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| [[Image:explorer.jpg|frame|2006 [[Ford]] Explorer]]
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| The [[Ford]] Explorer is a midsize sport utility vehicle sold mostly in North America built by the [http://www.fordvehicles.com Ford Motor Company] since 1990 and still in production as of 2006. It is manufactured in Louisville, Kentucky (it was also assembled in Hazelwood, Missouri until the plant closed on March 10, 2006). It has been the best-selling vehicle midsize SUV in the United States each year since its introduction, and is one of the vehicles instrumental in turning the SUV from a special-interest vehicle into one of the most popular vehicle types on the road. The [[Ford]] Explorer continues to be a simple and reliable Mid-Size SUV that appeals to all age groups.
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| The Explorer has also been involved in controversy, after a spate of fatal rollover accidents involving Explorers fitted with Firestone tires. Most of the time, the Explorer had competed with the [[Nissan Pathfinder]] and the [[Toyota 4Runner]]. Both two-door Explorer Sport and four-door models of Explorer have been sold. Part-time four wheel drive is an available option, and since 1995 this has been a 'shift on the fly' system with full protection against being engaged at too high a speed.
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| A specially modified ''Special Service Vehicle'' version is also available from Ford Fleet for law enforcement.
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| See WikiCars' comprehensive [[Ford Explorer Review]].
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| [[Image:expeddiebauer.jpg|frame|2006 [[Ford]] Explorer ''Eddie Bauer Edition'']]
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| ==Recent Changes==
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| The 2006 Explorer has a slightly altered exterior yet as ''NewCarTestDrive'' states, "is the same overall length as the previous model, but it sits on a (two-inch) longer wheelbase and a much wider track, making it more stable and more comfortable."
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| ==Styles and Major Options==
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| The [[Ford]] Explorer is available in either a 210-horsepower [[V6]] or a 292-horsepower [[V8]] with either a 4.0L or a 4.6L engine, respectively. The Explorer come in a 4x2 or a 4x4, in the following trims:
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| # '''XLS''' - ''The XLS Explorer is only available with a 4.0L engine.''
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| # '''XLT'''
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| # '''Eddie Bauer'''
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| # '''Limited'''
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| ==Pricing==
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| {| border="1"
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| |+ [[Ford]] Explorer 4x2s
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| ! !! '''MSRP''' !! '''Invoice'''
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| |-
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| ! 2006 XLS 4.0L 4dr 4x2
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| | $26,530 || $24,252
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| |-
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| ! 2006 XLT 4.0L 4dr 4x2
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| |$28,225
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| |$25,761
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| |-
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| ! 2006 XLT 4.6L 4dr 4x2
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| |$29,425
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| |$26,829
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| |-
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| ! 2006 Eddie Bauer 4.0L 4dr 4x2
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| |$30,200
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| |$27,518
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| |-
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| ! 2006 Eddie Bauer 4.6L 4dr 4x2
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| |$31,400
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| |$28,586
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| |-
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| ! 2006 Limited 4.0L 4dr 4x2
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| |$32,515
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| |$29,578
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| |-
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| ! 2006 Limited 4.6L 4dr 4x2
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| |$33,715
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| |$30,646
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| |}
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| {| border="1"
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| |+ [[Ford]] Explorer 4x4s
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| ! !! '''MSRP''' !! '''Invoice'''
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| |-
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| ! 2006 XLS 4.0L 4dr 4x4
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| | $28,755 || $26,232
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| |-
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| ! 2006 XLT 4.0L 4dr 4x4
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| |$30,450
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| |$27,741
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| |-
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| ! 2006 XLT 4.6L 4dr 4x4
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| |$31,650
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| |$28,809
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| |-
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| ! 2006 Eddie Bauer 4.0L 4dr 4x4
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| |$32,425
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| |$29,499
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| |-
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| ! 2006 Eddie Bauer 4.6L 4dr 4x4
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| |$33,625
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| |$30,567
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| |-
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| ! 2006 Limited 4.0L 4dr 4x4
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| |$34,740
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| |$31,558
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| |-
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| ! 2006 Limited 4.6L 4dr 4x4
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| |$35,940
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| |$32,626
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| |}
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| Today's prices for different trims of the 2006 Ford Explorer are also available at [http://www.carsdirect.com/ford/explorer/prices CarsDirect].
