Used 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Consumer Reviews
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The best car I've ever owned
smashley745, 04/17/2013
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
25 of 26 people found this review helpful
I love this car. If you are looking for a more "roomy" car that gets great gas mileage this is it. I get about 30mpg on average driving mostly on the freeway. The seats are super easy to put down, my sister and I have gone camping and slept in the back of my car rather comfortably. If you have never owned a hybrid car it can be rather eerie because it is so quiet, I can't tell you how many times I've panicked at stop lights thinking my car had died when I first bought it. Down sides: When your heat is on and the car goes to battery it blows cool air, Not fun in the dead of winter. Does NOT have a outlet to plug in an mp3 player. But overall, I love this car.
281K miles and still going!
John Garrett, 06/26/2017
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
21 of 22 people found this review helpful
12 year old vehicles are going to have very different values based on how they have been driven and maintained and, of course, luck. I feel very lucky with my 05 Escape Hybrid. While it doesn't have the horsepower it once had, and the transmission is starting to slip, and there's some rust in the left rear wheel well, I'm amazed at how well this car has held up with regular oil changes and good tire maintenance. I was reviewing my repairs for this car and was surprised to find that, besides gas, oil and tires, I have spent less than $2500 in repairs since I bought it over 10 years ago. While the 25 MPG I have averaged over that time has been less than advertised (I suspect that the HV battery is not programmed correctly, but couldn't find a shop that could figure out how to improve it) it has outlasted and outperformed my expectations when I bought it with 40K miles and about two years old.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love it
mcjones, 09/21/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
This is the first truck I have ever owned so it is hard for me to compare a non-HEV truck to this one. I have been very impressed with the gas mileage and performance. I am averaging 33 mpg combined driving in the summer and 26 mpg combined driving in the winter. The mechanism that switches from full electric to hybrid when accelerating from a stop is very impressive. It is as seamless as could possibly be expected. I am not a very fast driver but I can report that this vehicle accelerates very slowly compared with previous cars that I have owned. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking to use less gasoline and can afford the extra cost of the hybrid vs. standard Escape.
A terrific hybrid entry
gomermaid, 01/07/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Excellent performance with good, not great mileage (about 27 mpg), but much better that comparable SUV's. Fun to drive and handles exceptionally well. Cannot think of a major drawback. A little sluggish on pick up, but once at highway speed it's all there. Windshield wipers not balanced and leave major areas uncleaned. Might be just a dealer adjustment.
Great all around dependable vehicle
Paul Danielewicz , 12/17/2019
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
11 of 14 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid with all wheel drive in 2010. It has been positive in almost every respect with a few minor negatives. The original owner took good care of it for the first 75K miles. And I have put on an additional 140K miles in almost 10 years as my daily driver and weekend adventurer. Outside of following the normal maintenance schedules recommended by Ford, I have had zero mechanical issues. The only disappointment has been body rust: the spare wheel carrier seized up and was removed and the rear passenger wheel well rusted out, casualties of the snow belt. The engine, electric motor, transmission, and all wheel drive have worked flawlessly. I am always concerned about the 330 volt hybrid battery wearing out after the first 100K, but so far so good. “Dusty” has done everything I asked of it, whether on road or light off roading. I have never gotten stuck or stranded in mud or snow the woods, except one time when I stupidly parked in a dirt turnoff with over a foot deep of powdery snow (easily shoveled out by myself and was on my way). She has been especially good during snowy and cold New England winters. I will never forget foolishly driving through the heart of a major blizzard in February of 2013. While other cars and trucks were getting stranded I made the 35 mile drive home safely. It is fun to drive with spirited acceleration and agile handling. With the AWD and relatively low center of gravity (for a truck), cornering is superb with little body lean. Gas mileage is excellent, getting in the low 30s mpg overall and a little less in the winter, due to the hybrid battery output (like most batteries) being lower in the cold. Turning radius is relatively small and parking is easy with a relatively short length for an SUV. Braking in dry conditions is average, and great in the wet due to the all wheel drive. Visibility and driving position is excellent. The suspension is firm but comfortable. Highway cruising is very good and seating comfortable and supportive enough for 10 hour drives (I haven’t gone longer). Three passengers in the rear seat is a bit of tight squeeze and more suitable for two average sized adults. I wish it was a little longer with a bigger trunk, as I am an outdoor enthusiast often carrying a lot of gear and three passengers. But traveling solo the fold down rear seats provide adequate storage space. With the front seat fully reclined I can fit a 9 foot whitewater kayak inside! Or two smaller kayaks. 8 foot 2x4s fit easily. The roof is long enough and strong enough for a rack to carry four kayaks or two canoes and a kayak. Or large pieces of furniture. It was very handy during my last move carrying a lot of stuff. I am currently looking for a new vehicle because I want to drive a stick shift again (this has been my only automatic in 35 years of owning vehicles), and living in the city a compact car is preferable. But I think I could get at least another 100K out of her. The electric motor really saves the engine from wear and tear caused by idling (engine shuts off), and the stress of stop and go driving (when the electric motor does all the work). It runs in hybrid mode about 90% of the time, and pure electric or gas 5% each. The navigation system works OK but the supplied CD discs are outdated. And the screen is old and fades in and out. But these are minor issues for me. The stereo and 5 disc CD changer work well. If I was in the market for a hybrid or SUV I would not hesitate to get another Escape.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Not too bad for Ford's first attempt
Camper, 05/15/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Living in Michigan, you get dirty looks and raised eyebrows if you don't buy American. Michigan is also very spread out, with my daily commute being 35 miles each way, mostly freeway. This SUV is just a regular 4 cylinder car at freeway speeds (70 mph), with no benefit of fuel economy. Engine sounds terrible at 70 mph. But it is great for city driving (particularly stop and go traffic). Ford says the towing capacity is only 750 lbs., which is very non-SUV like. We would not buy this again. Toyota Highlander hybrid is coming, and we are trading in the Ford for Toyota. The Toyota is much more comfortable and can tow our 1500 lb. pop up camper. So much for the eyebrows.
