2005 Ford Explorer Review
Fuel Economy
14 - 16 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
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.
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 roll stability control for better protection against rollover accidents.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Will buy another
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Purchased used with 33,000 miles now have 88,000 I have had no problems at all. 20 miles per gallon w/air and 18 city. Change oil every 3000 miles. Air does blow on my feet though when it is put on upper flow only. Runs great good pickup to pass when air off. Will purchase another. Had Chevy Lumina and had to replace engine at 100,000 miles, Had Buick Regal had continuous problems Had 2003 Implala some problems and traded in on the 05 Explorer. Glad I did.
Favorite Features
Seat comfort I do long drives to FL. Good gas mileage for this size. Tight feel.
Suggested Improvements
Air flow,
Won't have another one...
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Overall, the vehicle has been pretty reliable, but the transmission has been horrible from the get-go. It kicks real hard when going into reverse and response time is super slow at all times. Rear windows stick at times. A crack suddenly appeared next to the ford logo on the back. Have since noticed several other explorers with the same crack. This was my first new vehicle and has not left me with a good impression of American vehicles.
Favorite Features
Roomy, comfortable, good-looking.
Suggested Improvements
Throttle body/transmission needs work, 6 disc changer would be nice, gas mileage is a letdown.
Transmission
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Ford Explorer XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I have heard lots of stories about bad trannies. Changed all my fluids at 30,000. I was told that this might be an important factor in the longevity of the transmission. Mine has always had an annoying jerk going from park into gear even from new. (My 4runner was a smooth bump like it should be) Other than that and the LR window not working all the time it really hasn't given me any problems.
Favorite Features
Lots of cargo space. Handles nice on the freeway.
Suggested Improvements
12 miles per gallon or worse in town with the 4.0? Wow! I could'a had a V8!
My 2005 Explorer-information needed
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Bought with 89,000 miles, now has 105,000 and still looks and drives mint. Need to find out two things. Have a leak in the sprayer hose for hatch window (somewhere between passenger front and rear doors) and lumbar adjustment has quit working. I would like to know where to get repair information on these two subjects. Can anyone help?
Favorite Features
Best reliability and most fun vehicle I have ever owned (including my '66 impala!)
Suggested Improvements
none...keep making them Ford! We'll keep you in business even though the other two need hand outs! Love the Crown Victoria too!
Disenchanted
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 2 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Ford Explorer XLT Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I purchased my Explorer (XLT-V8) new back in 2005, and had a great time with it the first two years. Then last year, started noticing the truck would "lurch" when shifting gears, or going into reverse. It was out of warranty when I took it in to the dealer to have the transmission looked at and was told it would cost me at least $2500 just to have the solenoid replaced and the transmission inspected, with potential additional costs. Took it to Aamco and had the transmission rebuilt. Runs great now, but now the AC comes and goes and cruise control is fickle. Have dumped about $5 grand into it in the last 6 months, and am now looking at trading it in for a Toyota!
Favorite Features
Room...Oodles and oodles of room. Acceleration is awesome. Exterior styling is great!
Suggested Improvements
Transmission is awful. Fix the Cruise Control.
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