2005 Ford Explorer
Should You Buy a 2005 Ford Explorer?
The 2005 Ford Explorer is a rear-wheel-drive SUV that combines utility with a robust performance profile. With a 4.0L V6 engine producing 210 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque, it offers a solid driving experience for those who need a vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and family outings. Its MSRP of $27,165 makes it a competitive option in the SUV market, especially for buyers seeking a reliable vehicle with a decent fuel economy of 16.0 MPG combined. However, potential buyers should be aware of the vehicle's history, as it has received a total of 604 complaints to the NHTSA, indicating some areas of concern that merit further investigation before purchase.
The Explorer is designed to seat five passengers comfortably, making it suitable for small families or individuals who value space and versatility. While it boasts a reliability score of 91/100, indicating a generally dependable vehicle, the reported issues—particularly in the structure and powertrain—should be taken into account when considering long-term ownership. Buyers should weigh the benefits of its spacious interior and performance against the potential for costly repairs down the line.
The 2005 Ford Explorer is best suited for budget-conscious families or individuals seeking a reliable SUV for daily commuting and weekend adventures, who are willing to address potential maintenance issues.
Strengths
- +Spacious interior with comfortable seating for five
- +Strong V6 engine providing adequate power for various driving needs
- +Good reliability score of 91/100
- +Rear-wheel drive offers better handling in certain conditions
- +Competitive pricing in the used SUV market
Weaknesses
- -High number of NHTSA complaints, particularly in structure and powertrain
- -Fuel economy is below average for its class at 16.0 MPG combined
- -Potential for costly repairs as the vehicle ages
- -Crash and fire incidents raise safety concerns
- -Limited advanced safety features compared to newer models
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2005 Ford Explorer has a notable number of complaints, particularly concerning the structure and powertrain, with 107 complaints related to the body structure alone. Common issues arise between 60,000 to 100,000 miles, particularly in the areas of body integrity and automatic transmission performance. While the vehicle has a solid reliability score, the presence of crash incidents and fire reports suggests that buyers should conduct thorough inspections and consider extended warranties.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 4 L
- Cylinders
- V6
- Transmission
- Automatic 5-spd
- Drive Type
- RWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 16
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 205.9 in
- Width
- 74 in
- Height
- 70.1 in
- Wheelbase
- 126 in
- Curb Weight
- 4,136 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –