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 1 through 10 of 146.00

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  2005 FORD EXPLORER XLT - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By jeff279 - March 17 - 7:13 am

  This is one of the best suvs 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

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  Now Scared and Confused - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By gespin - February 7 - 1:10 am

  Bought my 2005 Explorer XLT in 2006 with 18K miles on it. My wife drives it for the most part and only has 76K in Jan 2014 it is and has been the PERFECT vehicle. A Utah to Texas trip once a year and normal driving in the city. Prior to reading some of the horror stories below I slept well at night but I will toss and turn tonight. I bought it expecting similar reliability as I did with my 93 F-150 which gave me 225K miles before I sold it but will now look over my shoulder. I do maintain it religiously though, hopefully that explains my experience I can only hope.

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  Solid Reliable Truck - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By john - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Weve had the truck since 06 with 20,000 miles we now have 100,000 and have only changed the fluids on it regularly. We had one issue with the heating dial on the dash, but otherwise has been one of the most reliable and solid SUVs weve ever owned including our Toyota and Nissan. Well probably just keep it, put another 100k on it and pass it on to our kids!

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  Nice SUV with plenty of power - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By HappyDriver - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought Explorer new. No major problems at all. Some small issues, tire pressure sensor malfunction, gas cap sensor cause service soon light on, but nothing worse in 5 years time. Never stranded or stalled, been most reliable vehicle so far after bad luck with a few GMs, still runs good as new. Gas mileage not bad for V8, avg 16-19 in town & 22-25+ highway. Comfy interior, good layout. Plenty of power with V8, lots of room (7 passengers) but still feels sporty to drive. Great stereo (have the 6-disc w/ MP3 upgrade)! Overall, love this Explorer!

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  Best midsize SUV - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Kerwin Chan - August 16 - 1:56 am

  So far the best SUV i have own and driven... better than the toyota rav4, mitsubishi montero... excellent buy for a fully loaded eddie bauer edition.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Mi70 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Great Suv I have had no issues and I am very happy with the Explorer.

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By nymets78 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my explorer for all the great features including the 4WD, third row seat, dual climate control. The towing package is great as well and it tows very well.

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  What you would expect. - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Rick - April 18 - 9:20 am

  Right now the deals on these are unbeatable. For the price you need to pay to get into one of these there is nothing out there that can touch it. It has an average-above-average rating as a mid-size SUV at a small car price.

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  Great looking and fun to drive - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Mark - December 12 - 6:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle for my wife and she loves it. The new chrome wheels, step bars and roof rack really set it a part from the others. Gets lots of looks, and has the upgraded stereo that sounds great. Best sounding radio I have ever heard in a factory Ford. Had my doubts about the V-6 but it has plenty of power, although if I was going to do much pulling I would go with the V-8, but only 20 or so horse power difference. All the power the wife need to carry the baby and groceries.

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  Safe Family Vehicle and Easy Driver - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Garrett - December 5 - 1:06 am

  Bought my Explorer last month, and absolutely enjoy it. My wife loves it as well. We like the exterior and interior looks, we like the comfort, and tighter-than-most trucks turning radius, and we like the outstanding five star crash ratings. We bought it for room to carry baby things, for the four wheel drive, and for safety. Recommended to any family, small or big!