Is it as Good as it is Popular?
Would you put Toyota's 4Runner, Nissan's Pathfinder and Ford's Explorer into the same sentence? You know what I mean. While they're all midsize sport utility vehicles with true 4x4 capabilities, do you think that the Explorer would rate as highly as these two revered imports if tested back to back?
Well, Ford thinks its redesigned 2006 Explorer is every bit as good as both imports, and in many ways better than anything in the entry-level midsize SUV segment, which is reason enough for bringing each, plus a variety of domestic competitors to its new model introduction in Lake Placid, New York last month.
Do I agree with them? Yes and no. What was most evident is just how much better the new Explorer is when compared side by side with its predecessor. As for back-to-back driving tests against its rivals, I'll deal with the positive and negatives in a moment.
First, take a look at the new Explorer. Does it deviate from the previous model enough to let you know that Ford has completely redesigned the interior, totally overhauled the frame and suspension system, plus upgraded its V6 and V8 engines to premium levels of performance and refinement, while reducing tailpipe emissions to class-leading cleanliness? Ford has gone to great lengths to make sure its loyal Explorer buyers come back to a blue oval dealership when its time for a trade in, and as a result the 2006 model is a much better SUV than its predecessor. In fact,
I'll be so bold to say that it's every bit as good as any of its peers, and better than most, but from profile or a rear three-quarter angle it doesn't look like much more than a refresh of the 2005.
Sure, each wheel arch features a nicely tailored piece of trim that tidies up the design, giving it a more modern edge, while the taillights are revised with an entirely new lens pattern, plus a handle has been added to the glass hatch and blue oval badge now integrated onto the license plate shroud, but the 2006 Explorer doesn't come close to screaming out, "Hey you. Come over and take a look because I've thoroughly changed for the better!"
 |
| Ford thinks its redesigned 2006 Explorer is every bit as good as its competition. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Well, Ford thinks its redesigned 2006 Explorer is every bit as good as both imports, and in many ways better than anything in the entry-level midsize SUV segment, which is reason enough for bringing each, plus a variety of domestic competitors to its new model introduction in Lake Placid, New York last month.
Do I agree with them? Yes and no. What was most evident is just how much better the new Explorer is when compared side by side with its predecessor. As for back-to-back driving tests against its rivals, I'll deal with the positive and negatives in a moment.
First, take a look at the new Explorer. Does it deviate from the previous model enough to let you know that Ford has completely redesigned the interior, totally overhauled the frame and suspension system, plus upgraded its V6 and V8 engines to premium levels of performance and refinement, while reducing tailpipe emissions to class-leading cleanliness? Ford has gone to great lengths to make sure its loyal Explorer buyers come back to a blue oval dealership when its time for a trade in, and as a result the 2006 model is a much better SUV than its predecessor. In fact,
 |
| The Explorer's new duds make it more truck-like, pulling a few styling cues from Ford's best-selling F-150 pickup. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Sure, each wheel arch features a nicely tailored piece of trim that tidies up the design, giving it a more modern edge, while the taillights are revised with an entirely new lens pattern, plus a handle has been added to the glass hatch and blue oval badge now integrated onto the license plate shroud, but the 2006 Explorer doesn't come close to screaming out, "Hey you. Come over and take a look because I've thoroughly changed for the better!"