The 2005 Ford Explorer is a well-rounded, capable mid-size SUV that’s aged well over the years. The engine could be a little more fuel-efficient, the towing capacity could be a little better, but you’re not going to find many SUVs delivering this much value under $5,000.
Is the 2005 Ford Explorer a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – Looking at the 2005 Explorer objectively, it’s mediocre in more ways than not. But it’s far from a lemon.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – It’s a mid-size that almost feels like a full-size. Just make sure to check for premature rust in the suspension.
- Reliability 7/10 – The engine and powertrain have a good chance of crossing 220,000 miles. But expect to pay for a lot of nickel-and-dime repairs over those last 50,000.
- Safety 7/10 – Stability control and anti-lock brakes are a nice touch, but a driver-side door coming detached during the NHTSA crash test is worrying.
- Gas Mileage 6/10 – The 2005 Explorer wasn’t the most efficient mid-size SUV back in 2005, and it certainly isn’t now.
- Value 9/10 – It’s not the best mid-size SUV on the market, but it’s one of the best for the price.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2005 Ford Explorer?
Consumer Reports were impressed with the improvements made to the 2005 Explorer over previous models, praising the steady ride and versatile interior. They felt the V6 engine could have used a bit more oomph, and that the Explorer isn’t really an off-road contender, despite its adventurous name.
Kelley Blue Book users give the 2005 Explorer a decent 85% recommendation, with drivers saying that the SUV is fun to drive and long-lasting, but you’ll probably have to make a lot of little mechanical fixes here and there on the way to 200,000 miles.
Edmunds liked the Explorer’s handling and smooth ride, as well as the comfortable cabin and the optional V8 engine. They felt the interior materials were a bit cheap, the fuel economy could be better, and the interior design was bland and outdated.
What Common Problems Does the 2005 Ford Explorer Have?
Structural issues make up around one third of the 2005 Ford Explorer’s 564 complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Issues range from excessive rust in the roof rivets to broken sun visors and premature corrosion around the welds in the subframe.
Powertrain issues make up about one in five of the Explorer’s complaints, with drivers reporting rough shifting, fractured shifters, and total transmission failure before 150,000 miles. Most Explorers that have passed that mileage are probably going to reach 250,000, but be cautious of “like new” Explorers with very low mileage.
There are 26 complaints on file for visibility, with the major issue here being broken windows. In affected units, the glass in the back window may crack or shatter when the defroster is engaged on cold days.
The 2005 Ford Explorer has 3 recalls on file with the NHTSA, plus 2 investigations and a side impact concern, with the driver door having detached in the NHTSA’s crash test.
How Long Will the 2005 Ford Explorer Last?
If you don’t wind up experiencing premature transmission failure, your 2005 Ford Explorer should easily last a minimum of 200,000 miles with regular maintenance, and possibly 250,000 or more with excellent care. You’ve probably heard of Explorers lasting 300,000 miles or more, but that’s unlikely to happen if you’re not buying new.
RepairPal estimate an annual maintenance cost of $732, with the most expensive fix being a new fuel level sending unit at around $1,027 to $1,211.
I have never had a problem with my car. For me it has always been reliable and there when I need it.
It is absolutely reliable. It has been with me almost 9 years now. It got me through different road trips and vacations.
Very reliable and no driving problems. And is easy on gas. Also is very roomie and plenty storage room.
It is a very reliable car. I have owned it for seven years and it has required minimal maintenance during that time.
Yes it is reliable. I have had no problems with the explorer that I drive. Mechanically everything works very well.
The car has many problems. Rust, breaks need fixed, the temp meter is broken, very costly on gas. Spend a lot of money on gas.
The 2005 ford explorer limited has been a reliable car for me for a few years. The previous owner kept it in great shape. There has been a few problems, just like any older vehicle, but they were fixable. My air conditioning has gone weird and blows from certain vents. Shifting has recently become an issue and we may need a new transmission soon. The back hatch has a crack in it which is a problem with most explorers in the older models.
I think that the 2005 ford explorer XLT is a reliable car! I haven't had any major issues with the vehicle. It starts when I need it to and runs smoothly.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology onboard the 2005 Explorer is decent considering the year it came out. CD players are standard, and the Limited edition comes with a 6-disc changer and seven speakers.
Safety features are a little bit better than you might expect of a 2005 SUV. Anti-lock brakes and AdvanceTrac with roll stbaility control are included as standard features, and you’ve got full airbags with seat sensors.
Is the 2005 Ford Explorer a Good Value?
A 2005 Ford Explorer is a good value, with a mid-range XLT typically listing at around $3,812. An entry-level XLS usually lists at a few hundred dollars less, and the high-end Limited for a thousand dollars more.
Cost of ownership isn’t bad, but there are more fuel-efficient 2005 SUVs to be found, and more reliable ones, too. But, most of them will cost you a little more than a comparable Explorer. A 2005 Ford Explorer is one of your best options for the price.
What are the Different Models of the 2005 Ford Explorer?
