1991-2005 Ford Explorer/Sport Trac/Sport: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
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1991-2005 Ford Explorer/Sport Trac/Sport ▼
- Price Range: $600 - $13,100
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1991-2005 Ford Explorer/Sport Trac/Sport and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Antilock brakes (optional later models)
- Acceleration (V8)
- 4WD traction
- Visibility
Cons
- Engine noise (ohv V6)
- Wind noise
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
New from the ground up, the Explorer replaced the Bronco II as Ford's compact sport-utility vehicle. Both 2- and 4-door body styles went on sale. The 2-door used a 102.1-inch wheelbase, and the 4-door a 111.9-inch wheelbase. The sole engine in early years was a 4.0-liter V6. Both body styles came with either on-demand 4-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. Antilock brakes operate only in rear-wheel drive. Power steering was standard. Until 1994, Mazda sold a nearly identical 2-door sport-utility called Navajo.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford Explorer Sprt Trac 4WD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 51 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1991-2005 Ford Explorer/Sport Trac/Sport. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1991-2005 Ford Explorer/Sport Trac/Sport.
Year to Year Changes
1992 Ford Explorer:
No significant change came for 1992. Eddie Bauer models got color-accented wheels; Sport and XLT gained a rear wiper/washer.
1993 Ford Explorer:
New 4-wheel antilock braking worked in both 2- and 4-wheel drive. Previously, ABS acted only on rear wheels, and just in 2WD.
1994 Ford Explorer:
Minor trim changes marked the '94 Explorers. Fog lamps now were optional on XLT and Eddie Bauer models.
1995 Ford Explorer:
Explorers got their first notable redesigning, led by a freshened exterior that featured a new sloping hood, fenders, bumper, headlights, and grille. Dual airbags, 4-wheel antilock brakes, and Control Trac 4WD went into 1995 models. Control Trac could be left on at all times if desired.
1996 Ford Explorer:
A V8 became available for '96, but initially only on the 2WD XLT with automatic.
1997 Ford Explorer:
Ford added another new engine for '97, a single-cam 4.0-liter V6. It was rated at 205 horsepower and mated to a new 5-speed automatic transmission. Other changes included an electronic transfer case for 4WD models. Mercury added a 4-door-only version of Explorer called Mountaineer
1998 Ford Explorer:
Explorer sees only minor changes for 1998.
1999 Ford Explorer:
Available front side airbags and Reverse Sensing System highlighted the changes for '99. Also new were larger front and rear bumpers and an XLS appearance package for the XL. The Reverse Sensing System gives an audible warning of nearby objects when backing up.
2000 Ford Explorer:
A new XLS base model replaced the prior XL, including standard power mirrors, windows, and locks, all of which had previously been optional. Early in 2000, an Explorer Sport Trac debuted with a short open bed to the rear of its closed 4-door passenger compartment, but as a 2001 model.
2001 Ford Explorer:
Joining the new Sport Trac was a revised 2-door model called the Sport. Later in the model year, the 4-door was dropped and replaced by an all-new model called simply Explorer. Automatic transmission became standard instead of optional, and a 210-horsepower V6 replaced the standard 160-hp V6 for 2001.
2002 Ford Explorer:
Little change was evident for the 4-door pickup and 2-door wagon version of Explorer.
2003 Ford Explorer:
For '03 Sport Trac gets 4-wheel disc brakes and an available side-curtain airbag system. Sports are no longer available with side airbags.
2004 Ford Explorer:
The 2-door Explorer Sport was dropped for 2004, leaving only the pickup/SUV combo Sport Trac model.
2005 Ford Explorer:
The Sport Trac crew cab returns for 2005 virtually unchanged.
