2005 Ford Explorer Review
Price Estimate: $1,228 - $1,986





+59
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.
For sale nationwide
65 listings
- $2,995great price$1,860 below market
- 140,000 miles
- 2 accidents, 7 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 5 Seats, 14 City / 19 Hwy MPG
- PC Auto Sales (1,386 mi away)
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
- Towing Hitch
Close
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Introducing the 2005 Ford Explorer XLT - a versatile and reliable SUV that will exceed all your expectations! This spacious and powerful vehicle is pe...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/19 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1FMZU63K95UA19833
Stock: 05FordExplorer
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-21-2025 - $3,620good price$5,006 below market
- 219,937 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 5 Seats, 13 City / 18 Hwy MPG
- AutoNation Ford Littleton (587 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
Close
Located in Littleton, CO
4.0L Sohc V6 Flexible Fuel Capable EngineSolid PaintThis vehicle includes a Money-Back Guarantee* and passed our precise inspection process. Best ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
15 Combined MPG (13 City/18 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1FMZU73K65ZA46738
Stock: 5ZA46738
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-23-2025
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$245/mo for Explorer XLS
Explorer XLS
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Ford Explorer Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Very good car
3 out of 5 starsMohamed 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.
2005 xlt with over 190,000 miles
4 out of 5 starsvegasq1, 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.
2005 FORD EXPLORER XLT
5 out of 5 starsjeff279, 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
Solid Truck & Tow Vehicle
4.5 out of 5 starstbill2, 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 | $245/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 48.6 cu.ft. |
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
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