Overview & Reviews

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.

• 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.

• Dull cabin design with some low-grade materials, low resale value, confusing controls on high-line models, lousy fuel economy.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 146.00

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  On the road with my Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By papadlh - July 28 - 6:19 am

  I purchased my 05 Explorer used with 32,000 miles. Today I have 93,000 and have had only a couple minor problems. A CD was stuck once but after a restart it came right out. The AC/heat blows in on my leg and should be moved to a different location. The fuel mileage is almost 20 MPG with about 800 LBS of gear and an overhead rack. It is a Flex-fuel vehicle but does not perform as well on E-10. The AdvanceTrac is instantly responsive and would buy another just for this feature alone.

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  Poor Quality and Dealership Service - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By kgkdh - July 21 - 10:13 am

  It is an expensive car and silly us, we expected good quality and service. It is a real shame considering that we owned an Explorer before this car (and many other Ford cars) and trusted the brand and dealership. Not anymore. After owning the new $35K car for only four months, the dimmer switch went bad, smelling of burnt rubber whenever the lights were on. The smell was choking and we couldnt even drive the car. The dealership wouldnt even give us a loaner car during the repair! Now 4 weeks later, the smell in the car is back, and the lights are blinking. They gave us a hard time again about a loaner car. Poor dealership service. Poor reliability. We are very disappointed in Ford

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  Great Car So Far - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Charles - June 24 - 11:01 am

  Bought mine a couple of months ago. Its a good solid consistent series of vehicles. Ive always had them. Actually had leather put in. Mileage isnt that bad. I got it up to 21.1 after four hours on the highway. Gotta have the leather though. Dealer actually put it in fore me. smooth ride, great interior and though it doesnt display it, it will take e85 ethanol!

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By richard - June 19 - 9:36 pm

  Have encountered no problems with vehicle. Maintenance costs are very reasonable, much lower than on our non-Ford vehicle. On recent trip from Colorado at 75-80 mph we averaged 21.4 mpg on regular. City driving averages 17.5 mpg. This is a great vehicle and a great value.

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  Not Nearly As Good As Expected - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By michaela - June 8 - 8:28 am

  Traded in a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo that is sorely missed, for the Explorer in 2006. Instantly regretted the decision. The Explorer is not as comfortable or fun to drive. The gas mileage is worse. There is an electrical problem with the lights that the dealer cannot figure out. The dash cannot be fully lit without the "open door" warning coming on. Now, the rear left window has seized in the down position on a Friday night. It is impossible to manually put the window up, so it cannot be secured until Monday! I miss my Jeep!

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  Love my Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By love my truck - May 14 - 3:33 pm

  I love driving my new 2005 Explorer. Already owning a 2002 Explorer, I was sold on the new advance-trac system on new 2005 Explorer. The driving is more positive and the ride much smoother. I also upgraded to a third row seat and factory installed DVD player. Ford Explorers just keep getting better!

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  Going great so far - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Okay for Us - May 8 - 9:17 am

  Bought new, no troubles with engine at all. Rear hatch lifters had to be replaced and was done under warranty. My gas mileage runs around 16 mpg mostly in city. Wish it were better!

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  Nice - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By D McIntyre - May 7 - 1:33 pm

  A very nice ride. Comfort is great. Ease to use. Like it alot.

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  Love it so far - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Anonymous - March 29 - 2:48 pm

  Weve only had this a few weeks but I am completely in love with this vehicle. I had a Toyota Corolla before, and I hated being so low and vulnerable, and putting my daughter in the backseat was always a chore due to its low ground clearance. The Explorer handles amazingly well, and I really like that its equipped with stability control and has independent rear suspension. The running boards are a great feature, and I really like the leather. Some people had issues with it being poor quality, but our particular vehicle is already 3 years old, and the leather looks to be in great shape still with no cracking or tears. I love the third row seat, and I love how much space there is.

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  Ford Transmission are Terrible - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By dennis - March 1 - 8:40 am

  This is my third Explorer. I had a 98 that the transmission had to be rebuilt at 70K. Unfortunately, I was hit and it was totaled soon after. I bought a 2002. Started getting transmission warning lights at 36K. At 69K Ford finally admitted they cant find the problem and bought it back. I got a marginally OK deal if I bought a 2005. At 35K the converter went while I was on vacation. Spent part of my vacation sitting in the dealership and had to rent a car. I got the car back in time to return home. Back with Ford 3 times for the same problem in the next 3 mos. Now at 65K the trans is overheating and leaking. I am waiting for the diagnosis from the dealer. MY LAST FORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!