2005
Ford Explorer

Starts at:
$27,165
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New 2005 Ford Explorer
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.0L XLS
    Starts at
    $27,165
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.0L XLS Sport
    Starts at
    $28,595
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.0L XLS 4WD
    Starts at
    $29,655
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.0L XLT
    Starts at
    $30,000
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.6L XLT
    Starts at
    $30,810
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.0L XLS Sport 4WD
    Starts at
    $30,845
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.0L XLT Sport
    Starts at
    $31,370
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.6L XLT Sport
    Starts at
    $32,175
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.0L XLT 4WD
    Starts at
    $32,250
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.6L XLT 4WD
    Starts at
    $33,060
    14 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.0L XLT Sport 4WD
    Starts at
    $33,620
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.0L Eddie Bauer
    Starts at
    $34,100
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.6L XLT Sport 4WD
    Starts at
    $34,430
    14 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.6L Eddie Bauer
    Starts at
    $34,910
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.0L Limited
    Starts at
    $34,985
    16 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.6L Limited
    Starts at
    $35,795
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.0L Eddie Bauer 4WD
    Starts at
    $36,350
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.6L Eddie Bauer 4WD
    Starts at
    $37,160
    14 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.0L Limited 4WD
    Starts at
    $37,240
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 114" WB 4.6L Limited 4WD
    Starts at
    $38,050
    14 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2005 Ford Explorer 2005 Ford Explorer 2005 Ford Explorer 2005 Ford Explorer 2005 Ford Explorer 2005 Ford Explorer 2005 Ford Explorer 2005 Ford Explorer 2005 Ford Explorer 2005 Ford Explorer 2005 Ford Explorer 2005 Ford Explorer 2005 Ford Explorer 2005 Ford Explorer 2005 Ford Explorer 2005 Ford Explorer

Notable features

Fully independent suspension
V-6 or V-8
Five-speed automatic
Optional Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags
AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control

The good & the bad

The good

Easy to drive and maneuver
Crash-test ratings
Step-in height
Interior space

The bad

V-6 performance
Fuel economy
Resale value
See all specifications

Available cars near you

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Safety review

Based on the 2005 Ford Explorer base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
3/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Fords and many non-Ford vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles
Basic
90-Day / 4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty
Dealer certification
139-point inspection
See all CPO program details

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2005
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    2005 Ford Explorer
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    MPG
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  • 2006
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  • 2001
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    Starts at
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  • 2003
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Consumer reviews

91% of drivers recommend this car
4.4 / 5
Based on 59 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.3
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 4.3

Most recent

  • By Jay from Dallas, Texas
    Owns this car
    June 19, 2023

    368,000 miles

    My first new vehicle. I still use it as my spare and my son uses it too for work. It has 368,000 miles and I have only had to replace the alternator and the thermostat (cracked) plus, all the normal militance. It still runs smooth like it was new.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Essayfoo from Las Vegas
    Owns this car
    March 15, 2023

    🔥 Truck

    I have the 2005 Ford Explorer XLT Eddie Bauer v8 model and it’s crazy it’s a super nice car I have a drop on it with 27 inch rims and off road tires and it looks super clean it’s a lowered wide body explorer my dad bought it back in 2011 as a family car but now has handed it down to me at 16yrs old it’s a super clean truck I love it and it’s really fast for an suv especially because of the v8 with 4wd launch times
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Joedirt from Greenville SC
    Owns this car
    December 16, 2020

    221,889 miles and STILL loving it

    I bought my 2005 Explorer Limited V8 in 2007. It had come off of a lease with about 30, 000 miles. Now, it’s 13 years later and it has 221,889 and I still love it. This is my 3rd Explorer. It is still my favorite design of all the model years. I bought it when my son was 2 and my daughter was not yet born. I can afford to get a newer suv, but keep it because I’ve had it so long, it’s taken me so many places safely and comfortably, that it now has sentimental value. Next goal: 250K miles. If you take care of this SUV, it will last.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    34 people out of 35 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Sonya"LadyBug"Hairston from Baltimore
    Owns this car
    November 3, 2020

