2005 Ford Explorer Reviews, Full Information & Pricing

Pricing

$27810 to $38050

ORIGINAL MSRP

$4925 to $5690

PRICE RANGE

$5360 to $

AVERAGE PRICE

$5292 to $5353

YOY PRICE CHANGE

Pros

The 2005 Ford Explorer remains a popular choice in the midsize SUV segment, offering versatility, power, and practicality. Below are the top five pros of the 2005 Ford Explorer:

1. Strong Engine Performance The 2005 Ford Explorer comes with robust engine options, including a 4.0L V6 and a 4.6L V8. Both engines deliver ample power for daily driving, towing, and off-road adventures. With a towing capacity of up to 7,300 pounds, this SUV is perfect for hauling trailers or boats.

2. Spacious Interior This model provides generous space for passengers and cargo. The three-row seating accommodates up to seven passengers comfortably, making it a great option for families. Foldable rear seats offer flexible cargo storage, enhancing its practicality for road trips or errands.

3. Excellent Safety Features Safety is a standout feature of the 2005 Explorer. Equipped with advanced safety systems like anti-lock brakes, stability control, and optional side airbags, the SUV earned high ratings in crash tests. This makes it a reliable choice for those prioritizing security on the road.

4. Off-Road Capability With available four-wheel drive (4WD) and rugged construction, the Explorer handles off-road terrain effortlessly. Whether navigating muddy trails or snowy roads, its performance instills confidence, making it suitable for adventure seekers.

5. Comfortable Ride Quality The independent rear suspension ensures a smooth and stable ride, even on rough surfaces. Its refined handling and quiet cabin contribute to an enjoyable driving experience, ideal for both city commutes and highway trips.

Cons

The 2005 Ford Explorer, while a popular midsize SUV, does have certain drawbacks that potential buyers should consider. Below are the top five cons of the 2005 Ford Explorer:

1. Poor Fuel Economy The 2005 Ford Explorer struggles with fuel efficiency, averaging around 15-20 mpg depending on the engine configuration. This makes it less ideal for those seeking an economical daily driver, especially with rising fuel costs.

2. Limited Third-Row Space While it offers three rows of seating, the third row is cramped and better suited for children than adults. The lack of legroom in this area can make long journeys uncomfortable for rear passengers.

3. Mediocre Interior Materials The interior design, while functional, is dated and features lower-quality materials. Hard plastics dominate the cabin, which may feel less premium compared to competitors in the same class.

4. Transmission Issues The 2005 Ford Explorer is known for potential transmission problems, particularly with higher mileage. Owners have reported issues such as slipping gears and hard shifting, which can result in costly repairs.

5. Large Turning Radius Maneuverability is a challenge due to the SUV’s large turning radius. This can make parking in tight spots or navigating urban areas more difficult compared to smaller SUVs or crossovers. Key SEO Keywords: 2005 Ford Explorer cons, Ford Explorer drawbacks, used Ford Explorer, Ford Explorer reliability, SUV fuel economy, midsize SUV issues, Ford Explorer interior problems.

2005 Ford Explorer: Rugged Truck-Based SUV with Standard Stability Control

The 2005 Ford Explorer maintains the tough, straightforward spirit of early 1990s trucks. It continues to embody a durable and reliable design that car enthusiasts and practical drivers appreciate.

Marking the end of its third generation, which began in 2002, this model is built on a robust truck frame. The Explorer 2005 comes equipped with heavy-duty features that provide unparalleled strength and versatility—many of which exceed typical daily driving needs but ensure exceptional durability when required.

A notable enhancement for the 2005 model year is the inclusion of standard stability control. This crucial safety feature greatly enhances driving confidence, offering improved handling and control in various driving conditions, making the Explorer not only rugged but also safer on the road.

3.2

out of 5

EXPERT REVIEW

Look & feel

Performance

Form & function

Technology

Safety

Cost-effectiveness

Timeless Rugged Design: The 2005 Ford Explorer

The 2005 Ford Explorer continues a legacy of rugged, practical design that has remained largely unchanged from its early iterations. Stemming from a designer’s sketchbook, this model echoes the essence of the 2001 Explorer and even the original 1991 model at its core.

Enthusiasts appreciate the Explorer's boxy silhouette, high ground clearance, and large tires—features that have become iconic. Its square headlights, small rectangular grille, vertical taillights, and tall glass windows define its strong, durable character. While details like moldings, wheels, and bumpers see subtle updates, the Explorer's overall form remains functional and unpretentious, even in premium trims like the Eddie Bauer or Limited. True to its philosophy, form follows function without sacrificing ruggedness.

Inside, the 2005 Explorer mirrors the simplicity and utilitarian design of the Ford Ranger, despite no longer sharing its platform. The cabin features flat seats, a broad, straightforward dashboard, a column shifter, and essential controls for radio, climate, and 4-wheel drive. Even with upscale touches such as two-tone leather in the Eddie Bauer edition, the Explorer stays true to its roots, offering reliable utility rather than imitating luxury models like the Lexus RX.

2005 Ford Explorer: Engine Options, 4WD, and Towing Capacity

The 2005 Ford Explorer offers two robust engine choices paired with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The 4WD models feature a sophisticated 2-speed transfer case for seamless "shift on the fly" transitions and the option to shift into a low range when stationary for greater torque. Notably, the single-speed all-wheel drive (AWD) option has been discontinued.