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| ==Gas Mileage==
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| As seen on [http://www.autos.com/autos/rankings_mpg?cat=suvs&segment=midsize_suvs&rank=mpg&year=0 Autos.com], the Explorer is still towards the bottom of the list of Mid-Size SUVs in terms of gas mileage.
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| The 2006 [[Ford]] Explorer gets a City/Highway EPA estimated 15/21 MPG.
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| <table border=1 bordercolor=#000008>
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| <tr bgcolor=#ccccc>
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| <td colspan=15>
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| '''Explorer Model Year'''
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| </td>
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| </tr>
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| <tr bgcolor=ffffcc>
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| <td>
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| 2006
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 2005
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 2004
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 2003
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 2002
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 2001
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 2000
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 1999
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 1998
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 1997
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 1996
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 1995
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 1994
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 1993
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 1992
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| </td>
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| </tr>
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| <tr>
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| <td colspan=15 bgcolor=#ccccc>
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| '''MPG - City/Highway'''
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| </td>
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| </tr>
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| <tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
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| <td>
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| 15/21
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 16/21
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 16/21
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 15/21
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 17/22
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 16/22
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 18/23
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 18/23
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 17/21
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 18/23
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 18/23
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 18/22
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 18/22
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 18/22
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 18/23
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| </td>
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| </tr>
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| </table>
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| ==Safety==
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| The accolades say it all: Ford Explorer for 2006 received the highest government crash test rating for all four crash seating positions (driver and right front passenger for frontal crash, and front and rear seating positions for side-impact).[http://www.carsdirect.com/ford/explorer/safety/]
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| ==Photos==
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| [[Image:explorerinterior.jpg|frame|The Optional ''Eddie Bauer Luxury Package'' with leather-trimmed seating and the two-tone effect]]
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| [[Image:explorerinteriors.jpg|frame|Changing the seating configurations is easy with the new tip/fold/kneel functionality of the 2nd row seats.]]
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| ==Colors==
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| The [[Ford]] Explorer comes in a varitey of colors. The 2006 Explorer models are available in the following colors:
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| * Dark Blue Pearl
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| * Mineral Grey
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| * Red Fire
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| * Pueblo Gold
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| * Silver Birch
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| * Dark Stone
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| * Black
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| * Oxford White
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| All of the abaove trims, except for Pueblo Gold are available with either a Camel or a Dark Stone interior. The Pueblo Gold is available only with a Camel interior.
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| ==Main Competitors==
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| The [[Ford]] Explorer competes with several different Mid-Size SUVs, including the following:
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| * [[Honda Pilot]]
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| * [[Jeep Grand Cherokee]]
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| * [[Nissan Pathfinder]]
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| * [[Toyota 4Runner]]
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| * [[Toyota Highlander]]
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| ==Hybrid Models==
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| [[Ford]] has no plans to create a hybrid version of the Explorer, as they have already saturated a good portion of the SUV market with the popular [[Ford Escape Hybrid|Escape Hybrid]].
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| ==Unique Attributes==
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| Like other SUVs on the market, the [[Ford]] Explorer not only comes in different trims, but also shares its chassis with the compnay's other Make/Model counterparts. Currently, the Explorer shares its chassis with the [[Lincoln Aviator]] and [[Mercury Mountaineer]].
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| ==Resale Values==
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| <table border=1 bordercolor=#000008>
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| <tr bgcolor=#ccccc>
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| <td colspan=15>
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| '''Explorer Model Year'''
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| </td>
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| </tr>
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| <tr bgcolor=ffffcc>
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| <td>
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| 2006
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 2005
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 2004
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 2003
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 2002
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 2001
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 2000
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 1999
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 1998
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 1997
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 1996
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 1995
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 1994
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 1993
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| 1992
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| </td>
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| </tr>
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| <tr>
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| <td colspan=15 bgcolor=#ccccc>
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| '''Resale Value'''
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| </td>
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| </tr>
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| <tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
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| <td>
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| $26,530-$35,940
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| $16,950-$25,850
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| $14,925-$23,125
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| $13,600-$19,650
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| $11,325-$15,925
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| $7,775-$11,625
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| $5,975-$9,550
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| $5,350-$6,775
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| $4,575-$5,700
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| $4,100-$5,075
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| $3,625-$4,625
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| $3,125-$4,075
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| $2,525-$3,400
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| $2,225-$3,100
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| </td>
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| <td>
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| $1,900-$2,775
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| </td>
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| </tr>
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| </table>
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| ==Generations==
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| ===Fourth Generation (2006-present)===
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| [[Image:explorergen4.jpg|frame|Fourth Generation [[Ford]] Explorer]]
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| The Explorer and [[Mercury Mountaineer|Mountaineer]] are updated for 2006 on a new frame, produced by Magna International rather than Tower Automotive. It was upsized, because the [[Ford Freestyle]] slotted between the [[Ford Escape|Escape]] and the Explorer for 2005. Along with this new, stronger base are a new interior, redesigned rear suspension, and power-folding 3rd-row seats. A tire-pressure monitoring system and [[Electronic Stability Control|electronic stability control]] will be standard. Power running boards (like those on the [[Lincoln Navigator]]) that retract when the vehicle is in motion are an option.
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| However, unlike previous Explorers, there will be no right-hand drive version engineered. [[Ford]] Australia has a capable local equivalent instead, being the Australian designed and developed [[Ford Territory]]. The new Explorer is marketed in Japan in a left-hand drive configuration, as LHD vehicles are considered prestigious there.
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| A 210 hp (157 kW) 4.0 L [[V6]] will be the base engine, with the 292 hp (218 kW) 24-valve [[V8]] taken from the [[Ford Mustang|Mustang]] as the top choice. A six-speed automatic transmission is available with this engine as well.
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| Despite slow sales, a new ''Ford Explorer Sport Trac'' will be added to the Explorer line in early 2006 for the 2007 model year. Unlike its predecessor, sold through 2005, it will feature the [[V8]] engine as an option, and will be based on the new, larger Explorer platform. ''AdvanceTrac®'' with ''Roll Stability Control™'' will be standard in the Sport Trac.
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| A special 2007 ''SVT'' model called the ''Sport Trac Adrenalin'' was to use a supercharged version of the 4.6 L Modular [[V8]], with 390 hp (291 kW) and featuring 21-inch wheels. It was to be a successor to the [[Ford F-Series|F-Series Lightning]] pickup. However, it was cancelled in a cost cutting move, as part of ''The Way Forward''. [http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060203/AUTO01/602030367] [http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109191]
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| ===Third Generation (2002-2005)===
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| [[Image:explorergen3.jpg|frame|Third Generation [[Ford]] Explorer]]
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| The 4 door Explorer and companion [[Mercury Mountaineer]] were redesigned entirely in 2002, losing all kinship with the [[Ford Ranger|Ranger]] and the continued ''Explorer Sport/Sport Trac''. The 2-door Explorer Sport was replaced by the [[Ford Escape]] in 2001. Engines were either the SOHC 4.0 L V6 (210 hp/157 kW) or a 4.6 L 239 hp (178 kW) V8, with the 203 hp (151 kW) 4.0 L V6 still available on the Explorer Sport. A third-row seat became available for the first time, bringing total passenger capacity to 7. Both manual and automatic 5-speed transmissions and 2, 4, and all-wheel drive were available. Trim lines were the base ''Sport Value'', ''Sport Choice'', ''XLS'', ''Sport Premium'', ''XLT'', ''Eddie Bauer'', and top of the line ''Limited''. AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ were standard for 2005.
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| All three trucks use code U6 (for 4x2), U7 (for 4x4), and U8 (for AWD) in the 5th, 6th, and 7th positions of the VIN.
