2005 Explorer
- Engine Size: 4.0L - 6 Cylinders
- Style: Crossover
- Fuel Type: Gasoline
- Model: Explorer
- Class: SUV Crossover
- Seating Capacity: 5 Seats
- Overview
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Not a bad SUV
Pros
Roomy interior, reliability, Fuel Economy (21mpg), the AdvanceTrac System
Cons
noisy going down the road, semi-chintzy interior, lacks real towing capacity,
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
What made everyone become interested in SUV's...
My girlfriend bought an 08 XLT with the 4.0 V6 and AdvanceTrac II in mid 2008. She wanted it so she could finally get rid of her Cadillac that was a horror to drive and fix. Overall, it has been a better vehicle than anything she has driven by a long shot.
Power/Drivetrain: The 4.0 isn't anything special. It does has some power, but I wouldn't tow anything bigger than a jet-ski with it. (U-Haul won't even let you rent a trailer if you are towing it with any Explorer). It gets to highway speeds quick enough (I bet quicker than the old Grand Cherokee I used to own), and it's relatively quiet, unless under heavy strain. The tranny is smooth. The advancetrac is a full time 4wd system, that has you choose between 4wd auto, 4wd high and 4wd low. It basically is in 2wd in auto, unless it senses a slip, then goes to an AWD like setting. 4wd high and low are for off road only.
Interior: Quite roomy and comfortable. I can stand the back seat and even the third row, and I am 6 foot 4. The third row can be annoying to enter or exit from. The quality of the interior is about the best I have seen from a Ford product, and the seats are comfy. Some of the interior controls, however are a bit chintzy, like the window switches, or the HVAC controls for the back seats. The stereo is okay, but would recommend an aftermarket one if you want bass.
Driving/ride/steering: It rides quite well, like a decent luxury car. I wouldn't drive it like a Ferrari though, as I am sure it would probably flip. The steering has some feel, but it is somewhat numb. I like my F-250's steering better. It also reminds me of a Ford Ranger when it comes to the way it handles. It's quick, yet reminds you that it's still a truck.
Overall, she is in love with it, and I can stand it. I would recommend this if you need a people mover. What she's had to have me do to it:
Brake Pads: Covered under dealer warranty. Apparently the dealer put pads on it, but one separated. They put brakes on the whole axle.
Wiper Motor: One of the wiper motors failed. I don't know what it cost, as her father did the job.
Power/Drivetrain: The 4.0 isn't anything special. It does has some power, but I wouldn't tow anything bigger than a jet-ski with it. (U-Haul won't even let you rent a trailer if you are towing it with any Explorer). It gets to highway speeds quick enough (I bet quicker than the old Grand Cherokee I used to own), and it's relatively quiet, unless under heavy strain. The tranny is smooth. The advancetrac is a full time 4wd system, that has you choose between 4wd auto, 4wd high and 4wd low. It basically is in 2wd in auto, unless it senses a slip, then goes to an AWD like setting. 4wd high and low are for off road only.
Interior: Quite roomy and comfortable. I can stand the back seat and even the third row, and I am 6 foot 4. The third row can be annoying to enter or exit from. The quality of the interior is about the best I have seen from a Ford product, and the seats are comfy. Some of the interior controls, however are a bit chintzy, like the window switches, or the HVAC controls for the back seats. The stereo is okay, but would recommend an aftermarket one if you want bass.
Driving/ride/steering: It rides quite well, like a decent luxury car. I wouldn't drive it like a Ferrari though, as I am sure it would probably flip. The steering has some feel, but it is somewhat numb. I like my F-250's steering better. It also reminds me of a Ford Ranger when it comes to the way it handles. It's quick, yet reminds you that it's still a truck.
Overall, she is in love with it, and I can stand it. I would recommend this if you need a people mover. What she's had to have me do to it:
Brake Pads: Covered under dealer warranty. Apparently the dealer put pads on it, but one separated. They put brakes on the whole axle.
Wiper Motor: One of the wiper motors failed. I don't know what it cost, as her father did the job.