At the heart of the Explorer is a standard 4.0-liter V6 engine delivering 210 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain, combined with a 5-speed automatic transmission and optimized drivetrain gearing, provides ample performance for most needs. For those requiring superior towing capabilities—specifically above 7,000 pounds—the available 4.6-liter V8, shared with the Crown Victoria sedan, offers 239 horsepower and a robust 282 lb-ft of torque. While V6 trims can tow up to 5,760 pounds, the V8 variant expands this capability for more demanding tasks.

The 2005 Explorer stands out with an off-road package that includes an upgraded suspension system, skid plates, tow hooks, and all-terrain tires. These enhancements underscore its heavy-duty, off-road-ready design. Furthermore, its independent rear suspension improves stability at higher speeds and around curves compared to previous models, providing a controlled and comfortable ride. However, its truck-based roots are evident under extreme conditions, so cautious driving is advised.

Fuel economy is not the Explorer's strong suit, but this is expected in a vehicle built to tow heavy loads like large boats in adverse weather, accommodating up to seven passengers. Both the V6 and V8 engines consume fuel generously, whether equipped with 4WD or not. Modern EPA estimates suggest fuel economy ratings of approximately 13-14 mpg city, 17-19 mpg highway, and 14-16 mpg combined. For those seeking a more fuel-efficient daily commuter, the Ford Escape might be a better choice.

Spacious and Functional: Inside the Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is designed to maximize interior space without compromise. With 49 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row and up to 86 cubic feet when the second and optional third rows are folded down, this SUV offers plenty of room for all your gear and luggage.

For added comfort and versatility, select trims like the Eddie Bauer and Limited offer optional second-row captain's chairs. While the third-row seating is comfortable enough for children, it may be a bit snug for adults, emphasizing practicality over luxury for extra passengers.

The Explorer's interior is built with simplicity and durability in mind. The dashboard layout, gauges, controls, and switches mirror the straightforward design found in the Ford Econoline and F-150—functional, rugged, and reliable. While the cabin may not boast high-end elegance, its no-frills approach ensures that all essential controls are easily accessible and dependable, perfectly suited for daily driving and family adventures.

Ford Explorer Trims and Features: XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer & Limited

The base Explorer XLS is thoughtfully equipped with power windows, locks, and mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, an AM/FM/CD stereo, a tilt steering wheel, and 16-inch steel wheels. For those seeking added benefits, the XLS Sport includes a tire pressure monitoring system and stylish alloy wheels for enhanced safety and aesthetics.

The XLT trim introduces a host of comfort and convenience features, such as a six-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and puddle lights under the side mirrors that activate upon unlocking. Additional amenities like a compass and outside temperature gauge provide practical navigation and comfort. The XLT Sport builds on these with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights, 17-inch wheels, and a five-digit keypad on the driver's door for effortless locking and unlocking.

For those desiring superior luxury, the Eddie Bauer trim offers two-tone power heated leather seats—eight-way adjustable for the driver and six-way adjustable for the passenger. It also features dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable pedals, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, an upgraded stereo with a six-disc CD changer, and elegant wood trim accents. The Limited trim fine-tunes these features with refined color schemes and trim details for a more upscale appearance.

While rear air conditioning and rear parking sensors are optional on most trims, note that these features are not available on the base XLS. This allows each Ford Explorer variant to be customized, offering practicality, safety, and luxury to suit diverse needs and preferences.

Advanced Safety Features of the 2005 Ford Explorer

The 2005 Ford Explorer is equipped with essential safety features that prioritize driver and passenger protection. Standard equipment includes dual front airbags, ABS, and traction control, ensuring a solid foundation for safe driving. Introducing a major update for 2005, Ford added a stability control system known as AdvanceTrac. This system could have prevented accidents in previous models, especially those affected by unstable Firestone tires at high speeds.

Despite the significant safety advancements, some previous features were discontinued. Notably, front side airbags are no longer offered, although front and rear head curtain airbags remain an available option for enhanced protection. Ford's delay in implementing AdvanceTrac, despite its availability in the industry, underscores the importance of this feature in preventing potential accidents.

Safety ratings for the Explorer are commendable. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2002 Explorer a top "Good" rating in the moderate front overlap test. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the Explorer highly, awarding four out of five stars for the driver and five stars for the passenger in frontal crash tests, and five stars for both driver and rear passenger in side crashes. These ratings reflect the Explorer's commitment to safety and reliability on the road.

2005 Ford Explorer: Pricing, Features, and Big-Truck Utility

The 2005 Ford Explorer offers a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. Pricing starts at $27,810 for the base XLS model equipped with a V6 engine and rear-wheel drive (RWD). For those seeking more power and four-wheel drive (4WD) capability, the Limited V8 4WD trim can reach up to $38,050.

While the Explorer is known for its robust, utilitarian design, it may not match the fuel efficiency or agility of many car-based competitors. The engine tends to consume more gas, and its handling might feel less nimble compared to smaller SUVs. However, these trade-offs are often acceptable for drivers who prioritize the Explorer’s rugged appearance and substantial towing or off-road capabilities.

For individuals who value a vehicle with a big-truck feel and the ability to handle heavy-duty tasks, the 2005 Ford Explorer stands out among midsize SUVs. Its combination of space, power, and traditional SUV styling makes it a reliable choice for those seeking a utilitarian vehicle that can handle both daily driving and demanding adventures.

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Last Updated On Jan, 18-2025

Still the rugged, basic truck of the early 1990s. The 2005 Explorer was the last of the third generation, which debuted for 2002. It's based on a truck frame and has more heavy-duty chops than many of its owners will ever use. Key for 2005 is standard stability control.