2005 Ford Explorer Model Lineup Review

XLS Utility
America's most popular SUV.

Lineup

reviewed by New Car Test Drive
2005 Ford Explorer Review

The 2005 Ford Explorer is available in six trim levels: XLS, XLS Sport, XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer, and Limited.

An overhead-cam V6 engine is standard on all models. An overhead-cam V8 ($800) is an option for all models except the XLS. All Explorers come with a five-speed automatic transmission. All offer a choice of two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD).

XLS 2WD ($26,845) and 4WD ($29,310) come with all the usual power accessories, plus anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, AdvanceTrac stability control with Roll Stability Control, 16-inch steel wheels, cloth upholstery, AM/FM/CD stereo, tilt steering, speed control, remote keyless entry, a center console with a storage bin and cup holders, and a cargo management system for the rear luggage bay. XLS Sport 2WD ($28,260) and 4WD ($30,490) add the tire-pressure monitoring system, 16-inch aluminum wheels, black step bars and wheel-lip moldings, an upgraded center console and floor mats.

XLT 2WD ($29,650) and 4WD ($31,875) get approach lamps in the side mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-way power driver's seat, lumbar adjustment for both driver and passenger, an overhead console with outside-temperature indicator and compass, and warm steel accents for the center stack. Outside, a monochromatic treatment with chrome grille and fog lamps sets XLT apart. XLT Sport 2WD ($31,005) and 4WD ($33,230) add 17-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, self-dimming interior mirror, a keyless-entry keypad, automatic headlamps, and platinum gloss side cladding, step bars and wheel-lip moldings.

Upgrade to Eddie Bauer 2WD ($33,705) and 4WD ($35,930) and you get two-tone leather upholstery, perforated and heated front seats with eight-way power for the driver and six-way power for the passenger, driver-seat memory, power adjustable pedals with memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, 290-watt stereo with a six-disc CD changer, audio and climate controls on the steering wheel, heated outside mirrors, message center, with unique pecan wood trim inside and Pueblo Gold accents outside. The Limited 2WD ($34,580) and 4WD ($36,805) come with all the Eddie Bauer goodies, but a somewhat different look, thanks to chromed wheels and roof rails outside and higher-grade single-tone leather inside, with Madarin Teak accents.

All but XLS can be ordered with third-row seating ($745), auxiliary rear-compartment air conditioning ($650), reverse-sensing system ($255), power moonroof ($850), and a DVD entertainment system ($1,295). A Trailer Towing Prep Package ($150) replaces the standard Class II hitch with a Class III/IV hitch and adds a 3.73 (rather than 3.55) limited-slip rear axle and seven-wire trailer harness.

Second-row bucket seats with an extended floor console are available ($795) on Eddie Bauer and Limited. XLT buyers can choose power front seats with leather ($695) and adjustable pedals ($120). An off-road package ($385) for XLS and XLT consists of skid plates, tow hooks, off-road suspension and all-terrain tires.

The optional Safety Canopy Air Curtain System ($560) is designed to help protect first- and second-row outboard occupants during side-impacts or rollovers, and is designed to improve rollover protection by staying inflated for a longer period. Ford has done a great deal of research on this technology and we strongly recommend this option. Next Page


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