Used 2005 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews
Used Escape for sale
Great little SUV
WHE, 03/20/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Taut ride but very stable and handles beautifully. Drives more like a car than a truck. Peppy, powerful and quiet engine. Strong brakes. Very comfortable and roomy with numerous power-assists. Good driver visibility with well-designed console and smooth, straight-through floor shift. Adequate storage space. Solid body with no rattles or excessive wind noise. Overall an excellent, great-looking vehicle inside and out.
'05 Escape Hybrid
5hybrid, 01/25/2006
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Been a great vehicle. Much better than the '04 Escape I replaced it with. No problems so far. Going to purchase a second one for my daughter.
2005 Ford Escape for sale near you
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"Fordecito" Ford Escape
John Lucas, 03/22/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. Plenty of room and comfort, and the handling is terrific for what it is. Hertz gave me one in Chicago. I drove it 600 miles, city and intersate, came back to Southampton and immediately traded in my Cadillac for my Fordecito.
I love it
MeganNY, 03/25/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my 2005 Ford Escape. I did a lot of reserch on compact SUVs and the Escape gives me the most bang for my buck. It's easy to drive, responsive and small enough to park anywhere (even in NYC)!
Takes getting use to...
clarkt69, 03/25/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far so good. The Hybrid in and of itself isn't the hard thing to get used to, it's the fact that the vehicle never shifts! The CVT is an interesting device. Let's hope it works better in Fords than it has in other vehicles. The seats are comfortable and well positioned. Ford has NOT loaded this vehicle with extras, that's for sure, but as a whole this vehicle is reasonably quite, handles well, brakes very well, and is easier on the gas than the regular Escape. Ford should convert everything they build to this technology. That would put an American company out front for a change and let the others play catch up.
Best for your money
gaa9021, 02/16/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With all the extra features and comfort package it feels like I'm driving a luxury vehicle without the heavy ticket sale. I highly recommend it for young buyers and those with economic sense.
Finally - a non-hog SUV
Ted Olsen, 04/21/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ford scores high in my books for having produced a really driveable small SUV that isn't guzzling gas but performs above expectations. I haven't had a moments regret. Everything about my Ford Escape is fun - plenty of power, enough room, sweet design, easy handling, great road holding. I'm a happy camper, so to speak.
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.
My Escape
rljl, 04/24/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive. Lives up to all its promises.
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.
2005 Escape is well worth the $$$$
ladyescape, 09/06/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
It is fun to drive it!
L.Castillo, 05/19/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For starters it's the first time I don't see the car I am driving all over! It's unique since I got a rare exterior color one. Unlike Priuses that are all over it seems. But in what matters, it is still an SUV. I fit inside and I am a big guy, and uphill, it does NOT cower. True, one has to learn how to drive all over again, not be heavy on the gas or the brakes. There is assistance there that was not available before. What I cannot understand is why Ford is not gearing that Kansas plant to produce more of these babies. Until Toyota brings out the Highlander (overpriced if you ask me) they had the market for themselves! I love it, period! p.s. I have THE red one.
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.
Fun To Drive
Bob, 05/24/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent handling. Plenty of power, especially in the snow. Responsive vehicle.
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.
The Wave is here
Jerry Williams, 05/23/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was a certified master mechanic and a service director for three states. I have handled a lot of car complaints and driven a lot of cars and trucks. I ordered a new Ford hybrid about 6 months ago, and just got it. But it was well worth the wait. This is the quietest SUV, car, truck or anything that I have ever driven. It has to be an engineering breakthrough for Ford. It has power enough to pull up to 4,800 pounds (my boats and mowing equipment). I can tow it behind my motor home with all four wheels on the ground. I can get on the freeway very quickly. All the power you need. The warranty is 100,000 or 8 years drivetrain and battery.
Pretty Good Little SUV
Tink7796, 06/29/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Adirondack Color, 09/11/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Len1954, 09/18/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its perfect
Great ride
ccpayton, 09/15/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Escape Hybrid Seen in LA
Mark, 06/16/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Within hours of the announcement, I was aware that Ford was going to produce a Escape Hybrid. Well, their Kansas City Assembly Plant did produce a well built vehicle, beautiful vehicle that delivers great gas mileage. The Hybrid has indeed delivered on it's promise of improved gas mileage, but as usual not to the EPA specs. The vehicle is so quiet that pedestrians are unaware it is running. My dealership recognized that the premiums other dealers were demanding was killing sales; I got mine without the premium. Unlike others I did not have to wait, picked mine on the lot on day of visit. All that and it looks better than a Prius.
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.
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid
Dawn Burrell, 06/17/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Escape Hybrid is excellent on gas, fun to drive, and awesome in snowy weather. Overall, I like the car's performance, and was surprised when I floored it how fast it accelerated. I bought the car and will have it for the next 5 years and will definitely buy the 2010 model.
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.
My Ford Escape
Lisa, 06/19/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Feels like a truck. But it's not. It gives you the room to pick up and drop off without having to get someone to move it for you. It's sporty yet I am very confident that I am safe when driving it. I love my Escape! I would recommend it to anyone interested in a small SUV.
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!
#1 vehicle to own
britsmom, 09/20/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Escape, I have owned 2, and I don't think I'd ever own any other kind of vehicle ever again!!
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!
