2006 Ford Explorer Road Test (Video Clip)

The Ford Weekend Adventurer is more like it

Ford has gone through tough times in the past. One of the stories that probably stuck the most is the Firestone tires versus the "highly prone to rollover" Ford SUV. Although this story did severely damage the image of Ford and the Explorer, not to mention SUVs in general, no one can deny the fact that the Explorer is still the best selling SUV in the World.

In a still very competitive segment, each manufacturer's SUV must continue to be reinvented to stay on top of the heap. Ford worked hard for 2002 by widening the track and switching to an all-new rear suspension to put out the flames lit by the previous Explorers. So far, I must say that it seems to have worked.

Base price is set at $39,999. With options, the Explorer Limited tops out at $57,000. My tester is an Eddie Bauer and with options, retails for about $53,000.

Styling

The refreshed outer shell of the 2006 Explorer is nice. As is the case with nearly all vehicles, the Explorer has grown in size and weight over the last fifteen years. In 2002, it received its last ground-up overhaul and for 2006, it underwent a face lift and nip and tuck. The principal change is seen in the front grille; it is now evocative of the Ford pickups and actually suits the Explorer quite well.

If the exterior of the Explorer gives the impression that this truck is huge on the road, the cabin somehow speaks a different language. I found the windshield and the "A" pillars to be very close to the front passengers. It is almost as though the truck feels the same size as a 2001 and older Explorer. Perhaps my vision and my senses are failing. Regardless; the interior is very well appointed. Fit and finish as well as the selection of the materials are very nice. The front seats are very comfortable and supportive and second row likewise comfy. The third row serves more as "just-in-case" seating.

I especially like the navigation system; it is quick to load, the software is up to date and it has touch-screen control. Some of the buttons on the right side of the display are slightly out of reach but otherwise, it functions impressively well.

Technical

For 2006, Ford has left one engine alone and tweaked the other. The 4.0L V6 carries on with 210 hp and 254 lb/ft of torque. The 4.6L V8 grows an extra 8 valves for a total of 24. Output increases to 292 hp from 239 hp and torque receives a modest increase of 18 lbs to 300 lb/ft. Transmissions are limited to a 5-speed auto for the V6 and a 6-speed for the V8. Each Explorer is equipped with a 4WD system. The suspension is fully independent, steering is power assisted rack and pinion and brakes are composed of 4-wheel discs.

On the road

The Explorer is impressively smooth on the road. Noise from the tires and the highway is well insulated. The independent front and rear stabilizer bar equipped suspension provides a comfortable and confident ride. This SUV, like any other, is prone to important body roll but thanks to Ford's standard AdvanceTrac roll stability control, the Explorer never got out of hand.