2005 Ford Explorer Review
2005 Ford Explorer Review
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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 $3.56 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$274/mo for Explorer XLS
Explorer XLS
vs
$208/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Ford Explorer.
5 star(54%)
4 star(28%)
3 star(12%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(1%)
152 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 | $27,165 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $274/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
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
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