2005 Ford Explorer SUV Review | Edmunds.com
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2005 Ford Explorer SUV

 
 
 
Edmunds Review (143) MPG

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Ford Explorer Features and Specs

Features & Specs

  • Engine 4.0 L V6-cylinder
  • Drivetrain Four wheel drive
  • Transmission 5-speed automatic
  • Horse Power 210 hp @ 5100 rpm
  • Fuel Economy 13/18 mpg
  • Bluetooth No
  • Navigation No
  • Heated Seats No
See All Features & Specs
 

Review of the 2005 Ford Explorer

  • A functional interior, ample passenger space, strong powertrains and a well-controlled ride all contribute to the 2005 Ford Explorer's well-deserved reputation as a practical midsize SUV with few faults.

  • Safety

  • Pros

    Excellent ride and handling characteristics for a truck-based SUV, strong optional V8, comfortable cabin with user-friendly layout and seating for up to seven, good crash test scores.

  • Cons

    Dull cabin design with some low-grade materials, low resale value, confusing controls on high-line models, lousy fuel economy.

  • What's New for 2005

    The 2005 Ford Explorer receives minor interior and exterior trim changes, and the AdvanceTrac stability control system is upgraded with…

 
What Others Are Saying

Customer Reviews

  Average Consumer Rating (143 total reviews)

Now scared and confused

by on
Vehicle: 2005 Ford Explorer XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Bought my 2005 Explorer XLT in 2006 with 18K miles on it. My wife drives it for the most part and only has 76K in Jan 2014; it is and has been the PERFECT vehicle. A Utah to Texas trip once a year and normal driving in the city. Prior to reading some of the horror stories below I slept well at night but I will toss and turn tonight. I bought it expecting similar reliability as I did with my '93 F-150 which gave me 225K miles before I sold it but will now look over my shoulder. I do maintain it religiously though, hopefully that explains my experience I can only hope.



Kinda like my explorer

by on
Vehicle: 2005 Ford Explorer XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

I got my explorer as a second vehicle because I was trying to keep my miles low on my 2009 Mazda 6 SI sport fully loaded. At 97K and for my engine to be running as well i t does, I made a good decision. Disadvantage is my transmission doesn't switch as quiclk as my mazda but I deal with it. I wove how I could go outside in the snow and no one else can drive like I can. Overall its a good secondary car and as long as its good to me , ill be good to it.


9 of 33 people found this review helpful

Explorer does work but is

by on
Vehicle: 2005 Ford Explorer XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Recently hit 116k miles. I started driving it around 112k. I drive this SUV as hard as I drive my 2001 Jaguar XJ8. I whip it around corners, accelerate hard, weave it through the twists at high speeds and the Explorer takes it all pretty well... but doesn't give me feedback like the Jag does. It doesn't react, and driving is not enjoyable as much as it is scary. I freak out and feel like I'm losing control of it, something I've never experienced in the XJ8. But the Explorer is resilient. The transmission has handled my coasting-in-neutral practice, high speed travels and incessant shifting well. With my driving style, abominable gas mileage is not just occasional, its expected.


 
 

Full 2005 Ford Explorer Review

What's New for 2005

The 2005 Ford Explorer receives minor interior and exterior trim changes, and the AdvanceTrac stability control system is upgraded with roll stability control for better protection against rollover accidents.

 

Talk About The 2005 Explorer



2005 Ford Explorer Discussions See all Started By

ohio_pam
ohio_pam
09-28-2013
Ford Explorer Glass Door Hinge Failure
My 2005 Ford Explorer rear glass door hinges sheared off without warning and injured my hand. Ford is aware of this defect problem--the working hinges supporting this heavy glass door are ordinary pla...

fordmn
fordmn
12-13-2012
How To Tell If Side Curtain Airbags In A Used Explorer
We have been looking for a used 2002-2006 Ford Explorer. On our must haves is the side curtain airbags that protect the front and rear passengers. I am a bit confused as to how to tell what kind of si...

cbear19
cbear19
11-25-2007
2005 Explorer Limited - Cold Air From Glove Box?
It's winter here and we've just bought a 2005 Explorer Limited....


See all 2005 Ford Explorer discussions
 

More on the 2005 Explorer

 
 
Gas Mileage

EPA-Rated MPG

  • 13
  • cty
/
  • 18
  • highway
Calculate Yearly Fuel Costs
 

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