2005 Ford Explorer consumer reviews

I have owned this explorer from day one, it has 87,000 miles, over the past six years of ownership no major problems, just maintenance, battery replacement, tires and oil changes( I have only used Castrol Synthetic oil. It has a V8 that get's 19-21 mpg on Hwy and 13-15 city driving. It really shows off the power by knocking off the top of any hill you can take. One of FORD'S best vehicles

Just bought for wife. So far so good. 97k on 05 limited and 19 highway no city yet. Rides nice. This is coming from a gm silverado all I ever bought and owned kind of guy

I currently drive a 2005 V6 XLT Explorer This is my second Explorer, My first was a 1991 V6 XLT I logged 300K Miles on the 1991.It started to collect dust after I started driving a Honda CR-V "Tin-Can" to save on gas. It wasn't long until I was rear ended at a Red Light in the little Honda, by a Subaru Tribeca at 45mph. The Honda was totalled by the collision and I have been in a world of pain for the last 7 Years as a result. (Please Don't Text and Drive....). Anyway, after the accident I decided to go back to the Ford Explorer. I Traded my 91 in on an old Datsun Z. Then Bought a Silver Birch 2005 XLT V6 Explorer with Graphite Interior. The truck had just under 95K on the Drivetrain when Purchased for Under $10,000 U.S. This Truck doesn't just look good. This Truck is a highly capable handler both on and off the Road. It has provided a superior level of comfort and been super reliable in all weather conditions. ( Including deep snow and temperatures well below zero.) She has 150K Miles On her now. In 55k miles I have replaced a split cooling hose, and had a little transmission maintenance done. I have spent under $1,000 in Maintenance including oil and differential fluid changes. (I am due for some fresh Shocks) This truck tows well, and grips like a gecko in bad ice and snow on standard A/T's in 4x4. I have really put this vehicle through it's passes. It has never failed me. The Truck is every bit as tough as my old 1991 but so much more refined. To top it all off, the 2002-2005 runs fantastic on Ethanol. The Ethanol where I live is made from left over pulp and skins from fruit and vegetables and travels less than 50 miles to reach the station. I fill up on Ethanol when ever i can and feel great about it! OK Three Important things. 1. The Ford Explorer was not Designed/Programmed for Cruse Control under speeds of 50 miles an hour. The Stalling in cruse at low speed is systemic and common in all 2002-2005 explorers. (Don't use Cruse under 50 mph And You won't stall. 2. If you plan on filling up on Ethanol, be sure you run full synthetic Oil. Ethanol fumes can make water divide from standard oil and damage your engine. (Just spend the extra money it is well worth the reduced wear and tear on your engine if you plan on using Ethanol or not. 3. Beware 2002-2004 Ford Explorers with "Lemon Transmissions" The 5 speed transmissions use cheap Chinese Steel and may shear and shatter scattering small bits of shrapnel inside your Trans. By the 2005 year this problem had been largely eliminated. The 2002-2005 for Explorers are used extensively here in Oregon as Police Vehicle, Fire and Rescue Support Trucks and by the B.L.M and Forest Service. This should tell you everything you need to know. But let me spell it out for you. This Truck has what it takes to get the job done, day after day.

Went from 97 Red Explorer to 05 Red Explorer. Sold 97 with 198,000 miles on it - still going. Bought in March with 65K on it-now has 72K. Hoping it lasts as well as my 97. Nice on and off road. Adirondacks last week and it was very comfortable on highway and handled dirt roads very well. Like it's looks, how it drives and reliability (so far). Wish mileage was a little better, but thats my only complaint.

Very reliable SUV.Road nice and was roomy, Not super high, able to get into easily. We would have kept the SUV except for the fact it only gave us 14 mpg. Otherwise great vehicle.

This vehicle gets a lot of attention. The whole package is a good fit for me. This is my third 4-wheel drive vehicle and I am extremely happy with the Explorer. The truck has plenty of power/room and creature comforts without being toobusy. the auto lock system eliminates the need to remind people to lock the doors. The sound system is great w/ the cd changer in the dash. the ride is firm but not harsh. Overall i would ask anyone looking to get a new ride to look in the explorer, new or late model.Looking forward to getting my new ride to go in the snow

When driving with the cruise control engaged under certain conditions the engine will shut off. While driving at say 40 mph with the cruise on, if I press the "coast" button to reduce speed the engine will shut off when the Explorer slows to between 30 and 35 mph. I wonder if this is a systemic problem or unique to my Explorer.

Explorer is AWAESOME !! Have had a ford taaurus for 10 years and bought the explorer in Sept 08 and have no complaints, bought with 63,000 miles on it.Rides and handles great, Stylish look, seats up to seven, milage 19 hwy, 15 city. No problems thus far. I would buy another one in a minute if I needed a vehicle.

Before buying a 2005 Ford Explorer, I owned a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer (V-6), which is very similar to the Explorer and rides on the same frame and suspension. Ford made such a brilliant improvement when they switched to the independent rear suspension on their SUVs and it makes such a difference. The V-8 model of the Explorer has adequate power and handles much better than I ever could have imagined. In a near collision with a deer, I couldn't believe the way this Explorer was able to maneuver...it was just like in the commercials! The interior is much more lush than I expected for a vehicle of this price range and everything is so user-friendly. Switching between AWD and 4WD High is seamless, although the ride suffers in 4WD. Given the conditions under which you need 4WD though, this should be expected. I have been able to get 22mpg with a 4.6l V-8. City stop-n-go can be as low as 15mpg in my experience (This is on a regularly maintained vehicle with 81k miles). If you're like me, you'll notice that Ford made a big mistake with the interior design changes they made in 2006. Controls and style are much better up through the 2005 models...I was so disappointed in the new 2006 models. Overall a great car. So easy to drive and even easier to park. The driver's position is great for teaching someone how to drive. The safety systems provide sense of security. Gas milage isn't terrible, even for a V-8. Can't really go wrong with this year and model!

Good all around vehicle. I got four kids and plenty of room, except with cargo. Would be nice if the 3rd row was split bench. Or maybe they could extend it just a little bit like the new Expedition. The V-6 is nice not too bad on gas. I love the fact that I can use ethanol when the price of regular is way up. Suspension is outstanding off road, as I live 3 miles off the beaten path and have to drive thru mud, snow and just overall bad road. Never had a problem with this vehicle.