2005 Ford Escape: Tester's Comments
Archived Review
2005 Ford Escape ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $19,425 -$28,455
- Invoice: $18,097 -$26,314
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Ford Escape
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2005 Ford Escape. See if the 2005 Ford Escape is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2005 Ford Escape |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | XLS |
| Arrival Date: | 06/28/2004 |
| Engine: | dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | 4-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | Yes |
| Base Price: | 19,405 |
| Price as Tested: | 21,560 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 5601 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 6190 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 589 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 28.706 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 20.52 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
Advertisement
Major Options
Step Bars, Roof Rack With Horizontal Crossbars, 15" Aluminum Wheels, Retractable Cargo Cover, Convenience Group (Floor Mats- Front and Rear, Speed Control, Perimeter Alarm), Side Air Canopy
From the Back Seat
John Biel
The front-drive Escape XLS tested here came in at $21,560 delivered with a number of safety and utility options. That's an excellent price for a no-nonsense small SUV. Fuel economy from the plodding four is not bad for this class of vehicle.
Mark Bilek
Escape isn't the most-refined small SUV, nor is it the most fun to drive. But it is still very competent and affordable priced.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2005 Ford Escape |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | Hybrid |
| Arrival Date: | 10/11/2004 |
| Engine: | dohc I4/electric |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | CVT automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 26,380 |
| Price as Tested: | 30,825 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 3298 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 4182 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 884 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 31.196 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 28.34 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
Advertisement
Major Options
Appearance Pkg., Energy Audiophile and Navigation System, Canopy and Side Air Bags, Floor Mats, 110 Volt Power Outlet, Leather Comfort Group, Retractable Cargo Cover
From the Back Seat
Mark Bilek
This is the first hybrid I have driven that made sense. Why get a Civic Hybrid, when a normal Civic gets 35 mpg? Why put up with all of the baggage that comes with the Prius? The Escape Hybrid is just like a regular vehicle, but with much better fuel economy. The price, however, makes it prohibitive. Even getting 30 mpg, vs. 20 mpg with the V6, it would take eight years to pay for the difference in retail price. That, my friend, does not make good business sense.
Rick Cotta
I figure I got about 10 mpg more than I would have in a V6 version. But the hybrid system seems to tack on about $3000--tough to make up in fuel savings--and our tester sure didn't strike me as a $30,000 vehicle.
Tom Appel
Getting 29 mpg in a largish compact SUV is pretty cool. I think the tradeoffs still outweigh the fuel savings, but this is the most useful application of hybrid technology yet.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