The 2005 Explorer is available in 4 basic trim levels, from the base XLS to the high-end Limited and the special edition Eddie Bauer, plus Sport editions for the XLS and the XLT.
With the entry-level XLS you’re getting:
- Cloth seating
- CD player with 4 speakers
- Message center
- Power windows and door locks
- Manual air conditioning
The XLS Sport adds 16 inch silver aluminum wheels.
The mid-range XLT features:
- Fog lights
- Black leather wrapped steering wheel
- Steel accent door trim
- Exterior liftgate release switch
The XLT Sport adds 17 inch machined aluminum wheels.
With the high-end Limited you add:
- Leather seating
- Audiophile system with 7 speakers and 6-disc changer
- 8-way power adjust driver seat
- Heated front seats
Finally, the Eddie Bauer edition includes:
- Pueblo Gold bumpers, lip moldings, and running boards
- Pecan woodgrain door trim
What Engines Come In the 2005 Ford Explorer?
- The base engine in the 2005 Ford Explorer is a 4.0L V6 delivering 210 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission, configured in rear/four wheel drive, and averages 16/21 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
- Limited edition Explorers are available with a 4.6L V8 engine delivering 239 horsepower and 282 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic, configured in rear/four wheel drive, and averages 14/18 miles to the gallon, city/highway. Both engines can tow up to 6,000 pounds depending on your options. Towing capacity is limited by the chassis, not the engine.
What Colors Does the 2005 Ford Explorer Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2005 Ford Explorer?
The 2005 Explorer is one of the more comfortable vehicles in its size class. The seating is comfortable, you’ve got 54 inches of hip room in the back, and the suspension has held up well over the years in most units.
Reports of premature rust in the subframe are worrying, but it’s pretty easy to identify corroded shocks and struts on the test drive. Just make sure to take a look at the undercarriage and see how the Explorer handles speed bumps before you hand any money over.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2005 Ford Explorer Have?
The 2005 Ford Explorer starts with 48.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the back, and you can nearly double that to 86.2 cubic feet with the seats down. The Explorer is also available with roof racks, and can tow small trailers, so you’ve got plenty of options for carrying more cargo than will fit inside the SUV.
Payload capacity maxes out at 1,058 pounds. That’s plenty for a compact or mid-size SUV, but you might want to be careful about carrying construction supplies, gym equipment, or anything else that might be better suited to a pickup or a moving van.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2005 was the fourth model year for the Ford Explorer’s 3rd Generation, which ran from 2002 to 2005.
2002: The third-gen Explorer launched as a five-door exclusive in response to declining sales numbers for three-door SUVs.
2003: New for 2003 were optional side-curtain airbags and rear wheel disc brakes. Ford also stretched the wheelbase out to 125.9 inches.
2004: Engines were retuned for 2004 in order to meet new emission standards, and the SUV got a new grille.
2005: The stability control system was overhauled and modernized for 2005.
2006: Structural improvements bring the towing capacity up to 7,300 pounds for 2006.
2007: Ford dropped the XLS trim level for 2007 and added MP3 players.
How Does the 2005 Ford Explorer Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota 4Runner is in the running for best mid-size SUV released in 2005, and best overall, for that matter. It’s more powerful than the Explorer, with the entry level model starting at 245 horsepower, and more efficient at 18/22 miles to the gallon. It’s also twice as expensive, typically listing at nearly nine grand.
A 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer has a lot going for it, with 275 horsepower and a high-end navigation system in the entry level model. But it averages a thousand bucks more than the Explorer, and it’s prone to early breakdown and expensive fixes.
There are better, more powerful, more fuel-efficient, and more versatile mid-size SUVs on the market than the 2005 Ford Explorer. But you’re going to have a hard time finding such a well-rounded vehicle at such a low price.
Do Owners Recommend the 2005 Ford Explorer?
Yes. It is spacious, good on gas, high so good visibility, comfortable, able to put seats down and up so I can put groceries or whatever in the car.
Yes, it got me through long travels & several errand runs. We originally bought it when I went away to college since my college was 7-8 hours away.
Yes very dependable, six cylinder easy on gas and great in all weather,.Also 4 wheel drive for off road. Comfortable riding.
Yes my explorer is reliable, comfortable, and reasonably attractive. I can always depend on it to get me where I am going and I rarely have to work on it.
The explorer is a great vehicle gets around well during all seasons. Great for big family's or terrible weather. Snow is no problem for this wonderful car.
No. Bought it used, rusts pretty easily. Brakes are not very dependable. Easily collects dirt. It is terrible on gas. I spend about 20 dollars a day on gas just to go to work that is 10 minutes away from house.
My 2005 ford explorer limited is the best vehicle I have owned. It is large enough for my entire family. Still in great shape for being a 2005 and with the 4 wheel drive, I can get anywhere I need to in the winter.
I love the comfort of my vehicle! I feel safe while driving it! I like that there is plenty of room in the vehicle for myself and passengers and belongings!