Greatest vehicle I've ever owned
seh1276, 07/10/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
bosgeo, 09/19/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best vehicle I've ever owned.
2005 Ford Escape XLT
b scott, 08/10/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive, plenty of horsepower, more than enough head and leg room for six footers and taller, reasonable gas mileage, responsive steering and handling room for four with golf clubs and made in America.
so far so good
jay, 08/22/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have 5000 miles on it. Been in snow -- all wheel drive works good. Drove to Florida and back with no problems.
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.
Enjoying the Ford Family ... So Far
Tom, 09/08/2005
2005 Ford Escape Limited Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far I've been enjoying being a member of the Ford Family. The buying experience was excellent and matches the quality and features of my new vehicle. My Ford Escape looks great and continues to be a tough little SUV. The comfort and ride are excellent. The gas mileage could be better but I didn't want an unrefined 4 cylinder. Also, I wish the highway noise could be lower. All-in-all, I'm glad to be in the family.
2005 Limited Escape
dustinwj, 09/25/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
AUTOS, 01/09/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
KNS, 07/09/2005
2005 Ford Escape Limited Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
jeramy doer, 09/25/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT Sport AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
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.
Excellent
Allycat, 10/09/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
2005 Ford Review
Mr Ford, 10/09/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT Sport Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The escape has surpassed our expectations of a small SUV. We love the quick responce it has along with nice handling conditions. We get 18 mpg in town and 24 mpg on the highway, this is with the A/C on (live in Florida). Only have 3 faults with it, seating material cheap, to small gas tank,and tires are noisey (contitrac). Out of the 3 I would consider the gas tank the most important,it needs a 20 gallon tank. I would recommend this SUV to anyone. Ford does have a better idea.
Looks good so far...
mdf, 10/16/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLS AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought it and love it. I needed a larger vehicle that still got good gas mileage and it does! Plenty O' room for 4 adults and your stuff in the back.
Excellent small SUV
Dr. Effy Oz, 01/08/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We looked at several mid-size and small SUVs. The midsize ones were too bulky and usually with poor visibility for us. The final debate was between the Escape and its cousin, the Mazda Tribute. The latter has a softer ride and longer warranty. The discounts were greater than those for the Escape ($3k vs $2k, and $500 vs $400 college grad discount), but overall we got a better deal from our Ford dealer than we could get for the Tribute. It's hard to decline $2,500 below invoice. The vehicle rides as we expected. The V6 accelerates well and is a pleasure to drive. The sound system is so good that it's overkill (300 Watts!).
Warning! Faulty Left front Strut
Big Dan, 07/22/2005
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it in Jan. '05. We love it! However from the beginning a thump has been heard coming from area of left front-end. A road trip to Scott City, Kansas revealed more noise. A terrific dealership there determined the left strut may have been improperly mounted when the car was built by manufacturer. They replace and corrected mount and everything has been perfect since. The next time we trade I'm taking the Escape and buying my wife a new one.
review of 2005 Escape
Susan Sturdevant, 10/19/2004
2005 Ford Escape Limited AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Intended to trade 2003 F150 4wd for 2004 model of same. Did not care for the cumbersome large car feel of newly designed truck. Test drove the Escape and found it far more comfortable and easier to handle. Having driven a truck for the last fifteen years (I raise horses and cattle), but also having other trucks to do the "work" I opted for the SUV. I have not regreted it in the least, and would not hesitate to do it again.
Finally, A Nice Ford Vehicle
Kerri, 10/20/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am very pleased with my new vehicle. I was a little hesatant to buy a Ford due to their past problems. However, the Escape has a nice ride and fuel efficant for as well as a SUV can be. I was also pleased by the way I was treated by the Ford dealership that I went to. All in all, I am extremely happy with my new purchase.
Great SUV
bill lee, 12/08/2008
2005 Ford Escape XLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Looked far and wide for a 4 cyl/5 speed FWD. This is a great drivetrain. Have gotten 31 MPG several times. Overall I get 28+MPG on my mostly highway commute. Snow is no problem with FWD. I run good snow tires and have had no problems even in deep snow. Not as good as my old jeep but never got stuck. Get the 05 and up vs the 04 if you can. Much better interior design and the bigger 2.3 motor gives better performance and fuel milage. Looked at the Toyota and Honda, but were much more expensive and much smaller. My son is 6'3" and fits in the back with no problems. Also no $300-500 timing belt to worry about on these cars. Has been very reliable. 60,000 miles and no problems what so ever.
LOVE THIS CAR
Simone, 07/23/2005
2005 Ford Escape Limited Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had Escape '05 Limited for 3 days; test drove about 9 months ago and last week when a tree finished off my '97 RAV4 I knew it was time. This car is fabulous. The leather seats are worth every penny (you will be sorry if you settle for cloth). It drives effortlessly, comfortably with little road noise, good stereo, beautiful interior. I have read all reviews on Edmunds for Tribute, CR-V, RAV4 and more people than any other car agree about the Escape - it is FUN! See CR-V complaints about noise, few standard options, RAV4 about comfort and power, and Tribute for just plain boring exterior. Mariner is supposed to be equal car but not many people are buying it or have rated it.
Escape
dterry1234, 10/23/2004
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Smoothest ride of any SUV-type vehicle I've been in. Very stable with solid feel to road while driving. My St. Bernard dog loves riding in it and enjoys the side step for getting in/out. Cannot imagine having any other vehicle.