Our road test for the 1991-2005 Ford Explorer/Sport Trac/Sport includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1991-2005 Ford Explorer/Sport Trac/Sport and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1991-2005 Ford Explorer/Sport Trac/Sport is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Explorers are easy to enter and depart from, due to a relatively low step-in height. Head room is generous all around. Rear leg space is adequate. There's plenty of space for three abreast in the back of a 4-door. Split front seat backs fold flat to create a long load floor that suffers little intrusion from the rear wheels. There's no spare tire in the way of cargo, either. Controls are simple, analog gauges clearly legible; visibility fine through deep side and rear windows. Acceleration is adequate from the ohv V6 engine, but it is sluggish and rough when first stomping the pedal and averaged a low 15.9 mpg. Eight-cylinder engines provide outstanding acceleration, and equally depressing fuel economy. The ohc V6 is probably the best option. It offers ample acceleration and averaged 20.4 mpg. Though smoother and quieter than the ohv unit, the ohc V6 engine feels a little rough and sounds gruff at low speeds. The automatic transmission responds neatly, and shifts nearly flawlessly--quick and unobtrusive. The relatively long, wide stance gives either Explorer reasonable stability in turns, though you get a choppy ride from the shorter-wheelbase 3-door. Steering precisely, cornering confidently, an Explorer suffers less body lean than Chevrolet's Blazer.
Value for the Money
Not cheap, an Explorer offers the utility of a minivan and the hauling power of a truck. If you're a likely prospect for a smaller sport utility, best not to buy until you've test-driven Ford's compact. But try a Chevy Blazer and Jeep Grand Cherokee, too. We do like the added versatility of the Sport Trac's crew cab design.
Not cheap, an Explorer offers the utility of a minivan and the hauling power of a truck. If you're a likely prospect for a smaller sport utility, best not to buy until you've test-driven Ford's compact. But try a Chevy Blazer and Jeep Grand Cherokee, too. We do like the added versatility of the Sport Trac's crew cab design.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford Explorer Sprt Trac 4WD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 6 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 51 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Ford Explorer includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Ford Explorer .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
Water may drip onto the floor when the air conditioner is operated because the evaporator strip seals were not properly positioned. (1995-96)
Brakes:
Brakes may be grabby after being parked in damp weather due to moisture absorbed by linings. Revised rear shoes are offered. (1991-94)
Clutch:
Hopping, binding sensation from rear axle caused by binding limited-slip clutch packs requires revised clutch packs and reformulated gear lube. (2002-04)
Hard starting:
If the engine does not start or cranks for a long time then stalls, the idle air-control valve may be sticking. (1996)
Heater core:
Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1991-20002)
Keyless entry:
Remote keyless entry quits due to Remote Anti-theft Personality (RAP) module damaged by static electricity requiring a redundant ground on the passenger seats. (1995-97)
Radiator:
The radiator may leak in cold weather because of a bad seal between the tank and core. (1995-96)
Spark plugs:
Spark plug hole threads in cylinder heads are easily damaged or stripped out when removing plugs because carbon builds up on them. (2004-05)
Suspension problems:
The sway bar links bend or break because the original bushings are too rigid. (1995-2002)
Transmission problems:
Transmission flare when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear is due to shift solenoid malfunction. (1997-2001)
Vehicle noise:
Synthetic-rubber radius-arm bushings separate internally, causing noise and degraded steering control. (All)
Vehicle noise:
A chattering noise that can be felt coming from the rear during tight turns after highway driving is caused by a lack of friction modifier or over-shimming of the clutch packs in the Traction-Lok differential. (1991-96)
Vehicle noise:
Loose frame rivets should be replaced with bolts (welding is not approved). (1991-96)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $505 |
| Alternator | $280 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $840 |
| Brakes | $265 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $435 |
| Exhaust System | $295 |
| Radiator | $440 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $175 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $400 |
| Universal Joints | $105 |
Our price chart for this generation Ford Explorer details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
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| 2005 | |||
| Explorer Sport Trac | $11,500-14,500 | $10,400-13,100 | $6,300-8,000 |
| 2004 | |||
| Explorer Sport Trac | $9,800-12,500 | $8,800-11,300 | $5,100-6,500 |
