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Ford Explorer Review: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:expeddiebauer.jpg|frame|2006 [[Ford Explorer]]]] | [[Image:expeddiebauer.jpg|frame|2006 [[Ford Explorer]]]] | ||
The [[Ford]] [[Ford Explorer|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. | |||
See also the main fact sheets for the '''[[Ford Explorer]]'''. | See also the main fact sheets for the '''[[Ford Explorer]]'''. | ||
==High Points== | ==High Points== | ||
| Line 38: | Line 38: | ||
==Styles and Options== | ==Styles and Options== | ||
The 2006 [[Ford Explorer|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 transmission|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 210[[hp]] [[V6]] engine, the other trims are available in a choice between the [[V6]] and a 4.6L 292[[hp]] [[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== | ==Main Competitors== | ||
Revision as of 18:04, 2 October 2006
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.
See also the main fact sheets for the Ford Explorer.
High Points
- High safety ratings
- Improved engine and suspension
- Easier to enter and exit the vehicle
- Third row seating
- Good towing capacity
Low Points
- V6 may not be powerful enough for some
- Stiff, uncomfortable seating
- Poor fuel economy
- Styling unexciting
- Ride not built for comfort/luxury like many crossovers
Performance and Handling
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:
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 less impressively, earning 3 of 5 stars.
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
Exterior
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
External Links
WikiCars Contributor Favorites
Community Sites