My first year in my Escape Hybrid
Michael Bares, 09/20/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
After a shaky start in my Ford Escape Hybrid I'm now pleased with my purchase. I knew that the gas prices would soar this year and wanted to be the first in Denver to have one so I found mine on eBay and flew to NJ to pick it up. I must say that Ford did respond quickly to some major trouble in the beginning -- my entire high voltage battery module had to be replaced after a couple of months and they did take care of it. Now I find the vehicle is running beautifully and fuel economy has improved to around 30mpg combined city/highway. The only misgiving I have now is having gotten a personalized plate (B-GREEN) Too many people want to talk to me in traffic and even some take pictures.
first time hybrid not so well
mrblue3, 05/24/2013
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
5 of 11 people found this review helpful
bought the car only six months ago and its running in to problems. the first couple months it ran awesome what i expected, good mpg for a suv with awd. now the cooling system for the HV battery is falling apart piece by piece, that seems to be just one of fords flaw with the beginning years of the escape hybrid. first it was the cooling fans the whole kit actually, parts plus labor about 700 at dealer. now the blend door actuator is not opening to allow air in to cool the battery. from what i was told by another diagnostic the ac is not working proplery, had that diagnosed and the rear ac line going to the battery is punctered. cant wait to trade it in for a fusion hybrid
Research before buying
What Savings???, 03/05/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased the Ford Hybrid without doing much research. I read the ads and believed them. My experience with driving the vechicle is far from the ads. The Hybrid I drive gets only 23 mpg average as opposed to the listed 33 to 29 on the sticker. My 93 Ford Explorer gets that kind of mileage, so I don't think it is my driving that is making the difference. In my opinion the design of the accelerator is the problem. The engine comes on when you accelerate too fast (they say). I accelerate at a creep (holding up traffic) and the engine comes on at 15 mph. The engine comes on if you turn on the AC or heater even more often than normal. With that, it is impossible to save gas, even in town.
Excellent Vehicle, but not for everyone
studmonsh, 03/31/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my new hybrid. Room of an SUV with the economy of a small car. Quite a few options, but I would have liked to seen more. Other than that, I'm very pleased. Best gas mileage in the city since the brakes regenerate the energy stored in the battery, which operates the engine up to 30-35 mph. Be warned-if you plan on putting a lot of highway miles on it, you're going to get close to the same efficiency of a regular Escape, which is still great for an SUV, but if you're paying the extra for hybrid technology, you'll want to make sure you'll make up for it by what you save on gas. Bottom line-it's not for everyone. Great for stop-and-go traffic and city driving.
The Best Small SUV
Rich, 01/29/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have been a die hard Japanese buyer since 1979. When the American car makers, especially Ford, design an SUV that not only looks as nice as the Japanese models, but also performs as well and has the fit and finish to match, you owe it to reward them for their effort and purchase this only Hybrid SUV at the moment.
Car is a gas hog!
Fran, 08/13/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'd hoped to come close to the sticker advertised MPG rating but so far, can't come close. I am not a hot rodder, but a 76 year old female who drives to drive the posted speed limit, city or highway and don't dig out at stop signs. The last fill up I got 17.95--not anywhere near the 33 or 29 MPG as advertised. I wished I had kept my 2000 Sable, as I got 24 MPG with that and did not have to sit in a furnace at a stop light unless I turn on the Max Air which turn on the engine. I have conferred with the dealer two times, the last time they said I should try PREMIUM GASOLINE!!! I bought this vehicle for economy not to break my budget. Is anyone else out there getting this bad gasoline mileage?
