Summary & Specs
reviewed by
The Explorer continues to be the best-selling SUV in the country, even
though it isn't necessarily the best SUV in the country, at least if real
off-road use is a factor. Modest ground clearance and a long wheelbase
limit its usefulness in rough country.
What seems to keep the Explorer on top is its roominess, solid reputation
for durability, quality engineering, class-leading looks and its overall
reputation as the leader. Those are the things that keep resale values
up.
The new V6 engine is a sweetheart, and unless you must have the extra
torque provided by the V8 for serious trailering, we can't advise spending
the extra money.
The Explorer operates in a very populous realm, against some very able
competition. And it's not the least expensive, by any means. But for the
kind of all-around uses most families find for their sport-utilities, the
Explorer's formula is still tough to beat.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor |
Mike Knepper |
| Model Lineup |
|
| Engines (standard) |
4.0-liter ohv V6 |
| Engines (optional) |
205-hp sohc 24v V6; 210-hp ohv V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
5-speed manual |
| Transmissions (optional) |
4-speed automatic (with V8); 5-speed automatic (with sohc V6) |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
ABS, dual airbags |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
|
| Basic Warranty |
3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
St. Louis, MO; Louisville, KY |
| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-392-3673 |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.ford.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$20,610 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
XLT 4-door 4X4 |
| Standard Equipment |
(XLT) sohc V6 engine, air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette audio, power windows, power mirrors, power locks, privacy glass, bright bumpers, color-keyed body side molding, retractable cargo cover, cargo dome lamp liftgate power lock, delay, aluminum alloy wheels |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
Premium AM/FM/cassette audio, keyless remote entry, luggage rack, premium am/fm cassette, overhead console, fog lamps |
| Destination Charge |
|
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Layout |
|
| Price as Tested |
$29,635 |
| Horse Power |
160 @ 4200 |
| Torque |
225 @ 2800 |
| Fuel Economy |
18/23 |
| Wheelbase |
111.5 |
| Length/Width/Height |
188.5/70.2/66.8 |
| Track Front/Rear |
58.8/58.6 |
| Turning Radius |
37.3 |
| Seating Capacity |
5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
39.8/51.9/42.4 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
39.3/51.7/37.7 |
| Trunk Volume |
81.6 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
4600 |
| Front Suspension |
Independent |
| Rear Suspension |
Live axle |
| Ground Clearance |
|
| Curb Weight |
4166 |
| Stock Tires |
P235/75R-15 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
disc/disc |
| Fuel Capacity |
21.0 |