2005 Ford Explorer V6 | Review | Buying Guide
Ford has one of the most versatile, varied and comprehensive SUV line-ups in the industry. It starts with the Escape, a compact SUV now offered with an industry-first hybrid model and extends through to the all-new Freestyle, a mid-size SUV crossover and then past there to the Expedition and the Excursion, Papa-bear. At the heart of this family lies the award-winning Ford Explorer, best-selling SUV in America for 14 years and counting.
Of course, that is a major simplification, as the 2005 Ford Explorer is offered in 20 unique configurations, too many to describe in several pages of reviews. To break it into bite-size pieces we are going to start here with the V6 models, the XLS, XLS Sport and XLT V6 and XLT Sport V6.
Under the Hood
Customers can choose either rear-wheel drive or Ford’s ControlTrac 4WD system with the 2005 Explorer. Changes for this year include standard AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control to provide active stability enhancement using sensors to determine the vehicle's roll speed and roll angle.
The Explorer’s 4.0-liter V-6 engine, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission manages 210hp at 5100rpm and 254 lb-ft of torque at 3700. It gets 15/21 mpg (city/hwy) and comes with standard antilock brakes and 16-inch steel wheels.
The XLS Sport adds a tire-pressure monitoring system, 16-inch cast aluminum wheels, black wheel-lip moldings and black step bars while the XLT V6 models feature a monochromatic exterior with body-color bumpers and moldings, fog lamps, approach lamps on the power side mirrors and a chrome grille. Finally, the XLT Sport comes with 17-inch bright machined aluminum wheels, platinum gloss step bars, platinum gloss cladding and wheel-lip moldings and body-color door handles.
All Explorer models serve your trailering needs quite well. The standard receiver hitch offers Class II towing capability. A towing package provides Class III/IV towing capability of up to 5760 pounds when properly equipped.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The basic XLS trim level is generously appointed with notable items that include standard air conditioning, cruise control, cloth upholstery on front bucket seats and a split folding rear seat, power mirrors, windows, door locks and remote keyless entry as well as a CD player and much more.
The XLT models add details like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, an overhead console, outside-temperature indicator, compass, illuminated visor mirrors and unique floormats as well as more significant additions like a 6-way power driver seat. Finally, at the top-end of the V6 offerings, in addition to a bunch of exterior enhancements, the Explorer XLT Sport V6 has keypad entry and automatic day/night rearview mirror and automatic headlights.
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Ford Explorer V6 Buying Resources...
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