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Summary
The Ford Explorer has never been better and represents an excellent choice among midsize sport utilities. It gets the basics right while paying attention to the details. We find the Explorer fully competitive in a tightly contested segment, succeeding as both an excellent machine and a high-value purchase. It's handsome, smooth, quiet, comfortable and competent.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 XLT 2WD ($25,300): XLT 4WD ($27,595): Eddie Bauer 2WD ($28,300): Eddie Bauer 4WD ($30,595): Limited 2WD ($31,400): Limited 4WD ($33,659) |
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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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stability control, traction control, roll stability control, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, adaptive-venting frontal airbags, side-impact airbags; adaptive load-limited seatbelt retractors, tire-pressure monitor |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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roof curtain airbags for second and third row; reverse sensing system |
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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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Louisville, Kentucky; St. Louis, Missouri |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Ford Explorer XLT 4WD ($27,595) |
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Standard Equipment:
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cloth low-back bucket seats with manual driver lumbar adjustment; 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat with back-rest recline; air conditioning; AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with auxiliary input jack; power windows with one-touch-down driver window; remote entry key fobs; cargo management system; center console with floor shifter; two 12-volt power points; load-floor tie-down hooks; two-line message center with outside-temperature readout; privacy glass; one-piece liftgate with flip-open rear window; fold-away electric remote exterior mirrors; black roof side rails; 16-inch, painted aluminum wheels with P235/70R16 all-season tires; fog lamps |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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V8 engine ($1,200); third-row seat ($845); rear air conditioning ($675) |
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Destination Charge:
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695 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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31010 |
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Layout:
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four-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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14/20 |
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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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|
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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, anti-roll bar |
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Suspension, r:
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independent, trailing blade short and long arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
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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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