Handling, smooth ride, strong engine

not enough compartments, melting dash,

My husband and I did a lot of review on SUV's. I choose the 2005 Ford Escape and I have have been happy with it. Since I live in New Mexico it gets hot. And when it is hot my dash begins to melt and gets very sticky. I have taken it back to the dealer and they washed it with soap and water. I can not put papers or anything else on my dash because it will be stuck to the dash. I can not take it to a car wash because they wipe the dash down and I am afraid of what will happen. It has been two months and the Ford Customer Care Rep still has not contacted me on this matter. My husband and I have owned 8 Honda's until I sold my Accord for my Escape. And I never had a dash melt before in a car.

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FYI... The Ford Escape 4WD (Intelligent 4WD)is not really a 4WD...it's more akin to an AWD system... The Intelligent 4WD System uses a fully computer-controlled clutch that engages the rear wheels only as needed. In normal conditions, it is driven by its front wheels. Using sensors at each wheel and at the accelerator pedal, the system’s computer calculates – dozens of times per second – exactly how much torque to send to the rear wheels to minimize slip. It can even predict slip and preclude it from happening at all. The Intelligent 4WD System eliminates one of the drawbacks of other four-wheel-drive systems tuned aggressively for maximum traction, which is a binding effect during tight turns and a feeling of driveline harshness when the system engages. The Intelligent 4WD System can sense tight turns and continuously vary torque to the rear wheels at all speeds, offering the benefits of a "locked" four-wheel-drive system without any of the drawbacks. Additionally, this system is alwys on...it never needs input from the driver. Hope this helps future buyers make an informed decision...

roomy, strong engine, excellent gas mileage. super handling. sweet styling.

none so far.

Just bought a new 2005 escape XLT V6. This compact suv is awesome. I only have 300 miles on it right now but love this vehicle. I shopped around alot before purchasing this escape. test drove honda crv and the toyota highlander and chevy trailblazer. The escape stomped these other vehicles by far. the escape handles very well has plenty of room. I'm 6'3'' and 260 pounds x college football player and i fit well in the front and back seats without a problem. Ford has taken care of the previous transmission problems that i have read about. the center console shifter is excellent. Didnt go with 4x4 becuase my last vehicle was a 4x2 ranger and i didnt have a problem driving in heavy snow so i dont see wasting money on 4x4. And if you need 4x4 to use on the roads my guess is you shouldnt be driving anyway becuase 4x4 only helps acceleration and not stopping. but if you are looking for a serious offroad vehicle then go get a real offroad vehicle duh. I well post futher reviews on this vehicle as i drive it and let anyone know of problems with it. People have complained about the styling so if you want style purchase a cadillac or a lexus.

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Because Ford Escape is a mid-size car the handling and driving is excellent and easily manageable in the freeway and side streets.

Sensor on the battery started to light on and was worn out. The bigger problem is the transmission.

I have no problem three years from the time I bought my Escape. But after that while on a long drive my car stalled just right when I exited the freeway. I was lucky it was closer to home and manage to park in my driveway. The problem was the transmission.

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I have Mazda MPV for 13 years now and I never have problem with transmission whatsoever. I was warned not to buy ford when I was about to buy this car. Now I know why other people do not consider this car a choice.

-Perfect size -Drives well on highway -I think it gets good gas mileage -Good looking small SUV

With only 42,000 miles on it I have started to have more problems. I worry about my Escape! The back windsheild wiper had to be purchased from the local Ford dealer because it is an odd size. When I first purchased the vehicle the airbag light was on and off, on and off. Then finally the dealer here figured it out and fixed it! I have also had problems where sometimes I put the key in the ignition and it won't move, it is like it is stuck and then I have to use all my strength and it works. Lately the brakes have been making some noises but I was told that is just brake noise and they work!

I have enjoyed my Escape up until the past couple of months. I have had to purchase a new battery with less than 40,000 miles on it and I have had to get a hose to the power steering replaced because it corrided.

V6 power; just the right size; back row seats fold flat to floor for better hauling; excellent forward and reverse visibility!

Ignition switch is in bad location and should be illuminated for night driving; excessive break dust from factory installed brake pads; could use better sound insulation from road noise.

