2005 Ford Explorer 4.0 from North America

Summary:

Reliable & comfortable vehicle with good mileage. Henry, thanks for building a decent SUV!

Faults:

Absolutely nothing other than wiper blades, tires, brake pads, etc. This is the most dependable vehicle I've ever owned. I've put put 70K trouble free miles on my Explorer.

In the winter I do wish that it had 4 wheel drive as I face a long steep driveway.

General Comments:

My Explorer is a truck-like vehicle with car-like comfort. This is my wife's vehicle and it gives her solid, safe transportation. It is comfortable and we like the "high-up" view of the roadway. The motor and tranny are dependable and well suited for each other.

I like the looks and performance of this SUV better than the Chevy Blazer I had previously. When it comes to an SUV, this vehicle changed me from a General Motors fan to a Ford guy. Thank you Henry for building a reliable vehicle with decent mileage at a reasonable price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st February, 2016

2005 Ford Explorer 4.0 from North America

Summary:

Dependable, economical, comfortable

Faults:

Transmission replacement at 75,000 miles, and 1st tune up at 100,000 miles.

Replaced the alternator at about 50,000 miles.

Replaced bulbs and higher powered headlamps (Silver Stars).

General Comments:

The 4wd / AWD system works seamlessly, however with cruise control on, sometimes the engine will shut off after the vehicle tries to slow itself down, to stay with the cruise control speed setting.

The traction control really works well, & has engaged about 4 times due to 1 emergency avoidance maneuver and 3 loss of traction situations.

During dusty and / or smelly situations, I would like to have a cabin air filter, so I turn off the airflow.

I do miss my Excursion LTD V-10 4WD / AWD, even though I tried to keep it as close to 2000 RPM as possible.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th September, 2012

2005 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 from North America

Summary:

Unstable on ice

Faults:

Does your Explorer fishtail on ice??

Our Explorer is great in snow, but fishtails easily on slippery roads. I have put extra weight over the rear tires, but it still seems dangerous on slippery roads in 4 wheel drive. I have Michelin tires.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th January, 2011

21st Feb 2012, 09:49

I have owned a 2002 Ford Explorer (my dream car) since it rolled off the delivery truck in 2002. I absolutely loved that car, and wouldn't have traded it for anything in the world.

I had it when I lived in MD, and then in 2010, the rear got squirrely on some black ice in Alabama. I spun a 180 to the edge of the shoulder of the road, and since there was no guardrail, rolled over on the driver's side, flipped over end, and landed upside down in a creek. It was a good 10 foot drop, and it landed on the roof. I walked away with only a scratch on the top of my right foot. Nobody else was with me, and there was nobody else involved. I was heartbroken beyond all words (still am) as I watched a wrecker pull my Explorer out of the creek.

Had I been in anything smaller, I doubt that I would have walked away like that. The windshield was smashed, but stayed in place for the most part, which was the most amazing part, because the hood was smashed flat, the sides of the windshield frame took a lot of impact, and probably saved my life, along with my seat belt, which locked me in so it had to be cut to let me go. The airbag did not deploy, and the engine was still running, so I had to turn the key to shut it down, and here I reiterate that the hood was smashed from the impact.

When looking for a replacement vehicle, I wouldn't consider anything other than an Explorer, so right now I'm driving a 2005 Explorer. It's not as good looking as my 2002 (it's only got 2 rows of seating, no fender trimming and no cross-slats on the cargo rack), and I'm working on a few minor mechanical issues, because the previous owner didn't take care of it, but other than that, it's perfect, and I feel safe.

I don't drive in Alabama's winter weather any more, but my 2002 Explorer actually did well in Maryland snow (there actually is a difference). Nothing operates well on ice, but ice skates. If I can't get my hands on another Explorer in the future, I'm going to get an Expedition or a Navigator.

In reply to 21st Feb 2012, 09:49

21st Feb 2012, 12:56

Had you been in anything smaller with a lower center of gravity, chances are you never would have rolled.

In reply to 21st Feb 2012, 12:56

22nd Feb 2012, 10:17

You beat me by a day with that comment.

I am glad the reviewer got away unscathed.

In reply to 22nd Feb 2012, 10:17

22nd Feb 2012, 15:19

I am glad they were okay as well. The false sense of security top heavy SUV's give people is just a sign of good marketing. Most of the serious accidents in winter I see involve SUV's, as they give people that sense of invincibility, and they tend to take more chances and drive much faster than they would in a car in bad weather. It is almost always an SUV that has slid 50 feet off of the road on a really bad winter day. Cars are a much safer alternative in winter... especially AWD cars.

In reply to 22nd Feb 2012, 15:19

23rd Aug 2016, 04:15

Agreed. Thank You!