First of all, as an owner of both an '05 and an '06 I can give you a review of both.....they are both great cars. I like the '06 a little better mainly because of the color combo and the fact that I have been driving it lately. The '06 has a few more bells and whistles available such as the running boards, moonroof and the side impact airbags. Both of mine have the exact same packages except my '06 has the side airbags. Also, very important, the '06 has a better security system - the '05 has the perimeter alarm but has no coded key or ignition disabling system. The '06 also does a little better on fuel, possible because as I have driven more I have gotten the hang of it more but it seems to me the '06 has a better program for controlling the on/off cycles of the gas engine.

Neither of mine have the Nav/Audiophile system. Since I don't have it, i never missed it. The GPS would be cool but the stock system is "okay". I had a problem with the CD player in the '05 until I yanked it and put it into the '04 gas Escape I traded in for the '06. I now have an '04 system in my '05 that I like better. I have heard tat the CD player was a problem but my '06 works fine.

The non-NAV/AP vehicles have a mileage monitor which shows average mileage since the last reset (can be reset any time). It also shows distance to empty which seems to be based on your average mileage and 14 gallons of the 15 gallon tank.

I think that is all. Sorry I can't help on the NAV system since I don't have it. I love the cars and if I had known a little more, a little earlier i would have waited and got two '06 models. No complaints at all though. I have a couple pics in the gallery of mine. The red one is the '05.

Good luck in your dealings with the dealerships. I paid well under list or both of mine but that was about $1 a gallon ago......

Let us know if you want more info. Also look at the mileage database - these things actually can do the EPA rated milegae with some patience and practice.

Ray