2005 Ford Escape LX 3L V6 from North America

Summary:

Very nice small SUV with some nice special touches

Faults:

The sun-roof electric switch failed. It opened OK but would not close reliably. Dealer replaced switch.

General Comments:

When I went looking for a car, I wanted one that fit my frame. I like to sit away from the steering wheel. The Escape was one of few I had to actually move the seat forward to comfortably fit.

I also do not like to duck getting in and out of the car. Many smaller SUVs have such low ceiling heights, I would bang my head getting in or out. The Escape has excellent clearance.

I get 20mpg average over city/highway.

Driving position is good, well above other vehicles for good visibility.

The sound system is awesome, but I have noticed the CD player seems to keep spinning the CDs even when turned off. CDs are HOT when removed from player, but I have had no problems, yet.

I wanted a tow package, but the Escape was not wired for it. Adding the receiver was not difficult, but wiring the lights was a challenge. If I had not taken one off the lot, I would have had the tow package factory-installed.

The paint is a step up and red metallic glint. Very nice. Gets good feedback from people riding and seeing it. I have had many favorable comments.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th October, 2005

2005 Ford Escape XLT V6 from North America

Summary:

The Perfect SUV

Faults:

Nothing, except someone or something broke out my foglight : (

General Comments:

This SUV is a 40 mile daily driver and has been taken on several trips across the state.

It has a lot of power for a V-6 and is surprisingly roomy. It handles very well and does not feel top heavy, like some SUV's.

I have the XLT package with the sunroof, MACH 6 Disc, and running boards.

I love the new look of the interior for 2005 and the shifter placement.

The exterior is also, more appealing and it looks like a top dollar SUV.

I would recommend this SUV to anyone. The value is good and it has been extremely reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th September, 2005

12th Feb 2006, 13:05

Well as far as roll over, any car/truck/suv can roll over if you don't drive responsibly. Living in Dallas you can just about see any type of vehicle on its roof at one time or another.

21st May 2011, 10:41

I have a 05 XLT. It now has 132,000 miles on it. I have spent a grand total of $64.82 on repairs thus far (seriously).

1. The hose from the windshield washer tank came off of the pump motor. They replaced the hose and added a clamp for $59.00. (Took off quarter panel to access)

2. The oil drain plug head was stripped. Replacement was $5.

3. Wally World replaced a tail light bulb for 82 cents during an oil change.

That's it. THE most reliable vehicle I have owned out of 15 or 20.

22nd May 2011, 12:13

After taking my Ford Fusion on several business trips, my boss became a Ford fan, and traded his Honda CRV for an Escape. He is very happy with the Escape, and finds it far more comfortable, quieter and better built. He has had not a single problem with the Escape, and is now looking at trading his wife's Accord for a Fusion. Ford is blowing away the competition with the newer offerings. In addition, the resale value is rising tremendously. A 2006 Fusion is selling for more now than it did two years ago.

2005 Ford Escape from North America

Summary:

A potentially dangerous vehicle

Faults:

Defective hood latch.

General Comments:

The defective hood latch caused the hood to fly up and smash into the windshield at a speed of 60 mph. My view was obstructed and I was just barely able to see enough to pull off the freeway. The glass shattered and I was hit in the eyes with glass particles. I could have been killed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th August, 2005

7th Feb 2006, 00:15

Since 1970 all the windshields have plastic in the middle, so no glass could get in your eyes.

7th Feb 2006, 08:53

That last comment is not true. Windshields, when broken, do let small pieces of glass fly into the interior of the vehicle. As a manager of a truck rental company, I have seen my share of broken windshields, be it by accident, vandalism or road debris. All of those vehicles have small chunks of glass throughout the front of the vehicle, small chunks, and fine glass particles.

7th Feb 2006, 14:15

The posters are really talking about two separate issues.

Cars and trucks have safety glass which will not shatter if a stone hits it or something similar. But if you actually smash the window the glass will shatter (although in a more controlled manner) causing small fragments to enter the cabin. But these fragments are not similar to those found if you dropped a glass in the kitchen. The safety glass keeps the fragments "large" and therefore safer.

21st Dec 2008, 22:36

True, glass will enter the cabin. A rock hit my windshield at high speed two weeks ago (1998 Ford Escort) and although it did not come through, it did break the inner glass surface and leave sharp shards of glass on the dash above the instrument cluster.

In reply to 7th Feb 2006, 08:53

17th Sep 2020, 14:00

If a flying baseball hits a window, the window breaks with glass shattering and can cut you if you're too close. If a flying baseball hits a car windshield, it will crack it, but no shattering glass in your face. I think that's the point trying to be made.

In reply to 17th Sep 2020, 14:00

17th Sep 2020, 22:56

The commenter said he works at a truck rental company and sees broken glass due to windshield damage inside all the time. Are you saying those actual examples observed repeatedly out in the field aren’t accurate?