2005 Ford Explorer Review
2005 Ford Explorer Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+102
Used Explorer for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
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.
Edmunds 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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Ford Explorer XLS Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$280/mo for Explorer XLS
Explorer XLS
vs
$207/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Ford Explorer.
5 star(54%)
4 star(29%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(1%)
153 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3 out of 5 stars
Very good car
Mohamed Morsy, 06/26/2016
2005 Ford Explorer XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
It is very stable on the road and it feels very safe to drive. However, they are lot of problems comes with that model such as the rear lift gate got stuck, transmission problem, the center lock motors problem, the paint peel from the hood and AC stopped working around 110K miles. It cost a fortune to repair these problems. Besides the battery cable got contaminated and almost burnt and … requires replacement. All the aforementioned problems are general problems for this model's owners. I completely advise not to buy a used one unless you are rich enough to afford the repairs.
4 out of 5 stars
2005 xlt with over 190,000 miles
vegasq1, 06/11/2014
2005 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
My explorer is great. It now has 190k miles and no issues. I keep it meticulously maintained with scheduled maintenance and oil changes. I hope it keeps it up for my 12 yr old in 4 years.
5 out of 5 stars
2005 FORD EXPLORER XLT
jeff279, 03/17/2014
2005 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
This is one of the best suv's we have ever owned!
We have owned it for 4 yrs and no problems at all Only thing we have done is a battery and alt.
Starts no matter how cold.
Great on snow
Alot of room for a xlt.
Great value
Love the all wheel drive
4.5 out of 5 stars
Solid Truck & Tow Vehicle
tbill2, 08/19/2011
2005 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 5A)
We bought this vehicle to tow a 5,500lb boat and it does it easily and safely.
We had bad reliability previously with a Ford Windstar and were reluctant to buy Ford again. But the Explorer fit into our garage (vs. the competing & huge GM products with 3rd row seating), had more than adequate tow specs, and had a nimble feel due to the independent supension.
6 yrs and 70,000 miles later … we couldn't be happier. It has required only minor repairs, oil, brakes, etc.
It rides smooth and quiet at xway speeds and is a powerful tow platform (glad we bought the V8).
Gas econ is 16 - 18 which is acceptable given the fact that this is actually a heavy body-on-frame truck vs. the hybrids which are n
2005 Explorer Highlights
XLS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $27,165 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $280/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 48.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Explorer include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
People who viewed this also viewed
3.9 average Rating out of 15 reviews. |
Starting at $35,990 |
4.1 average Rating out of 24 reviews. |
Starting at $37,090 |
4.3 average Rating out of 18 reviews. |
Starting at $36,650 |
Related Used 2005 Ford Explorer info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Ford Ranger 2011
- Used Ford Five Hundred 2010
- Used Ford Shelby GT350 2017
- Used Ford Shelby GT500 2012
- Used Ford Ranger 2010
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Ford Explorer 2019
- Used Ford Explorer 2016 For Sale
- Used Ford Explorer 2014
- Used Ford Explorer 2017
- Used Ford Explorer 2013
- Used Ford Explorer 2012
- Used Ford Explorer 2011 For Sale
- Used Ford Explorer 2018
- Used Ford Explorer 2010
- Used Ford Explorer 2015 For Sale
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2023 Toyota Sequoia
- BMW SUV X5 M
- Audi S4 Car
- Gla S
- 2023 Rivian R1T
- BMW X1 BMW
- 2023 Chrysler Pacifica
- G Wagon S
- XT5 Cadillac SUV
- 2023 Ford F-150
Research other models of Ford
- 2023 Ford Maverick
- 2023 Ford Escape
- Ford Ranger 2023
- Ford Transit Express
- Ford Bronco 2023
- 2023 Ford Ranger
- 2023 Ford F-350
- 2023 F-350
- Ford F-250 Super Duty 2023
- Ford Bronco Sport 2023
Research similar vehicles
- Q 7
- Envista Buick
- Chevrolet Chevrolet Equinox
- Rivian R1S
- Mitsu Outlander
- Jeep Compass
- Dodge Durango
- Chevrolet Suburban SUV
- BMW SUV X5
- Chevy Trailblazer
Other models
- New BMW Z4 for Sale in Waxhaw, NC
- Used Mazda Truck in Minot, ND
- New Kia Niro for Sale in El Dorado Hills, CA
- Used Mercedes-Benz Cl-Class in Eustis, FL
- Used Scion Ia in Vacaville, CA
- Used Volkswagen Beetle in Wayne, NJ
- Used Mazda Truck in Alpena, MI
- New Toyota Highlander-Hybrid for Sale in Cerritos, CA
- Used Nissan Nv-Cargo in Boaz, AL
- Used GMC Envoy in Swiss, WV