2005 Ford Explorer Reviews, Pricing & Specs

It works, so why change it? From a designer's sketchbook, the styling on the 2005 Explorer isn't much different than that of the 2001 Explorer, which at its core wasn't far off from the first 1991 Explorer. The people like boxy squares with high ground clearance and big tires. It's why the square headlights, a small rectangular grille, vertical taillights, and tall glass keep coming back again and again, with only the molding, wheels, and bumpers making any real change. The Explorer looks rugged because it is. Form follows function, and the form isn't fancy, not even on the Explorer Eddie Bauer or Limited.

Inside, the Explorer has the look of the Ranger (even though it's no longer based on that small pickup). It's got flat seats, a wide and featureless dash, a column shifter, a radio, climate control, and some switches for the four-wheel drive (4WD). The Eddie Bauer may feature two-tone leather seats, but they won't fool you into thinking the Explorer is a Lexus RX.

Two engines are available with standard four-wheel drive (4WD) in Canada (rear-wheel drive, or RWD, is not offered here). This includes a two-speed transfer case for "shift on the fly" engagement of the 4WD and, when stopped, another shift into low range for greater torque. A previous option for single-speed all-wheel drive (AWD) has been dropped. A 4.0-litre V6 with power specs of 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque is standard. It's enough with the Explorer's five-speed automatic and drivetrain gearing. Those who want to tow more will need the 4.6-litre V8. Shared with the Crown Victoria sedan, this lumbering beast makes only 239 hp but a stouter 282 lb-ft. Towing figures are above those of car-based SUVs like the Honda Pilot. An off-road package bundles an upgraded suspension, skid plates, tow hooks, and all-terrain tires.

The Explorer's independent rear suspension helps it feel more secure at higher speeds and around bends than the previous generation did. The ride is well controlled and compliant. But the Explorer's truck roots always show when you push it, so here's some healthy advice: Don't.

Fuel economy is poor, but take this in the context of a vehicle that's built to tow a big boat through poor weather conditions with up to seven people aboard. Both V6 and V8 powertrains drink heavily, with or without 4WD. Fuel economy is listed at 15.6 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 11.1 on the highway with the V6, and 16.9 L/100 km city, 11.8 highway with the V8. If an Explorer is your single commuter ride, do yourself a favour and get an Escape.

The Explorer is built to maximize space, and there is plenty: up to 1,376 litres behind the second row and 2,441 litres with that row (and the optional third row seats) folded. Second-row captain's chairs are optional on the Eddie Bauer and Limited. The third row isn't super tight for children, but it's not a place for grown adults.

It's overly simple inside the Explorer. The gauges, controls, and switches are the basic necessities you'll find in a Ford Econoline or F-150. Nice? No. But they get the job done.

The base Ford Explorer XLS comes with power windows/locks/mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player stereo, tilt steering wheel, front and rear intermittent wipers, and 16-inch steel wheels. A tire pressure monitoring system, automatic headlights, and alloy wheels are offered. The Ford Explorer XLT brings a six-way power driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, leather steering wheel, a five-digit keypad on the driver's side door to lock and unlock the vehicle, puddle lights under the side mirrors that illuminate when unlocking the vehicle, a compass, and outside temperature gauge. An auto-dimming rearview mirror, and 17-inch wheels are available.

The Eddie Bauer trim brings actual comfort, like two-tone power leather seats (eight-way for the driver, six-way for the passenger), heated front seats, dual-zone auto climate, power-adjustable pedals, audio controls on the steering wheel, an upgraded stereo with six-disc CD changer, and wood trim. The Limited changes some of the colours and trims. Rear air conditioning and rear parking sensors are optional on every trim except the base XLS.

The 2005 Explorer comes with dual front airbags, ABS, and traction control. New for 2005 is stability control, or what Ford terms AdvanceTrac. This likely would have saved lives had it been installed on the previous-gen Explorer, which was equipped with defective Firestone tires that destabilized the vehicles at higher speeds. Ford waited years to install such a system even though it was available to the industry for years. Front side airbags aren't offered, even though they were previously. Front head curtain airbags are an option.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested a 2002 Explorer in the moderate front overlap test with the best Good rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the Explorer four out of five stars for the driver and five stars for the passenger in a frontal crash, and five stars for the driver and rear passenger in a side crash.

The 2005 Explorer starts at $40,045 in Canada for the XLS V6 4WD and goes as high as $49,695 for the Limited V8 4WD. It guzzles gas and can't handle like many of its car-based competitors. However, for people who like the utilitarian looks and will use this Ford's big-truck capabilities, the Explorer will be a fine choice as a new car or a used car among midsize SUVs.

Note: Images show a US model.