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| ===Second Generation (1995-2001)===
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| [[Image:explorergen2.jpg|frame|Second Generation [[Ford]] Explorer]]
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| The Explorer saw significant exterior, interior and suspension updates in 1995. The former "Twin Traction Beam" (TTB) front suspension was replaced with a more car-like independent front suspension. The Explorer lineup now consisted of two models: 2-door Explorer Sport and the 4-door Explorer. Two more trim lines were added as well, the ''Limited'' was a higher end 4-door, while the ''Eddie Bauer'' trim level was replaced with [[Ford Expedition|Expedition]] on 2-door Explorers (1995 only, the name would be reused on the 1997 [[Ford Expedition]]). A 210 hp (157 kW) 4.9 L "5.0" V8 engine was added for 1996 along with real all wheel drive on the ''Eddie Bauer'' and ''Limited'' in 1997. A more-powerful SOHC 205 hp (153 kW) engine came as an option in 1997 along with an optional 5-speed automatic. A [[Mercury]] twin, the [[Mercury Mountaineer]] was added in 1997 as well.
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| The 1995 Explorer was the first production vehicle to use a neon center high mount stop lamp. This was replaced with more conventional lamps when the liftgate was refreshed in 1998. Another facelift came in 1999, at which time the ''XLS'' name replaced ''XL'' as the base model .
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| 2001 saw the introduction of the ''Explorer Sport Trac'', which put a small pickup bed behind the four normal SUV doors.
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| ===First Generation (1991-1994)===
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| [[Image:explorergen1.jpg|frame|First Generation [[Ford]] Explorer]]
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| The [[Ford]] Explorer was released in March 1990 as a 1991 model, replacing the [[Ford Bronco|Bronco II]], which was almost exactly identical to the original Explorer. Like its predecessor, it was based on the [[Ford Ranger]] compact pickup truck and was equipped with a 4.0 L 155 hp (116 kW) [[V6]] engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. There were both 2-door and 4-door bodystyles with available rear or four wheel drive.
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| Explorers came in 4 trim levels: Base ''XL'', ''XLT'', ''Sport'' (the two-door version), and the upscale ''Eddie Bauer'' Edition. A 5-speed manual transmission was added, for the Sport, for 1992, and the engine lost 10 hp (7.5 kW). 15 hp (11 kW) was added for 1993 for a total of 160 hp (119 kW). The ''Limited'' version was also added for 1993. Available only in the 4-door style, it was even more upscale than the ''Eddie Bauer'' version. It featured automatic headlights, foglamps, an automatic transmission as standard equipment, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, a center roof console with compass and outside thermometer, special wheels, and a special grille. A variant of the ''Explorer Sport'' was sold by [[Mazda]] as the [[Mazda Navajo]], which won '''Motor Trend''' magazine's ''Truck of the Year'' award but was discontinued two years later.
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| Modified Explorers, with a new paint job and glass roof among other features, appeared in the 1993 blockbuster film "'''Jurassic Park'''" as tour cars.
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| ==Awards==
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| * The Explorer was nominated for the ''North American Truck of the Year'' award for 2006.
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| * Ford Explorer: named ''2006 Best-in-Class SUV'' by '''NEMPA'''
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| * The Ford Explorer was named the 2006 '''AutoByTel''' Editors' Choice Award Winner for ''SUV of the Year''.
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| * '''Detroit Free Press''' names 2006 Explorer "''Truck of the Year''"
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| ==External Links==
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| * Ford Explorer official websites: [http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/ U.S.A.] | [http://www.ford.ca/main/default.asp?Language=en§ion=1&sVehCategory=FordSUVs&Model=Explorer Canada]
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| * [http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa091200a.htm?terms=firestone Firestone, Ford, DOT and the Law (About.com)]
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| * [http://www.autoguidewiki.com/Ford_Explorer_Sport_Trac_4_Dr_Extended_Cab AutoGuideWiki.com: Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4 Dr Extended Cab]
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| * [http://www.cardomain.com/MakeModel/Ford/Explorer Ford Explorer at CarDomain]
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| * [http://www.explorerforum.com Serious Explorations] Ford Explorer, Ranger and Bronco II Enthusiast Site
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| * [http://www.broncoii-ranger.com BroncoII-Ranger.com] Ford Bronco II, Ranger, And Explorer Enthusiast Site.
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