| 2003 | |||
| Explorer Sport | $6,000-7,400 | $5,200-6,400 | $2,500-3,100 |
| Explorer Sport Trac | $8,300-10,300 | $7,500-9,300 | $4,300-5,400 |
| 2002 | |||
| Explorer Sport | $4,800-5,600 | $4,000-4,700 | $1,800-2,100 |
| Explorer Sport Trac | $6,800-8,500 | $6,100-7,600 | $3,200-4,000 |
| 2001 | |||
| Explorer 2WD | $3,700-5,400 | $3,000-4,400 | $1,100-1,600 |
| Explorer 4WD | $4,400-6,100 | $3,700-5,100 | $1,500-2,100 |
| Explorer Sport | $3,800-4,700 | $3,100-3,900 | $1,200-1,500 |
| Explorer Sport Trac | $5,600-6,800 | $4,800-5,800 | $2,300-2,800 |
| 2000 | |||
| Explorer 2WD | $3,200-4,700 | $2,500-3,700 | $800-1,200 |
| Explorer 4WD | $3,800-5,500 | $3,100-4,500 | $1,200-1,700 |
| Explorer Sport | $3,300-4,100 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| 1999 | |||
| Explorer 2WD | $2,800-3,900 | $2,100-2,900 | $600-900 |
| Explorer 4WD | $3,400-4,500 | $2,700-3,600 | $900-1,200 |
| Explorer Sport | $2,900-3,600 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
| 1998 | |||
| Explorer 2WD | $2,400-3,500 | $1,700-2,500 | $500-700 |
| Explorer 4WD | $2,900-3,900 | $2,200-3,000 | $700-900 |
| 1997 | |||
| Explorer 2WD | $2,100-3,000 | $1,500-2,100 | $400-500 |
| Explorer 4WD | $2,600-3,500 | $1,900-2,600 | $500-700 |
| 1996 | |||
| Explorer 2WD | $1,800-2,600 | $1,200-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Explorer 4WD | $2,300-3,200 | $1,700-2,300 | $400-600 |
| 1995 | |||
| Explorer 2WD | $1,600-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $200-300 |
| Explorer 4WD | $2,000-2,800 | $1,400-2,000 | $300-500 |
| 1994 | |||
| Explorer 2WD | $1,400-2,100 | $900-1,300 | $200-300 |
| Explorer 4WD | $1,700-2,500 | $1,100-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1993 | |||
| Explorer 2WD | $1,200-1,800 | $700-1,100 | $100-200 |
| Explorer 4WD | $1,500-2,200 | $1,000-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1992 | |||
| Explorer 2WD | $1,100-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Explorer 4WD | $1,400-2,000 | $900-1,300 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Explorer 2WD | $1,000-1,500 | $600-900 | $100-200 |
| Explorer 4WD | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Ford Explorer include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door wagon | 4-door wagon | crew cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 101.7 | 111.5 | 125.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.6 | 188.5 | 205.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.2 | 70.2 | 71.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 67.5 | 67.3 | 70.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3690 | 3915 | 4323 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 69.4 | 81.6 | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | 1500 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.5 | 21.0 | 20.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 7 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 | 39.8 | 39.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | 42.4 | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.1 | 39.3 | 38.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.6 | 37.7 | 37.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A 4.0-liter, overhead-valve V6 engine powered all Explorers until 1996. With that engine a 5-speed manual gearbox was standard; 4-speed automatic transmission optional. In 1999 the 4-speed automatic was replaced by a 5-speed unit. A 210-horsepower V8 arrived for 1996. It was available only on 4-doors with the 4-speed automatic. In 1998 Ford added an overhead-cam 4.0-liter V6 mated only to a 5-speed automatic. Initially 4WD Explorers got Touch-Drive, a part-time system that engages or disengages 4WD by pushing a dashboard button. Budget-minded buyers could order a more elementary 4WD system, with a floor-mounted transfer-case lever and manually-selectable front hubs, as a credit option. Four-wheel-drive V8 models get a full-time all-wheel-drive system, and Ford also offered a full-time system called Control-Trac. The 4.0-liter ohc V6 engine became standard, replacing other available engines in 2001 Sport and Sport Trac models. A 4.6-liter V8 engine was available for 4-door models in 2002.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V8 | 4.6 / 281 | 240 | 280 | 5-speed automatic: 14/19 | 5-speed automatic: -- |
| ohv V8 | 5.0 / 302 | 210-215 | 280-288 | 4-speed automatic: 14/18 5-speed automatic: 15/20 |
4-speed automatic: 12.4 5-speed automatic: 15.5 |
| ohv V6 | 4.0 / 245 | 145-160 | 220-225 | 5-speed manual: 16/20 4-speed automatic: 15/20 5-speed automatic: 15/20 |
5-speed manual: 16.1 4-speed automatic: 15.9 5-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc V6 | 4.0 / 245 | 205-210 | 240-250 | 5-speed automatic: 15/20 | 5-speed automatic: 20.4 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Ford Explorer include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Explorer |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1991-2005 Ford Explorer/Sport Trac/Sport directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991 w/A4LD automatic transmission:
Vehicle may appear to be in "Park" position, when gear is not truly engaged.
