold on it for good. It is by far the most fun vehicle to drive.
Ford Escape is the best S.U.V.
Best vehicle I've ever owned.
2005 Limited Escape
I've had my Escape for a month now, and only find myself getting more and more pleased with my purchase. The size is perfect, like driving a car but higher up, with much better visibility and much more cargo room. I find them to be the best looking compact SUV on the road, especially the Limited with body-colored bumper.
BEST QUALITY
To my initial surprise, I had to hold on when a hard acceleration is applied. Tremendous pick-up! Rides like an SUV handles like a sports car. Nothing but positive compliments from passengers.
Factory safety checks
I purchased my Escape on 7/2/05. On 7/8/05, with only 436 miles on the vehicle, the power steering went out while pulling into my driveway (power steering fluid spewed all over engine). SUV was towed to dealership and found out that power steering switch had been installed upside down and not screwed in. New switch installed on 7/9 and engine cleaned "as best as they could". Bothersome that the vehicle passed safety inspection prior to delivery to dealership. IF power steering had gone out while I was driving on the highway, it could have caused a major accident. No apology from Ford dealership at all ... just commentary from them that it's a good thing that there is a full warranty!
great value and utility
a 200 hp v6 makes this little suv quick and fuel efficient. spacey interior and plenty of off road capability made me choose this over the nissan xterra.
Excellent
I have knee problems and having a SUV makes getting in and out of the vehicle so much easier. The Escape gets better gas milage than the Taurus I had previously. The Escape is a great vehicle, easy to handle and goes where you want it to go. I have been going to the same dealership for years and they have never let me done with service or sales.