Not quite there yet...wait a while
zadscmc, 04/11/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
While the mileage is good (28mpg), the intstrumentl cluster has not been modified to the needs of a hybrid. No battery gauge (full/empty), no engine heat gauge (for hybrid efficency a need to know). CVT is horrid, needs a manual transmission. Interior doesn't work for a short person (5 foot) as the cupholders are hard to reach and the between seat storage is behind the seat. Dashboard is hard to read at dusk.
2005 Escape Hybrid
Susan, 01/06/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
From the moment I first heard about Ford planning an Escape Hybrid, I wanted one. I got mine in early November 2004 and have been very pleased. Except for a faulty computer brake problem (which was quickly diagnosed and fixed at no expense or inconvenience to me), I am delighted to drive this car. My favorite part is the handling -- the manauvering is smooth and easy. I have already hauled some furniture and other large items for my daughter who is moving to her first apartment -- and it is easy to fit things in and move out. My husband and I drove across the mountains in cold weather and it kept pace with or outperformed all the other vehicles on the road at all altitudes.
Hybrid Rip Off
Moe, 08/09/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I paid $10,000 extra for a Ford Hybrid Escape that doesn't come close to the advertised mileage. The Ford dealership doesn't want to hear from me anymore. They chose to insult me instead and say the difference in fuel economy is due to my "heavy foot". I have offered to have the dealership take my car for a month and prove to me that the Ford Escape Hybrid is capable of getting the 33 to 38 mpg that it is advertised at; however, they will not do that. Basically they have told me to pursue the lemon law. Ten thousand dollars buys a lot of gas even at today's prices.
Best Car I've Ever Had
Claire Kuhn, 09/27/2016
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
Over 222000 miles and 12 years old,...and could do more. I could have better combined mileage if I didn't drive fast on the highway. I think I still get around 32-34 in the city, but if you do 80 on the highway it more like 10-13 mpg. Have some rust though and it's getting to that point when I think I'd like a new car. Unfortunately, I haven't been impressed with what's out there now and so I just bought same car only with only 90k miles. My old car was just as smooth as new ones after all these years and gets better gas mileage!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A Hybrid Driver
uniongodess, 11/18/2004
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Escape is great, very fun to drive. It handles very well, the suv is the perfect size for daily tasks and for long trips too. The 32mph average is great.
Escape Hybrid
Ellahsue, 11/29/2004
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had it a week and am loving it. The pickup is better than you would expect for a hybrid. Although not loaded with bells and whistles, it has enough. Nice ride. Got 32 mpg on my first tank of gas.
700 miles, so far so good
Stevewa, 11/29/2004
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased this vehicle just over a week ago and so far am very satisfied. Mileage is near double the 2000 Volvo V70XC it replaced. My other vehicle is a 2002 Toyota Prius and the Escape Hybrid feels very comfortably familiar.
Escape Hybrid
John , 01/01/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is super fun to drive. The challenge of keeping the gas engine off and the eectric motor doing the work is a ball. It isn't great mileagewise going up mountains or at high (70+) speed so if you are going to use it like that expect 20% less than the quoted mileage. I've been averaging 31- 32 mpg per tank, except for my mountain and high speed trip.
Cautiously Optimistic
Electronhauler, 03/01/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Having used an Explorer 4x4 for over 10 years, I am really happy with this vehicle, especially in rough road/offroad situations. The Escape is far less agricultural than the Explorer, better handling, and that gas mileage (I'm getting about 28.5) means I'm saving over 2 gallons per hundred miles. The payback is not really there yet, but if gas stays above $2.20 then it's worthwhile. If you're a technophobe I'd stay away until it is more proven.
Great Performance
zadscmc, 06/01/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second hybrid, the first with a CVT. After getting "used" to how the transmission drives the car, the characteristics of electric assist, and the general drive of the SUV, we are now averaging well over 30 MPG. The dealer has been very good, and to date, we've had no problems whatsoever. We expect to be able to push this to 35 MPG by the end of the summer.
Love this vehicle
Ken Collier, 01/05/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this vehicle. The gas mileage, the look of the vehicle, the fold down rear seats and the quiet sound when the vehicle is in motion are some of my favorite things.
Mileage not up to expectations
Ann, 01/23/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been driving my hybrid Escape for 2 months. I love how it handles and accelerates but I have been disappointed in other features. The gas mileage is rated at 29 to 32 mpg. The highest I have gotten so far is 24.6 mpg for any city/highway combination. Ford has said it takes 10,000 miles of driving to "break it in". I paid a lot of extra money for the high mileage feature and now may not get what I paid for. Also, the interior fabric and door covering is of a lesser quality. Mine was wrinkled and I had to take it to the dealer to be steamed. I love the low emissions and the way it drives. If the mileage increases, I would recommend it to anyone who wants a midsize SUV.
