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 51 through 60 of 146.00

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  AMERICAN - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By CHARLIE2323 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  YOU CAN TELL WHEN YOU DRIVE THIS CAR IT WAS MADE AND DESINGED IN AMERICA. YOUR TYPICAL AMERICAN MADE CAR, WE MAKE THEM REALLY NICE BUT AS THEY SAY ITS WHATS ON THE INSIDE THAT COUNTS. IM SO UNHAPPY WITH THIS CAR ITS BEEN IN THE SHOP TWO TIMES IN FOUR MONTHS. I SHOUDA, WODA, BOUGHT A HONDA OR TOYOTA I WANTED TO BE PRO AMERICAN BIG MISTAKE.

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  Awesome - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By josh - December 20 - 7:06 pm

  Great truck. Awesome 4 wheel drive system. Amazing in snow. Not what I expected at all. Best car I ever owned. Love it. Used to hate Ford until this

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  Not Bad - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By TXGuy - October 21 - 9:26 pm

  I have owned my XLT for 2.5 years. It has 41,000 miles on it. Nothing mechanical has broke down. The leather seats were replaced at 34,000 miles due to excessive cracking..no questions asked by Ford. The original Michelin tires had to be replaced at 30,000 miles. It has been a good car. There is a weird vibraton noise under the drivers seat. I have not had any other issues...handles like an SUV, but still a good contender for the mid- size SUV buyer. I might consider the Toyota 4Runner next time simply because it keeps its value better.

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  Great reliable SUV - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By deb - September 22 - 9:31 am

  Ive had this Explorer for almost 3 yrs without any problems except for one minor problem with the cd player..the cd got stuck in it...they fixed it for me immediately with no charge. Actually I love this car but because of the poor gas mileage I am going to get something else when my lease expires. The pickup is great,good brakes and good road feel. I feel very safe in this car.

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  IMHO - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Pam - July 15 - 12:16 pm

  This was a good buy with all the rebates. The interior was nice and you can easily put 5 people in it. Used to have an Explorer and traded it in for a Jeep Liberty. The Liberty is very safe and gave it to my teenager. The Explorer is smaller than the Expedition but much more roomier then the Liberty and it better gas mileage.

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  great getter arounder - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By george / djr 8 - June 4 - 9:13 pm

  my 2wd Independent rear supension with limited slip axle is great for off road -- no 4x4 needed.

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  Gas Hog - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By okmarshal - May 16 - 4:52 pm

  Ive had my 05 almost three months, traded in a 98 2WD with 96k and very few problems. The greatest disapointment is the terrible gas mileage-14.2 avg. is the best Ive had so far. My 2WD got 17-20 mpg on avg. which ends up being aprox. 2 fillups a week vs. every 1 1/2-2 wks. with 2WD, Knew 4WD would be worse but not that much difference. Would not recommend this vehicle to anyone on a tight budget

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  Powertrain Problems - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By pava - March 28 - 11:51 am

  My second Explorer, first one did not have any issues. Bought it used with 30000 miles on it. Driveshaft was vibrating, dealer replaced, worked OK to 40000 miles when check transmission light came on. Dealer spent two weeks repairing, cost was covered by extended warranty. After the repair rear differential began to make noise. Also shifting was not as smooth as it used to be. Have decided to trade it in.

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  Dependable - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By P. Hardin - March 23 - 3:31 pm

  Had my Explorer for 2 years. Very dependable. Love the body style. Love leather but the 2005 Explorer leather seats are not good. Cracked and looked unkempt within the first year. Would like to see improved gas mileage. Thought it would be better on the V6 than what I am getting. The V8 does just as well. Would I buy another one? Yep, probably so. Overall I really enjoy my Explorer.

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  Nice Ride - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Dan - March 12 - 12:57 pm

  Having already taken a ride in the Toyota 4Runner (small headroom) and the Chevy Trailblazer (engine whine), I decided to hop into an 05 Explorer. And Im glad I did. The driving experience is a remarkable upgrade from the 97 Explorer. Its a very easy vehicle to drive and maintain (cheap insurance compared to 4Runner). Also, Im getting about 19.1 MPG with a 65% highway, 35% city driving experience which is great compared to the Tahoe.