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 61 through 70 of 146.00

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  DEPENDABLE - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Maureen - February 17 - 9:36 am

  This is my fourth Explorer, 2005 Limited - tried and true! Did not look for any other models when replacing my 2002 Ford Explorer Limited. The only improvements that I would recommend would be the gas mileage, a cell phone and possibly navigation system. It does take Ford slightly longer to get with the updated designs and features. With the success of this model they should be the cutting edge of technology in the automobile business. My other car is a 2005 BMW 745IL.

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  Great Value - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By tlc75372 - January 7 - 9:44 pm

  All around great value, fun to drive and reliable vehicle. I have looked at many other vehicles including sedans since purchasing this one tempting myself to trade, but every time I come to the same conclusion that my Explorer was a tremendous value and that I would be trading down or drastically overpaying for something else. I dont know if the great deals are still out there but it was impossible at the time for any other dealer to come even close to the price/value of the Explorer XLS.

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  Ford Girl - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By SpeedDemon - January 3 - 3:13 pm

  LOVE my Explorer. Tons of spunk, can leave almost any other vehicle sit at a stoplight with my 4.6 v8. Previous cars were a Crown Vic, Mark VIII and a 95 Cougar all with the 4.6 v8, but only a 4 speed tranny. The 5 speed tranny on the Explorer utilizes the power of the 4.6 much more efficiently between 40 & 80 mph. Dont drive much - got this for hauling my birds and cats. The flat fold of the back seat makes hauling all the pet carriers much easier.

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  05 Ford Explorer XLT V8 - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Gary Andears - December 8 - 6:34 pm

  Since owning our 05 Explorer it has been nothing but a joy. This is our third Explorer and the 05 with the V8 is fantastic. It is all there - ride, comfort, and reliability. The on board computer center says we are getting 17.8 MPG. Not bad since most of our driving is NOT highway miles.

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  2nd Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By specialawp - October 27 - 7:02 am

  The Explorer is all around fun to drive. It handles like a car, but still feels like an SUV. Highly recommend leather!

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  Jeep man buys Ford Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By robert d. whearty - October 12 - 10:13 pm

  Had two Jeeps prior to buying a 1999 Grand Cherokee in May of 1999. It became a nightmare. Fortunately I bought the extended warranty; 6 sets of front brakes by 56K, rear axle, hood & tailgate springs, air conditioner 4 times, etc. Traded it for a 2004 Explorer in August of 2004. Explorer has been a pleasure, routine maintenance only, nice ride, lot of room, third seat helpful, took it back and forth to Florida, good trip car, have the "6" would suggest the "8" if you do highway driving or towing. Would buy another one but would get the 8 cylinder.

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  Never again! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jeffrey - August 26 - 2:53 pm

  A year ago I traded in a Toyota Camry for a Ford Explorer, a mistake I will not soon forget. Explorer was fine for about 6 months. Since then, Ive had a check engine light, ABS light, and Battery Light come on all the time. Dealership has "fixed" the issue twice. Also, there is a noise and vibration coming from under the drivers seat and the dealer cannot figure it out. The leather Ford used in the XLT model is awful - I have cracks everywhere. Also, my wife has a Buick Rainier V8 suv and she gets better gas mileage than I do in a V6...go figure? I will never buy another Ford product, nor do I recommend them to anyone.

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  Very good car - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Mohamed Morsy - August 1 - 12:14 am

  It is definitely one of the best cars I have ever owned. It is very stable on the road and it feels very safe to drive. However, they were some problems such as the rear lift got stuck, the center lock motors problem, the paint peel from the hood. but it is still one of my best cars because of its spectacular mechanical performance.

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  Not All That Great - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jim - July 28 - 3:10 pm

  Underpowered, fuel eating V-6. Not very comfortable to drive, blinker lights go to signal detent too easily when you select them for changing lanes. R\rear window wiper switch hard to locate and turn on. Power seat buttons hard to operate without opening door. You can feel the torque converter or something like it when you slow down from 70 to 55 same with going down a steep hill. Rear hatch leaks when it rains. All in all in my opinion this is not such a great vehicle for the money.

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  Explorer Not a bad Choice - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Donald - July 15 - 11:13 am

  Great Family vehicle for safety!