2005-2008 Ford Escape: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Fuel economy
- Cargo room
- Passenger and cargo room (front seat)
Cons
- Acceleration (4-cylinder)
- Ride
- Noise
Vehicle Highlights
Introduction of a gas/electric Hybrid version topped changes to Ford's smallest SUV. Again offered with front- or all-wheel drive, the Escape also got a larger base engine, freshened styling, and additional safety features. This five-passenger, four-door wagon had a rear liftgate with separate-opening glass. Replacing a 127-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the base engine was a 153-hp 2.3-liter four-cylinder. Four-cylinder Escapes could have a manual transmission or, new for 2005, optional automatic. (Prior four-cylinder models came only with manual shift.) A 200-hp V6 with automatic transmission also was available. The Hybrid had a four-cylinder gas engine, assisted by an electric motor, for a combined 155 horsepower. Its electric motor helped save fuel by powering the Hybrid at low speeds and assisting the gas engine during acceleration. No plug-in charging was ever required; instead, the system recharged the motor's batteries when coasting or decelerating. The Hybrid used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that functioned like an automatic but had a near-infinite number of ratios. All models came with front-wheel or all-wheel drive; the AWD system did not include low-range gearing. For 2005, Escape's automatic-transmission shift lever was mounted on the floor console rather than the steering column. Antilock braking, previously optional, now was standard. Newly optional were head-protecting curtain side airbags for both seating rows. They were designed to deploy in side impacts and rollovers. Escapes also got revised front and rear styling. Ford said it had more sound insulation, too. Mazda's Tribute and the new 2005 Mercury Mariner were similar to Escape, but didn't offer a hybrid version at this time. Rivals included the Honda CR-V, Jeep Liberty, and Subaru Forester.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| 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 |
Year to Year Changes
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
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.
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 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $720 |
| Alternator | $355 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,350 |
| Brakes | $495 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $820 |
| Exhaust System | $950 |
| Radiator | $610 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $2,495 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $400 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2008 | |||
| Escape 2WD | $14,000-17,500 | $12,700-15,900 | $8,500-10,700 |
| Escape 4WD | $15,200-19,000 | $13,800-17,300 | $9,600-12,000 |
| Escape Hybrid | $23,500-25,500 | $21,600-23,500 | $15,300-16,600 |
| 2007 | |||
| Escape 2WD | $11,800-15,000 | $10,600-13,500 | $6,600-8,400 |
| Escape 4WD | $12,900-16,500 | $11,700-15,000 | $7,500-9,600 |
| Escape Hybrid | $20,200-22,000 | $18,600-20,200 | $13,100-14,300 |
| 2006 | |||
| Escape 2WD | $10,200-13,500 | $9,200-12,200 | $5,300-7,000 |
| Escape 4WD | $11,300-14,500 | $10,200-13,100 | $6,200-8,000 |
| Escape Hybrid | $17,000-18,700 | $15,600-17,200 | $10,900-12,000 |
| 2005 | |||
| Escape 2WD | $8,800-11,500 | $7,900-10,400 | $4,600-6,000 |
| Escape 4WD | $9,800-12,500 | $8,800-11,300 | $5,100-6,500 |
| Escape Hybrid | $14,000-15,500 | $12,700-14,100 | $8,500-9,500 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.2 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 174.9 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.1 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 69.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3347 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 66.3 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.4 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.2 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.6 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.3 / 138 | 153 | 152 | 5-speed manual: 22/26 4-speed automatic: 19/22 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 182 | 200 | 193 | 4-speed automatic: 18/22 | 4-speed automatic: 17.5 |
| dohc I4/electric | 2.3 / 138 | 133 | 129 | CVT automatic: 33/29 | CVT automatic: 31.7 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
NHTSA Recall History
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