2005 Ford Escape XLT review from North America

Engine Check light: Warranty, Fuel tank vent sensor faulty.

Difficulty fueling. Automatic overfill trip on forecourt keeps triping. Takes 25 minutes to manually "squeeze" and fill up. Not funny when winter here gets to -30c! Warranty, replace filler pipe assembly. Result better, but not perfect.

Not yet addressed: Rust seeping from back hatch glass seal on inside! I don't want this rust to spread to the hatch metalwork.

In the last couple of days yet to be addressed: A/C stuck on. This is not a major rush this week because it is currently +30C.

The dealer changes oil and oil filter only at service interval. They have never rotated the tires, greased the door hinges or changed the air filter which are all requirements of the service schedule. After this last service (40K), I prefer to service this vehicle myself to be sure it is done properly because I will be buying out the residual at lease end. I have checked the legal situation with this and as long as I keep my receipts for the servicing items I do not invalidate my warranty.

Generally I like this car a lot. It drives very well, is comfortable, moderately cheap to run, and is generally reliable. If ford went the extra 10% with this vehicle it would be a great car instead of a good car.

Dashboard beeper for seat belt not worn (offroad use), indicator left on, door open, keys left in, ashtray full (sarc) etc. Drives us nuts! It is not possible to listen to the radio while working outside the vehicle with door open. The dealer is unable/unwilling to silence the damn thing. Out of frustration I personally removed the instrument cluster and cut the circuit board track to the beeper (took 10 minutes)...Bliss!

Car came with silly side steps along the side (flimsy for show only). These gather road salt like mad in the winter and this rubs on your leg as you get out. The car is not that high from the road to justify these. Removed and improved the look of the vehicle while curing the salt build up problem (sure to cause major rusting).

Exhaust system is hung quite low for an off road capable car. I have to remember this and compensate accordingly when driving over mud, snow/ice, ridges and ditches.

Car seems a little underpowered for a 3.0L, but this is probably because it is an automatic. I would have preferred a manual trans, but 4wd & manual trans not available in Canada.