Ford Explorer Review

The Ford Explorer got its start in 1990 and is still being produced, making it one of the longer running SUVs on the market today. While the recent automotive trend, particularly in North America, has tended towards building crossover SUVs based on car platforms, the Explorer remains true to its roots. It continues to look and feel more like a truck than a car, but improvements to its suspension and interior have increased its comfort level higher than before. With impressive cargo space, a powerful engine, and good towing capacity, the Explorer aims to appeal to those who want an SUV that feels like an SUV, and as the top-selling SUV for the past 15 years, Ford is certainly doing something right.

See also the main fact sheets for the Ford Explorer.

High Points

 * High safety ratings (5 star frontal-5 star side crash test rating) (based on NHSTA crash test ratings) (Out of 5 stars)
 * Improved engine and suspension
 * Easier to enter and exit the vehicle
 * Third row seating
 * Good towing capacity
 * Affordable

Low Points

 * V6 may not be powerful enough for some
 * OK Fuel Economy
 * Styling unexciting
 * Ride not built for comfort/luxury like many crossovers

Performance and Handling
Two new engines are available for the 2006 Ford Explorer. The 4.0L V6 has been retuned with variable valve timing and is rated at 210hp and 254 lb-ft of torque. The V8 is the traditional 4.6L V8, but now it has three valves per cylinder, two intake and one exhaust, for better breathing, a whopping 53 additional horsepower at 292, and 300 lb-ft of torque.

With the V6, you get a 5-speed overdrive automatic. With the V8, you get a brand new Ford-built 6-speed automatic overdrive transmission with full electronic control of upshifting, downshifting and torque converter functions. While the V6 is a bit easier to turn and maneuver, both powertrains are quiet and smooth, and both are very pleasant, competent, and quiet rides.

The new steering on the 2006 Explorer has a much heftier feel at highway speeds with plenty of assist for parking. The new suspension is as supple as any in its class, and the new brakes work much harder with much less pedal pressure and travel than before.

Gas Mileage
The gas mileage the Explorer will get depends on its engine and transmission. The city/highway numbers as reported by FuelEconomy.gov are as follows:
 * 2WD V6 automatic - 15/24
 * 2WD V8 automatic - 15/23
 * 4WD V6 automatic - 15/22
 * 4WD V8 automatic - 14/21

Safety
According to the NHTSA, the Explorer got supberb 5-star ratings for all front- and side-impact crash tests. However, in safety tests for rollover, the Explorer performed impressively, earning 3 of 5 stars, which is normal for midsize-SUVs.

The Explorer received a blow to its reputation in 2000 because of a controversy involving Firestone tires. Due to some industrial negligence (many blame both Ford and Firestone for this), there was a particularly high incidence of tire tread separation, which often lead to vehicle rollover. The situation was rectified, but because of the negative publicity, the Explorer is now equipped with several safety standards to improve its image in that category.

Some of these features include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, driver and passenger front- and side-impact airbags with occupancy sensors, side impact bars, and an overhead canopy airbag system.

Reliability and Maintenance
Although Automotive Information Systems reported that the 2002 Explorer had moderate problems with its engine, transmission, and brakes, Ford cleaned up its act and earned a green approval rating in every category from the same organization just a year later, in 2003. Since it was redesigned in 2006, however, reliability data for the newest incarnation of the Explorer is not yet available.

Interior and Comforts
Unlike the exterior, which is discussed below, much of the interior of the redesigned 2006 Explorer is brand spanking new. Every switch, button, face, texture and panel of the interior has been changed to a crisper, much more modern presentation, one of Ford design boss J Mays's personal design campaigns brought to life. There is a dark wood for most models and darker, richer wood for the Eddie Bauer version, and the graphics are accented with metal surrounds both shiny and matte, depending on trim.

Second-row seats are available as a 60/40 split bench seat, a 60/40 split bench with recline and third-row access, or two bucket seats and a console. The bucket seats are more comfortable for adults, but the bench seats fold down better for cargo. The third row, when ordered, sits almost two inches higher than before so kids can see out better. It's always a 50/50 split seat, but it's available with manual or power folding and unfolding.

Some of the variations, besides the third row, that are available on the Explorer include driver and front passenger heated seats, 8-way power seats, leather interior, a sunroof, and metal or simulated wood accents.

There are, however, a couple of downsides. From certain angles, there is a fair amount of glare reflected off the dash top and onto the windshield, which can make for a bit of a distraction and safety hazard. Also, as with most similar SUVs, the third row, when included, is relatively small. Children and pets will do fine back here, but taller adults will find the space restrictive and uncomfortable.

Exterior
The Explorer was redesigned for 2006, but because part of its success has come from familiarity, this latest model looks only slightly different from its predecessor. In fact, the Explorer's styling has remained fairly consistent since its introduction. Sure, a few edges have been rounded off, the headlights and taillights have become more stylized, and its body has been made to look a little more aerodynamic, but the Ford Explorer still looks distinctly like a Ford Explorer.

As for changes in the newest model, the 2006 Explorer looks like the F-150 pickup in front, with finer, scaled-down features. There are four different grilles and stock wheel styles to distinguish the various trim levels. The combination of more chrome, bigger and bolder lamps and the new square-cornered aero mirrors make it look more like a Lexus SUV than a Ford (that's a good thing). They don't want you to mistake it, though, so every 2006 Explorer badge is about twice as big and twice as thick as those on 2005 models.

Overall, the Explorer remains stylistically plain and simple. What it does have going for it, however, is the aforementioned familiarity. Those who have come to love the Explorer will take one look at it and feel they know what they'd be getting. It's certainly not an ugly vehicle, but while it's not the most chic, its target market should find it to be just what they've come to know and love.

Styles and Options
The 2006 Explorer comes in four trims: the XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer edition, and Limited. Standard and optional features will differ, of course, depending on the trim selected. However, a Control-Trac automatic full-time four-wheel rear-wheel drive transmission is standard across all trims, and while the XLS is only available in a 4.0L 210hp V6 engine, the other trims are available in a choice between the V6 and a 4.6L 292hp V8 engine.

Standard equipment on the XLS includes Roll Stability Control (RSC), independent rear suspension, keyless entry, cruise control, message center, compass and thermometer, power windows, locks and mirrors, air conditioning, a floor console, rear vent windows and added 12-volt power point, a cargo management system, AM/FM stereo with single CD or MP3 player, driver manual lumbar adjuster, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The XLT adds a chrome grille, unique bumper and trim, power seat, fog lamps, puddle lamps, 16-inch tires and wheels, an overhead console and additional storage.

The Eddie Bauer version adds yet another grille design, running boards, roof rails, 17-inch wheels and tires, more wood and leather, 10-way power seat, message center and trip computer, and remote keyless entry. It is now split into two models, one with the luxury package added in and one without. The Luxury Package on the Eddie Bauer adds $1700, an audiophile sound system, six-disc changer, steering wheel controls, power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, and puddle lamps.

The Limited adds its own four-bar grille, 17-inch tires and wheels, monochromatic appearance package, heated seats with memory, still more wood and more leather and a few more small amenities.

Main Competitors

 * Jeep Grand Cherokee
 * Chevrolet TrailBlazer
 * Toyota 4Runner
 * Nissan Murano
 * Honda Pilot
 * Volkswagen Touareg