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overview|exterior & interior|driving performance|pricing & specs
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Summary
The Ford Explorer helped usher in the era of the sport-utility as a family vehicle, and was the first SUV to break into the list of the 10 best-selling vehicles in America (in 1991). It was completely redesigned for the 2002 model year. The current Ford Explorer rides smoothly, handles well, and the interior packaging is well thought out and executed. It's a great vehicle for long trips. Comfortable and convenient, it quickly becomes an old friend.New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough is based in Los Angeles.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Explorer XLS 2WD ($26,845); XLS 4WD ($29,310); XLS Sport 2WD ($28,260); XLS Sport 4WD ($30,490); XLT 2WD ($29,650); XLT 4WD ($31,875); XLT Sport 2WD ($31,005); XLT Sport 4WD ($33,230); Eddie Bauer 2WD ($33,705); Eddie Bauer 4WD ($35,930); Limited 2WD ($34,580); Limited 4WD ($36,805) |
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Engines:
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4.0-liter sohc 12-valve V6 |
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Transmissions:
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5-speed automatic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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ABS; EBD; AdvanceTrac stability control with Roll Stability Control; driver and passenger dual-stage air bags; safety belt pretensioners and energy-management retractors; child safety seat attachments |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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Safety Canopy with side curtain air bags and rollover sensors; tire-pressure monitoring system |
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Basic Warranty:
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3 years/36,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Louisville, Kentucky; St. Louis, Missouri |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Ford Explorer Explorer XLT 4WD ($31,875) |
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Standard Equipment:
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air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, keyless remote, digital clock, cruise control, electric rear window defroster, roof rails, power steering, tilt steering column, tachometer, Class II trailer towing receiver hitch, intermittent front and rear wipers; high-series center floor console, approach lights on outside mirrors, fog lamps, front and rear power points, cloth front bucket seats with 6-way power driver seat and manual driver/passenger lumbar support; tire-pressure monitoring system; AdvanceTrac stability control with Roll Stability Control |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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Safety Canopy air curtain system ($560); auxiliary air conditioning ($650); 290-watt 6-disc stereo ($510); Reverse Sensing System ($255); third-row seat package ($745); Class III/IV trailer package ($150); rear cargo shade ($80) |
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Destination Charge:
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645 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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35470 |
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Layout:
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four-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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210 @ 5100 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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254 @ 3700 |
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Transmission:
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5-speed automatic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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15/20 |
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Wheelbase:
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113.7 |
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Length/width/height:
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189.6/72.1/71.4 |
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Track, f/r:
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60.9/61.3 |
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Turning circle:
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36.8 |
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Seating capacity:
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7 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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39.8/55.0/42.4 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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38.8/54.2/36.8 |
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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38.9/45.4/34.9 |
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Cargo volume:
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81.4 |
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Payload:
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Towing capacity:
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5380 |
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Suspension, f:
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independent with short and long control arms, coil springs |
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Suspension, r:
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independent with short and long control arms, coil springs |
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Ground clearance:
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9.4 |
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Curb weight:
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4434 |
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Tires:
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P235/70R16 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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disc/disc, with ABS and EBD |
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Fuel capacity:
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22.5 |
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| 2005 Ford Explorer consumer reviews: | | | | overall rating |   | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | The Explorer handles very solid. The comfort in the driver's seat is very good. The separate controls front and rear for A/C is nice. Have really enjoyed driving this vehicle. I love my Explorer. | | posted by Warren on Oct 15 2006 | | |
| overall rating | | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | If you%u2019re looking for an SUV this is a great start. Its a very nice ride. Mechanically is good. I am satisfied with the truck and I would recommend it to anyone. | | posted by Maysen on Jun 01 2007 | | |
| overall rating | | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | Actually we are 100% happy with the Explorer. The interior design is simple, easy to understand, and has so much room for storage. The only problem we have had is the pick-up. I would also wish to see an improvement in the gas mileage. But other than that - it's a great vehicle. | | posted by Kristtoffer on Mar 24 2008 | | |
| overall rating | | | value | | | comfort | | | reliability | |
| | I have owned the 2005 Explorer for 9 months. It is comfortable, reliable, and has good visibility, and can haul a lot of stuff. Miles per gallon is about 20-21. I like it. | | posted by dan on Nov 28 2008 | | |
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