2005 Ford Escape Review
2005 Ford Escape Review





+75
Used Escape for sale
Ford Escape model years
Ford Escape types
- SUV
- Hybrid
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful V6, quick and efficient hybrid model, large cargo capacity, comfortable interior, carlike handling, optional side curtain airbags.
Cons
- Four-cylinder models feel unrefined at high rpm, so-so interior materials quality.
What’s new
The 2005 Ford Escape gets a freshened look and some new mechanicals. Last year's base 2.0-liter engine is replaced by a new 153-horsepower, 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that's available with either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. This new engine is a more viable choice for budget-conscious buyers, and like the V6, it can be matched with a new electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system. Meanwhile, the V6 engine has been tweaked to provide improved throttle response. Antilock brakes are now standard across the line. Interior updates include a floor-mounted shifter, new gauges, upgraded seats and additional storage. The most significant improvement inside is the addition of the optional Safety Canopy rollover protection system. Further, the vehicle's structure has been modified to better absorb offset frontal impacts, and the backseat gets a full set of three-point belts. On the outside, all Escapes have reworked front and rear fascias with a new grille design and headlights. Finally, an XLT Sport model joins the lineup.
Edmunds says
Still one of our favorites in the category, the 2005 Ford Escape is a very capable small SUV thanks to its powerful V6 and hybrid electric engines, spacious cabin and carlike handling.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Ford Escape XLS Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.56 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$188/mo for Escape XLS
Escape XLS
vs
$188/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Ford Escape.
5 star(69%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
409 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
I Love my Escape!
missg3, 05/28/2014
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
I owned my Escape for just over 15 years, until the day that someone ran a red light and t-boned me. I still miss my Escape. It had 132,000 miles on it, ran like a champ. I never had to do anything other than regular maintenance things to it...very sad ending to a wonderful vehicle. I still cry when I see one driving down the road.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Ford Escape purchased brand new
kyleservice, 05/11/2012
2005 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
We picked up this Ford Escape new in 2005.
So far in 2012, it has about 72,000 miles on it, with absolutely zero problems so far.
(Well, I did have to replace the battery this spring.)
This SUV still has the same tires, same brakes, same exhaust system.
I've looked at the front and rear brakes, they look like they'll go many more miles before needing replacement.
We might have to … replace the tires this fall, this is Wisconsin, and we do have snow around here.
4 out of 5 stars
Rusty SUV, But Good
jfohl, 10/05/2014
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
I bought this SUV last winter with 100k miles on it. Took it to my mechanic to get all the filters, fluids changed, who found rust holes in rear passenger inner wheelwell that compromised the strut and safety of vehicle. Fixed that, and took all the plastic cladding off exposing more rust than I've ever seen. Driven 20k miles and no real mechanical problems except the exhaust needs … replaced. Very simple interior compared to new vehicles. AWD system is excellent. I get 20mpg. 3.0 engine may have been powerful 10 years ago, but its relatively slow compared to today's SUV standards. These are great deals if you are looking for an AWD vehicle.
4.63 out of 5 stars
First Escape, not the last
bnosay, 04/25/2014
2005 Ford Escape XLT AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
I've owned my 05 XLT AWD for 5 years now and only ever had problems with coil packs going bad. I think it's a great little SUV that has just enough room for my family plus the dog and any luggage we need.
Seats stain somewhat easily but overall quality I give it a 9 out of 10. There are some design flaws like the rear seat headrests that cause terrible blind spots. but other than that, … nothing major. Its small enough to whip into parking spaces and maneuver yet big enough that everyone is seated comfortably up front and room in the back.
My favorite - gas mileage. no one believes me but I get 23-24 MPG on a regular basis. Roughly
320 Miles to a tank. can't complain
188,000+ strong
2005 Escape Highlights
SUV
XLS
Base MSRP | $19,425 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $188/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 29.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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