Good Mileage and Fun to Drive
Jim in DC, 06/11/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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).
Ford Escape Hybrid AWD lives up to hype
wilbur, 01/27/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Electric Escapism
dw438, 11/11/2004
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. After taking test drives at autoshows and with dealers, and really needing a replacement this years for my '01 Escape, I took the plunge with an all-wheel-drive Hybrid. Smooth city driving, with enough pep to take on the interstates with ease. Has speed like a six-cylinder. Its new CVT transmission is as smooth as silk! And it's quieter than previous Escapes. Still can't get over the no engine noise feeling at a stop light, or in bumper-to-bumper city traffic!
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.
Very Impressive Locomotion
hammer60, 02/27/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
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.
A Grumpy Owner's Bad Dealer Experience
Grumpy Escape Owner , 04/02/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Transmission failed 170 miles. Ford was attentive to repair. Dealer's service was terrible in that the dealer took too long to repair and did not appear to know what to do. Dealer said vehicle would be ready at the end of the day and then calls three hours later to say engine removed and and vehicle would be ready sometime the following week. Extremely poor service from dealer and Ford needs to supervise repairs to assist the customer. Dealer refused to furnish repair manual information and allow third party inspection of transmission. Car returned with bracket hanging after 19 days. Ford needs to tell prospective purchasers that vehicle may have a long break in period of about 5,000 miles.
2005 Escape Hybrid
Mary Manley, 07/26/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very nice car for the price range with WONDERFUL gas mileage. I drive 100+ miles per day, mostly highway, and my average miles per gallon is now 36.2.
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.
It's great!
Sailor, 12/18/2004
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Hybrid for the highway driver
CJS, 05/30/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I thought I was going to buy a Toyota Highlander, but after comparing the two wound up with the Escape. This is my first American vehicle and I've been surprisingly happy with it considering how much I've hated some US-made rental cars. The interior controls are comfortingly similar to the Mazda I gave up (probably due to the fact that Escape was originally a joint Ford-Mazda project). The shift between gas and electric is imperceptible unless you're looking at the tach. The CVT and regenerative brakes give the car a slightly different feel than other cars, but not in a bad way. I do a lot of highway driving (24,000 miles a year) and have 6,000 miles in 3 months.
My Hybrid
Halle, 01/02/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Escape Hybrid looks great, is comfortable to drive and gets great gas mileage compared to my last suv. I wish the fit and finish were a little better. Quality of materials on the inside is on the cheap side but still looks ok. Ford skimped on things like lighted vanity mirrors, auto door locks and more convenient audio controls. Apparently the Escape has a few common defects which are disappointing that Ford continues to ship them without resolving the problems (seat belt sensors and air bag module). My new car sat at the dealer for 6 days during my first month waiting for a part. Now it is happening again. Also a problem with brake rotors.
Love my hybrid Escape
Patti Cornelius, 01/24/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Sonic Blue First Review
jomomma, 06/09/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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?
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.
First 3,000 miles
Double L, 03/12/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The driving experience is unlike any other. I have owned two other SUV's, ('98 Jeep Grand Cherokee & '02 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer.) This is closer in size to the Jeep. It lacks the power that I was used to in the Expedition, however on 15 gals of gas I can go 150 miles further. That's what it is all about now. $3.00/gallon gas is just around the corner. Acceleration is strange. The engine will rev-up but you don't move ahead proportionally. It almost feels like a slipping clutch on a standard transmission. That is normal in this vehicle. Braking is also different as the regenerative system provides the stopping down until 12 mph, then the calipers kick in. It handles well in the snow and cold. Learning more every day.
good to look at good for the environment
Lynn Godshall, 07/25/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It really works in Colorado - I have taken it off off road and I love it! Super great mileage in the city. Hybrids rule!
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.
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.
AWD Hybrid Escape
NYdriver, 09/12/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We now have close to 2000 miles and the gas mileage is 31.5 mpg. We like the SUV a lot. There is no other 4WD SUV that comes close to the gas mileage and living in the north east where the winters are brutal, 4WD is very important.
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.
Ford Hybrid, Go Green!
David Yates, 02/02/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With gas prices continually going up, it was time to re-think fuel economy. Although I would probably never have considered the Ford Escape (I was looking at minivans) the thought of a Hybrid SUV caught my attention. The Escape has a pleasing body line and the interior is adequate for a family of 5. While I may not be the tree hugging type, it is nice to drive past the local gas stations without turning in. If you are looking for quiet, this is the car for you. No engine noise, no road noise and handling which is very responsive.
Escape Hybrid
jknaul, 09/22/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
I'm disappointed
Wendy, 09/14/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Great SUV, Hybrid or Not
Phillip B, 11/08/2005
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
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!
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