2005-2008 Ford Escape: Road Test
Updated: 11/23/08
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Our road test for the 2005-2008 Ford Escape includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Ford Escape and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Ford Escape is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Value for the Money
By any name, these compact SUVs are solid, spacious, practical, and pleasant enough to drive. In 2005-06, they ranked as Best Buys. Competitive new-car pricing has made them high-value alternatives to some larger truck-based SUVs that use more gas and don't have significantly more interior space. Still, these are among the oldest designs in the compact-SUV field. Until the Mariner offered a gasoline/electric powertrain, the Escape Hybrid was America's only compact SUV hybrid, and it adds fuel savings to Escape's other attributes. Though base new-vehicle prices have been relatively steep, an Escape doesn't compromise performance. Escape resale values have been lower than those for most Ford products, which can be good news for used-vehicle shoppers.
By any name, these compact SUVs are solid, spacious, practical, and pleasant enough to drive. In 2005-06, they ranked as Best Buys. Competitive new-car pricing has made them high-value alternatives to some larger truck-based SUVs that use more gas and don't have significantly more interior space. Still, these are among the oldest designs in the compact-SUV field. Until the Mariner offered a gasoline/electric powertrain, the Escape Hybrid was America's only compact SUV hybrid, and it adds fuel savings to Escape's other attributes. Though base new-vehicle prices have been relatively steep, an Escape doesn't compromise performance. Escape resale values have been lower than those for most Ford products, which can be good news for used-vehicle shoppers.
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Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford Escape AWD XLT Sport Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
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