2005 Ford Explorer Review Summary & Specs
XLS Utility
America's most popular SUV.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
The Ford Explorer helped usher in the era of the sport-utility as a family vehicle, and was the first SUV to break into the list of the 10 best-selling vehicles in America (in 1991). It was completely redesigned for the 2002 model year. The current Ford Explorer rides smoothly, handles well, and the interior packaging is well thought out and executed. It's a great vehicle for long trips. Comfortable and convenient, it quickly becomes an old friend.
New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough is based in Los Angeles.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor |
Mitch McCullough |
| Model Lineup |
Explorer XLS 2WD ($26,845); XLS 4WD ($29,310); XLS Sport 2WD ($28,260); XLS Sport 4WD ($30,490); XLT 2WD ($29,650); XLT 4WD ($31,875); XLT Sport 2WD ($31,005); XLT Sport 4WD ($33,230); Eddie Bauer 2WD ($33,705); Eddie Bauer 4WD ($35,930); Limited 2WD ($34,580); Limited 4WD ($36,805) |
| Engines (standard) |
4.0-liter sohc 12-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
5-speed automatic |
| Engines (optional) |
210-hp 4.0-liter SOHC 12-valve V6; 239-hp 4.6-liter SOHC 16-valve V8 |
| Transmissions (optional) |
5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
ABS; EBD; AdvanceTrac stability control with Roll Stability Control; driver and passenger dual-stage air bags; safety belt pretensioners and energy-management retractors; child safety seat attachments |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
Safety Canopy with side curtain air bags and rollover sensors; tire-pressure monitoring system |
| Basic Warranty |
3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
Louisville, Kentucky; St. Louis, Missouri |
| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-392-FORD |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/ |
| Base Price MSRP |
$26,845 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
Ford Explorer Explorer XLT 4WD ($31,875) |
| Standard Equipment |
air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, keyless remote, digital clock, cruise control, electric rear window defroster, roof rails, power steering, tilt steering column, tachometer, Class II trailer towing receiver hitch, intermittent front and rear wipers; high-series center floor console, approach lights on outside mirrors, fog lamps, front and rear power points, cloth front bucket seats with 6-way power driver seat and manual driver/passenger lumbar support; tire-pressure monitoring system; AdvanceTrac stability control with Roll Stability Control |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
Safety Canopy air curtain system ($560); auxiliary air conditioning ($650); 290-watt 6-disc stereo ($510); Reverse Sensing System ($255); third-row seat package ($745); Class III/IV trailer package ($150); rear cargo shade ($80) |
| Destination Charge |
645 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Layout |
four-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested |
$35,470 |
| Horse Power |
210 @ 5100 |
| Torque |
254 @ 3700 |
| Fuel Economy |
15/20 |
| Wheelbase |
113.7 |
| Length/Width/Height |
189.6/72.1/71.4 |
| Track Front/Rear |
|
| Turning Radius |
36.8 |
| Seating Capacity |
7 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
39.8/55.0/42.4 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
38.8/54.2/36.8 |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
38.9/45.4/34.9 |
| Trunk Volume |
81.4 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
5380 |
| Front Suspension |
independent with short and long control arms, coil springs |
| Rear Suspension |
independent with short and long control arms, coil springs |
| Ground Clearance |
9.4 |
| Curb Weight |
4434 |
| Stock Tires |
P235/70R16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
disc/disc, with ABS and EBD |
| Fuel Capacity |
22.5 |