I have ready many of the reviews. Personally, I have experienced none of the mechanical failures in the 14 months owning my wife's used 2003 4x2 XLT now with 37,000 miles and the nine months I have owned my well used 2002 4x4 XLT now with 117,000 miles. I love the way they drive and the power of the V6 in both. I was very impressed with the 4x4 ability this past winter. Break dust is a problem on my wife's, but I get no break dust on mine most likely because the rotors have been replaced with better brake pads than the OEM pads. The handling, and ease of manouvering and parking these SUVs are outstanding. I just returned from a 2100 mile road trip between Cincinnati and Dallas and averaged 23 mpg with my 2002 4x4. I can't complain.

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Simple, practical design. Roomy and versatile. Manoevrable. Can be driven faster than the 4-cyl would suggest.

Mechanical problems. No manual transmission with V6. Flimsy jack makes wheel changing impossible.

I bought a 2001 Escape XLS 4-cyl 5-spd new in August 2001. I settled for the 4-cyl because I decided it was more important to have the manual transmission than a V6. Had the V6 been offered with manual, I would have jumped at it! First the good points. Compact and easy to manoevre on the outside, mid-size room on the inside. Considering how much interior space there is, it's hard to believe this vehicle is just 14.5 feet long! Handles more like a car than an SUV. Effortless 80mph+ cruiser if the cops aren't looking. I feel I can drive this vehicle in any situation, and be confident it will be on its best behaviour. The 2 litre engine is a bit too small for a 3500lb SUV, but the engine is willing, and low gearing helps. This vehicle begs to be driven fast, and with judicious use of the gears along with anticipation and skill, you can break free of the pack. I have done several 700+ mile trips in it, and frankly, I would have paid a few hundred more to replace those spine-jarring front seats with better ones. My goal was to keep it at least five years or 80K miles, but after 60K, my wife is insisting I trade it in. Why? How many reasons do you need? The second clutch is dying. This is the first car I have had where the clutch needed replacing. The alternator has been replaced twice, and the battery once. The water pump has been replaced. An oxygen sensor died. The steering wheel is literally cracking up! At least this one doesn't stall! The scissor jack is dangerous to use, and too flimsy to hold up the car, as I found out to my cost! Invest in a 2-ton+ hydraulic jack before taking your Escape on a road trip. Fuel economy is not helped by the need to drive this vehicle harder than most to keep pace with the traffic here in Miami, and avoid Miami's many "car in Drive brain in Neutral" drivers. A V6 would require a lighter touch on the accelerator, and be more economical. At this point, I'd rather spend my money on a car payment than car repairs, so Toyota or Honda, here I come!

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My wife has a 2002 Toyota Highlander from new, and has had no trouble with it. My next car will be Japanese and soon!

Room enough for even big people. Good interior with easy access. Solid feel overall.

Could use a little more power. Gas gauge not calibrated correctly. Tilt steering needs more range.

Year Model 2005 (hey webmaster, you should include the 2005's in the drop-down selection ) I rented the 2005 Escape from Budget in Maui and drove it a 1000 miles. I'm 6'6" and found it to be more comfortable than many full size cars (Century, Grand Am, Malibu etc.) The vehicle handled very well in the mountainous terrain. It provided just enough power to ascend 10 thousand foot elevations without overly straining and negotiated hairpin one lane roads with confidence. Braking was good but no emergency stops were attempted. The powered moonroof was nice but could have had better opening/closing controls. Cargo space was excellent. Center console was well thought out, there was even a niche for my camera. Engine performance (V6) was adequate although nothing to write home about. A turbo-charge option or a larger engine would have certainly helped but Ford offers nether. Transmission shifted smoothly and second gear worked well on steep descents. I liked the Escape almost as much as our Tahoe. And in my opinion, the moonroof is a must.

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Gas mileage was not that bad

Very cheaply made. Rattled continuously. Leaked oil with only 40,000 miles on the vehicle. Transmission went out 3 times with no warranty left. Brakes failed several times and vehicle would die while going down the highway at 60-80 mph.

My review of the 2001 Escape is not a good one. My wife and 2 year old daughter were nearly killed because of a vehicle defect that caused my wife to lose control of the vehicle and crash into trees down an embankment.

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none

strong V-6, plenty of room, sort of comfortable, handling, fun to drive!

shifter, ignition switch in a strange place, creaking noise from rear somewhere, factory tires are junk. where can you find an 11 inch wiper for rear glass?

I have had the escape for almost a year. only problem is the engine light. came on when i put some bad gas in it and has never went off. i have unplugged the battery to reset it but it doesnt help. the car accelerates well and shifts smoothly. the gear shift is awkward and the tilt steering is worthless. 6 disc in dash changer is very handy. other than that its a very good car for a very good price.

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