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Summary
Ford is a lot better at trucks than cars these days, and with the new Explorer, they have shown just how good they are at getting the basics right and getting the pricing realigned. They understand that today's customer is keenly aware of all the choices in this segment, is simply not willing to pay as much for a new SUV as they may have been five years ago, and that the new customer wants more goodies for the money or he or she will go elsewhere. This new Explorer is as much an exercise in cost accounting as truck design, and it succeeds on both counts. Overall, a great value.New Car Test Drive correspondent Jim McCraw filed this report from Dearborn, Michigan.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Ford Explorer XLS ($27,175), XLT ($28,870), XLT Sport ($30,845), Eddie Bauer ($30,845), Limited ($33,160) |
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Engines:
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4.6-liter sohc 24-valve V8 |
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Transmissions:
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6-speed automatic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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electronic roll stability control, ABS, EBD; frontal airbags, side-impact airbags |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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roof curtain airbags for second and third row |
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Basic Warranty:
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3 years/36,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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St. Louis, Missouri; Louisville, Kentucky |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Ford Explorer XLT V8 AWD |
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Standard Equipment:
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air conditioning, power steering, power disc brakes, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, console, cruise control, message center, trip computer, AM/FM/CD system |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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all-wheel drive ($2,225); quad bucket seats ($795); rear air conditioning ($650); Ultimate Convenience Package ($1340) |
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Destination Charge:
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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33880 |
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Layout:
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all-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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292 @ 5750 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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300 @ 3950 |
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Transmission:
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6-speed automatic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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Wheelbase:
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113.7 |
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Length/width/height:
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193.4/73.5/72.8 |
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Track, f/r:
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60.9/61.8 |
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Turning circle:
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36.8 |
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Seating capacity:
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7 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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39.8/55.4/42.4 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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38.7/55.5/36.9 |
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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37.4/45.3/34.9 |
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Cargo volume:
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83.7 |
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Payload:
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Towing capacity:
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7050 |
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Suspension, f:
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independent, double A-arms, coil springs |
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Suspension, r:
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independent, trailing link, coil springs |
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Ground clearance:
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8.2 |
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Curb weight:
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4777 |
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Tires:
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P245/65R17 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
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Fuel capacity:
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22.5 |
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