2005 Ford Explorer: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A standard antiskid system and the loss of AWD availability mark 2005 for America's best-selling SUV. Explorer is available with a 3rd-row seat for 7-passenger capacity and comes with a V6 or V8 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Available with either engine is rear-wheel drive or Ford's ControlTrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and has low-range gearing. All-wheel drive is no longer available. Explorer is among the few midsize SUVs with independent rear suspension. ABS is standard. Newly standard on all Explorers is Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid system with Roll Stability Control. Roll Stability Control is designed to detect an impending tip and activate the antiskid system to reduce the chances of a rollover. Torso side airbags are unavailable, but the optional head-protecting curtain side airbags cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows and are designed to deploy in side impacts and rollovers. Other available features include 2nd-row bucket seats, rear DVD entertainment, tire-pressure monitor, rear obstacle detection, and power-adjustable pedals. The off-road-oriented NBX model has been dropped. The Lincoln Aviator also shares the basic Explorer/Mountaineer design.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, and Toyota 4Runner.