2005 Ford Explorer

America's best-selling SUV was dragged, kicking and screaming, into the 21st century for 2002.

Much like the discovery of fire, or the invention of the wheel, Ford designers had discovered 4-wheel independent suspension...and put it on a truck!! Since 98% of Ford Explorers never see much more than a dirt road, or snow covered parking lot, designers decided to do away with the bone-jarring ride of the solid axle suspension in favor of a more 'human friendly', fully independent setup.

The new, roomier Explorer is very comfortable and can seat seven people when equipped with the optional third-row seat, which can then fold flat into the cargo floor when it isn't needed. However, the Eddie Bauer and Limited models are much more luxurious with their optional second-row sport bucket seating. V6 and V8 engines are available, but the V6 provides plenty of power for everyday use, unless you have to tow anything. Thanks in part, to the new five-speed automatic transmission.

With families in mind, Ford engineers included AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control as standard equipment on all Explorers. This sophisticated system not only senses and corrects potential skids and slides, but also monitors for potential rollovers. Onboard electronics determine if one or more wheels is about to lift off the ground, then reduce the power and/or selectively brake one or more wheels to re-settle the Explorer back on all fours. The optional Safety Canopy airbags, are designed to provide some protection in the event of a rollover, and ABS is standard. A tire pressure monitor comes on all but the base model and the Explorer is rated to pull trailers up to 7,140 pounds when properly equipped. And though it does not excel at off-road travel, its Control-Trac 4WD, or AWD systems can go most of the places that most of us need to go.

Model Year to Year Changes: 2003: A DVD entertainment system was added to the option list along with a third-row seat for seven-passenger capacity. The AWD system was added this year, and a new NBX model featured a roof-mounted cargo basket, unique paint and trim, and a soft-lined cargo area with a storage bag. The optional DVD rear-seat entertainment system was available only with the curtain side airbag option.

2004: Ford's antiskid system was now offered with the V6, and the Eddie Bauer and Limited editions could have optional second-row bucket seats.

2005: Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid system with Roll Stability Control was now standard and the AWD system was no longer available.

Model Year Things to Look For: 2002-2003 4 Wheel Drive System and the Transmission - $1,500-$3,500

2002-2004 Differential Speed Sensor - $250 This can result in the loss of 4 Wheel Drive, improper shifting of the Transmission and ABS operation respectively.