1991:
Front heat shield may contact plastic fuel tank, causing damage to the extent of penetration.
1991:
Hot weld that attaches vapor vent-valve carrier to plastic fuel tank may partially fracture, allowing escape of fuel vapor.
1991:
Seatbelts may be defective, resulting in insufficiently latched or unlatched belt.
1991-01 Explorer w/speed control system:
The speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. This could result in an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness.
1991-93 w/factory sunroof:
Sunroof glass-panel assembly can separate while vehicle is moving.
1991-94:
On cars sold or registered in specified southern California counties, studs that attach master cylinder to power-brake-booster assembly can develop stress corrosion cracking after extended period; fractures could cause separation of master cylinder when brakes are applied.
1992-93:
Bracket welds for liftgate's hydraulic lift cylinders can fracture.
1992-94:
Short circuit can occur in remote power mirror switch's circuit board; overheated board and other plastic and elastomeric components can result in smoke or fire.
1993-94 w/manual shift:
Parking-brake self-adjust pawl does not line up properly and can slip.
1993-95:
Some hydraulic lift cylinder-bracket welds could fracture, resulting in potential for liftgate bracket to gradually bend, allowing ball stud to disengage.
1995 2-door:
Brake tubes in some models were misrouted, resulting in excessive stopping distance.
1995:
Inner tie-rod assemblies can fracture, resulting in shaking or shimmy at low speeds.
1995:
Passenger-side airbag's inflator body may be cracked and not inflate properly; also, igniter end cap can separate, causing hot gases to be released.
1995-97:
Front-stabilizer-bar link stud can fracture from bending fatigue.
1996:
Certification label shows incorrect rear-tire-inflation pressure.
1996:
Driver's door, when closed only to secondary latched position, may not sustain specified load.
1996:
Gas-cylinder bracket may not properly support rear liftgate.
1996-97 in 15 northern states:
After operation at highway speeds, at below 20 degrees (F), engine may not return to idle.
1997-98 w/4.0-liter engine:
A gap between the plate and bore of throttle body was too narrow, causing the throttle pedal to stick.
1997-98 w/SOHC 4.0-liter engine:
Fuel lines can be damaged and fire could result if vehicle is jump-started and ground cable is attached to fuel-line bracket near battery.
1997-98:
Certain off-lease vehicles, Canadian in origin but sold in the U.S., have daytime running lights that do not meet U.S. specifications.
1997-99:
Speed-control cable on certain vehicles can interfere with servo pulley, preventing throttle from returning to idle when disengaging the speed control.
1998 Eddie Bauer and Limited:
Key-in-ignition/door-open warning chime may not function properly.
1998-99:
Secondary hood latch on certain vehicles may corrode and stick in open position.
1999:
Right-front brake line to hydraulic control unit connection could separate, causing leakage when brake pedal is applied.
1999-00 w/3.27 or 3.55 rear axle:
Powertrain-control module could allow the vehicle to exceed the design intent top speed.
1999-00 w/4.0-liter engine and AWD:
Generic electronic module could "lock-up," so various functions (front wipers, interior lights, 4x4 system, etc.) could not be turned on or off.
2000 w/side airbags:
Side airbags could deploy if ignition key is in "run" position and seatbelt webbing is extracted from locked retractor with jerking motion.
2000-01 Sport and Sport Trac:
Hood striker could fracture causing the hood to fly open while the vehicle is being driven.
2001-02 Explorer Sport w/speed control system:
The speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. This could result in an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness.
2001-02 Explorer w/ high back seats:
The upper bolt on the driver's side high back seat could fracture, allowing the seat to recline until it makes contact with an object behind the seat, and thus increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the driver seat upper bolt. In addition, seats with tubular back frames will have the fully threaded lower recliner bolt replaced.
2001-02 Ford Explorers Sport Trac w/speed control system:
The speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn. This could result in an underhood fire. Dealers will install a fused wiring harness.
2002 Explorer:
Right-side tires may have horizontal cuts in the tread that could have occurred during assembly.
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