2005 Ford Escape

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The 2005 Ford Escape is the smallest SUV of the comprehensive Ford sport utility line-up. Highlights of changes for 2005 include a new and improved Duratec engines, 4 and 6-cylinders, and a thorough redesign. The Escape is geared active "young at heart" drivers and first-time SUV buyers who are looking for all the SUV capability with improved fuel economy and value.

The compact Ford Escape uses a unibody construction that allows it to handle more like a coupe than a sport utility vehicle. However, when you take to the trails, you'll be glad it isn't a coupe.

Available Models
The entry-level members of this entry-level compact Ford SUV include an economy-oriented Escape XLS Value and automatic transmission-equipped XLT 4-cylinder. The Series also includes, described in separate reviews, the XLT V6, the XLT Sport and the luxurious XLT Limited edition. Ford has also introduced a gas/electric Hybrid vehicle in the Escape configuration.

Interior Features
The 2005 Ford Escape has four doors and a rear lift-gate with flip-up glass for access to the cargo area. The cargo area, with the seats up, offers 33 cubic feet of storage space. The redesigned interior features a flow-through console, floor-mounted shifter, new gauges, more storage spaces and upgraded seat cushions and fabrics.

Though an entry-level model, the XLS offers power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, roof side rails and an AM/FM stereo with single CD, low-back cloth front bucket seats, 60/40 split rear seat, and air conditioning. This is a generous level of standards for a base trim. The XLT I-4 adds an upgraded audio system (AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer), premium cloth seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat and floor mats.

Exterior Features
The 2005 Ford Escape has had a face-lift. Its fresh, aggressive look features new headlamps, fog lamps, front and rear fascias. The lower bumpers in the front and rear have stylized ribs. 15-inch and 16-inch aluminum wheels and a honeycomb grille provide styling that will appeal to the Escape's target demographic.

Performance
Naturally, with Ford, one can expect good quality workmanship and a reasonable power profile. The Escape 4-cylinders both excel with an improved Duratec engine for 2005.

The 2.3-liter Duratec 23 4-cylinder engine develops 153 horsepower and 152 pound-feet of torque with enhancements that include a smoother idle and more responsive part-throttle response, compliments of new engine mounts and the sophisticated Black Oak powertrain management computer.

The XLS differs from the XLS Value with a newly-available automatic transmission replacing the standard manual transmission which returns this year with a new gearbox that features lighter shifting efforts and shorter throws.

Safety and Security
As a vehicle family designed to work for families, the Escape has a great focus on safety. The standard safety equipment list, even at the entry-level, includes dual-front airbags, automatic-off headlights, and antilock brakes with Quick Brake Assist, a system which recognizes hard braking and assists the driver in applying maximum braking force. Additionally, revisions to the body structure have improved performance in offset frontal crashes. Ford predicts the Escape to be the first vehicle in its class to meet the newly amended Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 for occupant crash protection.

As for occupant safety, the Escape is leading the field with the addition of standard passenger-seat weight-sensing technology and the Personal Safety System™ with an occupant classification sensor. LATCH child seat attachments in rear outboard seating positions, head restraints and three-point safety belts and the SecuriLock passive anti-theft system round out the list of requirements.

Finally, the Ford Escape offers the optional Safety Package that combines Ford's exclusive Safety Canopy™ rollover protection system with front side air bags.