Another change is a 50/50 seat-back split to allow greater versatility for varying loads of people and cargo, and the third-row seat also offers a power-fold option, which is a first for the segment.
The second and third rows of seats fold completely flat when equipped with the second-row bench seat, says Lyons.
"The 2006 Explorer interior builds on the design leadership of the Ford F-150 truck," says Chelsia Lau, Explorer chief designer. "We wanted to build on the F-150's theme of 'tough luxury.' For Explorer, we improved the craftsmanship of the interior and gave it a bolder, stronger design. As a result, the 2006 Explorer feels both more sophisticated and more adventurous. It's tough yet refined at the same time."
The 2006 Explorer is available with "sophisticated details such as Preferred Suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching paired with strong, vertical lines and wood trim." In addition, the new center stack houses Explorer's first available DVD navigation system, and it's the first system in its segment to include spoken upcoming street names as part of its text-to-speech programming.
Also a first for Explorer is the console-mounted transmission shifter.
Even the doors have been designed to make them more functional as well as attractive, says Lau. Window control switches now use a more intuitive push-pull design. The door-release handle also has been revised. It is now integrated into the forward end of the armrest so that it is literally at a passenger's fingertips.
As for that exterior style -- well that should be utterly subjective and a matter of individual taste, so have a look at all the pictures to see what you think.
In a couple of weeks you'll be able to visit your local Ford store to see one in the flesh, and drive it if you think it suits your taste.
photo:Ford Motor Company
 |
| 2006 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer (photo: Ford Motor Company) |
"The 2006 Explorer interior builds on the design leadership of the Ford F-150 truck," says Chelsia Lau, Explorer chief designer. "We wanted to build on the F-150's theme of 'tough luxury.' For Explorer, we improved the craftsmanship of the interior and gave it a bolder, stronger design. As a result, the 2006 Explorer feels both more sophisticated and more adventurous. It's tough yet refined at the same time."
The 2006 Explorer is available with "sophisticated details such as Preferred Suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching paired with strong, vertical lines and wood trim." In addition, the new center stack houses Explorer's first available DVD navigation system, and it's the first system in its segment to include spoken upcoming street names as part of its text-to-speech programming.
Also a first for Explorer is the console-mounted transmission shifter.
 |
| 2006 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer (photo: Ford Motor Company) |
As for that exterior style -- well that should be utterly subjective and a matter of individual taste, so have a look at all the pictures to see what you think.
In a couple of weeks you'll be able to visit your local Ford store to see one in the flesh, and drive it if you think it suits your taste.
photo:Ford Motor Company
Article Gallery