Ford Explorer 2005 $7,995

Vehicle Overview Ford's reworked Explorer sport utility vehicle arrived as an early 2002 model. A corporate twin to the Mercury Mountaineer, the fully redesigned Explorer promised significant improvements and a fresh look. Engineers devised an innovative porthole-in-frame independent rear suspension with shafts that poke through holes drilled into the frame. In addition to a refined ride, this configuration allowed a lower step-in height and space for an optional third-row seat. For 2005, Ford's AdvanceTrac electronic stability system with Roll Stability Control is standard on all models. During the 2005 model year, all audio systems gain MP3 and Sirius Satellite Radio capabilities. Four-door Explorers come in four basic trim levels: XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited. Exterior Certain styling touches, like a brawny front end, are supposed to hark back to the original 1990s Explorer. Large door openings coupled with a reduced step-in height help ease entry and exit. Built on a 114-inch wheelbase, the Explorer measures 189.5 inches long overall. Ground clearance is 9.4 inches. Ford says the bumpers are roughly compatible with a midsize sedan in a minor collision. A power moonroof is optional, and the Limited model features running boards. Interior Seating for five occupants is standard, but a fold-flat third-row seat that permits seven-passenger capacity may be installed. Standard XLS equipment includes a rear wiper/washer, remote keyless entry, cruise control and a CD player. The XLT adds an overhead console, a six-way power driver's seat, front lumbar adjustment, an outside-temperature display and a compass. The Eddie Bauer and Limited models include dual-zone automatic temperature control, power-adjustable pedals with a memory feature, an in-dash six-CD changer, heated leather front bucket seats and heated mirrors. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is optional. Under the Hood Either a 210-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6 or a 239-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 powers the Explorer. Both engines team with a five-speed-automatic transmission. Explorers may have rear- or four-wheel drive. Safety Antilock brakes and the AdvanceTrac electronic stability system with Roll Stability Control are standard. Ford's Safety Canopy side curtain-type airbag system and a Reverse Sensing System that detects obstacles while backing up are optional. Driving Impressions Unlike earlier Explorers, which were quite trucklike, the current version is more refined. The suspension produces a ride experience that's suitable for a modern SUV. Performance is adequate with V-6 power, but it falls short of vigorous. Acceleration isn't quite overpowering with the V-8, but it's decidedly stronger. Shifts from the automatic transmission are noticeable but not particularly bothersome. A moderate drone occurs during acceleration. The Explorer is easy to drive and maneuver, and it handles capably enough. Though it is stable in tight curves, this SUV might not instill higher-speed confidence in some drivers. Interior space is abundant, but the moonroof cuts a bit into driver headroom. A utomotive Ad Builder.com Vehicle Marketing Solutions

• City 14/hwy 20 (4.0L engine/5-speed auto trans)
• Black roof rails
• Chrome egg crate design grille
• Projector halogen beam reflector headlamps
• Fog lamps
• Black folding pwr mirrors w/approach lamps
• Solar-tinted glass
• Privacy glass
• Speed-sensitive dual intermittent front wipers
• Dual intermittent rear wiper/washer
• One-piece liftgate w/pop-up flip glass
• Exterior liftgate release switch
• Security approach lamps
• 5-passenger seating
• Cloth low-back front sport bucket seats w/adjustable head restraints 6-way pwr driver seat manual driver/front passenger lumbar support
• 60/40 split-folding 2nd row seat w/head restraints
• High-series floor console
• Color keyed front/rear carpeted floor mats
• Color keyed plastic scuff plates on all doors & liftgate
• Black leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Tilt steering column
• Outside temp display & compass
• Message center
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Pwr windows
• Pwr door locks w/cargo area lock/unlock button
• Speed control w/fingertip control tap-up/tap-down feature
• Remote keyless entry
• Securilock/immobilizer passive anti-theft system
• Air conditioning
• Rear window defroster
• AM/FM stereo w/CD
• Illuminated glove box
• Warm steel accent door trim spears/instrument panel
• Overhead console
• Color keyed cloth sunvisors w/illuminated visor vanity mirrors
• (2) front/rear pwr points
• (3) grab handles
• (4) color keyed coat hooks
• Center dome lamp w/1st row map lights
• Illuminated entry
• Cargo area dome light
• (4) load floor tie-down hooks
• Cargo management system
• Engine block heater *Standard on non-fleet vehicles in AK MN ND SD MT WI & WY*
• 5-speed automatic transmission w/OD
• Control-Trac part-time 4WD transfer case
• 3.55 axle ratio
• AdvanceTrac w/roll stability control
• 4-wheel drive
• 72 amp maintenance-free battery w/battery saver feature
• Class II trailer towing w/receiver hitch
• 4-Wheel independent suspension
• Full-size spare tire w/steel wheel underbody mount
• Pwr rack & pinion steering
• Pwr 4-wheel disc brakes
• 4-wheel anti-lock brakes
• Brake/shift interlock
• 22.5 gallon fuel tank
• Personal Safety System
• Driver & front passenger Second Generation airbags w/theft deterrent
• 1st/2nd row 3-point safety belts all seating positions w/outboard height adjustment
• BeltMinder feature
• Child safety rear door locks
• Rear child seat tether anchor brackets
• Fuel pump inertia shutoff switch
• Front crumple zones
• Side intrusion door beams