I bought my 2005 Escape XLS (4 cyl/5 spd) after owning multiple import small economy cars (Mazda, Acura, Honda). My wife previously had an Explorer which we liked, so I was looking for a smaller version of that. I wanted something which was roomier, rode and handled well, and was economical. So far I feel the Escape lives up to that. I looked at several other options (RAV-4, XTerra, Tribute, CR-V, Vue), and while I did think the CR-V was impressive, for the price the Escape came closer to what I wanted (Ford was offering rebates of 2K at the time). In the last year Ford has changed several things which I liked. They revised the front end, and put in a larger 4 cyl engine (2.3 liter with significantly more horsepower than the old 2 liter), with a sportier transmission. The new full console and modified gauge cluster also added to a sportier feeling. The acceleration is good, and I'm getting around town what the EPA numbers - ~24mpg. Its handling is good. I drove it through several sets of twisting roads in some hills prior to buying it and felt it handled them well. I like how roomy it is. Even though it isn't large I feel I am able to store a fair amount of stuff. It might not lead its class in room, but its seems to be on the upper end. I think that the interior isn't as high of quality as some of the other makes, but most of that is the materials, not how they fit together. The seats are firm, with maybe a bit too much thigh support, but I've always liked firm seats. I haven't taken it on a long trip yet, so my feelings could change after I do that. The headrests I like, but my wife did feel that there were too far forward, and that she had to lean the seat back a bit to get her head comfortable. The body clad molding that goes around most of the car is a plus. Some other small SUVs don't have it all the way around, and I've had too many cars that have had innumerable scrapes on the lower door panels, and rear bumpers (even with mud flaps), I sincerely hope the molding will be an improvement in long term durability (at least I won't have to get them painted). I do wish the molding around the wheel wells was standard as it is on some other small SUVs, instead it only comes with specific packages in the Escape. The stereo is the base AM/FM/CD unit, its nothing special, but then I didn't expect it too be. The ergonomics on the stereo and HVAC controls are not as well laid out as some of the others - including its near twin the Tribute. I also liked the fact that the spare tire was not hanging off the back door/hatch, and that it does have a hatch on the back. The glass opening separately is a nice feature as well (though I wish opening the glass activated the inside light - had the same wish on our Explorer if I remember correctly). Having a hatch saved me from getting soaked in the rain multiple times with the Explorer, and I assume it will do the same with this Escape.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 17000
Condition: New Model Year: 2005 Model and Options: XLS
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