    Very reliable truck

    I love Ford Explorers and the one I got from Aero Motors, as always, held up to my love for the truck. I'm in love with my truck....
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Will from Phila,Pa
    Owns this car
    October 18, 2020

    I love Explorers

    I’ve owned 3-4 Explorers I like the design and how they drive used lasts me 2-3 years until I decided to get something new. Great work truck and awesome for families.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Telly from Phoenix
    Owns this car
    September 13, 2020

    2005 FORD EXPLORER

    the SUV was clean, engine and interior. Everything they said about the vehicle was true for repairs. Smooth transaction. Excellent service. Will do business again
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By redrusttusk from Roanoke, VA
    Owns this car
    August 11, 2020

    Best First Car!

    My first car was a 2005 Ford Explorer XLT, I purchased it at 18 years old for $2500. When purchased it had 223,000 miles, now it was 250k! I lovingly have named him Beuford and he is my pride and joy! I've taken many a nap in the back seats and have moved multiple pieces of furniture/items to and fro. Besides the gas mileage and the lack of power when accelerating onto on-ramps, its a fantastic car. This is a great car for a first-time purchase. Its safe, comfortable, and you definitely don't need to worry about racing! If you live in an area that gets snow, you won't have to worry if its equipped with 4WD (Mine has high and low!) Little things have broken here and there. The AC is finicky, and none of the tire pressure monitors work. But these things are menial, and with the tire pressure, its good to keep a habit of checking those manually anyways! Soon I will be purchasing another car (I want something fast!) so I will hand down Beuford to a friend of mine for free. If you can get an 05 Explorer that has been moderately maintained, as long as you keep the fluids checked and up to date, it'll last you years!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Jsizzle from south vienna
    Owns this car
    April 13, 2020

    Love the vehicle. But, the transmission.

    It's a nice vehicle, and the family likes it. Rides nice, drives nice. But, unfortunately it had transmission issues, inwhich I had to drop the transmission, and repair it. ( servo valve band bolt, and broken servo with a OD sprag failure). So, now it is back on the road.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Explorer Nation from Olathe, Kansas
    Owns this car
    December 11, 2019

    Very solid used vehicle

    This car fills all our driving needs. My wife loves to drive it. Our children have all the room and safety they need. Will last at least ten more years.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By RMarsh from Gulfport
    Owns this car
    November 28, 2019

    The transmissions should be recalled

    Good vehicle Good ride but my transmission is shot at 87535 miles . And they are thousands of others With the same problem. why aren't these recalled?
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By fred from CHADDS FORD
    Used to own this car
    November 11, 2018

    great running and reliable truck

    lots of storage and cheap to keep . Rode like a car and was great in the snow . Pulled my 20 foot boat with ease.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Robert from Owensboro, Ky
    Owns this car
    November 9, 2018

    Very reliable.

    I have owned my explorer for 9 years. It has been a great car with very few fixes. It is versatile. I would certainly buy another one.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Ford dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2005 Ford Explorer?

The 2005 Ford Explorer is available in 6 trim levels:

  • Eddie Bauer (4 styles)
  • Limited (4 styles)
  • XLS (2 styles)
  • XLS Sport (2 styles)
  • XLT (4 styles)
  • XLT Sport (4 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2005 Ford Explorer?

The 2005 Ford Explorer offers up to 16 MPG in city driving and 21 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2005 Ford Explorer?

The 2005 Ford Explorer compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2005 Ford Explorer reliable?

The 2005 Ford Explorer has an average reliability rating of 4.3 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2005 Ford Explorer owners.

Is the 2005 Ford Explorer a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2005 Ford Explorer. 91.5% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 59 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 4.3
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 4.3

Ford Explorer history

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