2005 Ford Explorer V8 | 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. This review looks at the upper level trims, the V8 powered XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer and Limited Editions.
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 4.6-liter V-8 engine is one of the strongest and most dependable in the segment, with an aluminum block and heads and an overhead-cam design. Mated to an automatic transmission, it delivers 239 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque and will go 100,000 miles before its first scheduled tune-up.
Towing capability comes as a standard but can be enhanced with optional towing package that upgrades from a Class II towing capable Explorer to a Class III/IV towing capability of up to 7,140 pounds when properly equipped. The XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer and Limited Explorers all come with a tire-pressure monitoring system and various wheels, 16-inch cast aluminum for the XLT, 17-inch bright machined, cast aluminum or chromed wheels, depending on your choice of trim going through them in order to the top-level Limited.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The XLT models come with standards that include air conditioning, cruise control, cloth upholstery on front bucket seats and a split folding rear seat, power mirrors, windows, door locks, 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. The Explorer XLT Sport adds keypad entry, an automatic day/night rearview mirror and automatic headlights.
The real luxury comes with the Eddie Bauer and Limited trims. These come with such notable items as leather upholstery with unique styling, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, a high-end audio system and, in the Limited edition, Mandarin Teak interior woodgrain accents.
Options include rear DVD entertainment, innovative safety options, various seating upgrades like quad captain chairs and miscellaneous exterior style and performance add-ons.
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Ford Explorer V8 Buying Resources...
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• Ford Explorer 2WD Eddie Bauer
• Ford Explorer 2WD Limited
• Ford Explorer 2WD XLT Sport
• Ford Explorer 2WD XLT
• Ford Explorer 4WD Eddie Bauer
• Ford Explorer 4WD Limited
• Ford Explorer 4WD XLT Sport
• Ford Explorer 4WD XLT |
