What to look for when buying a used Ford Explorer
2006 Ford Explorer. |
Ford Explorer is a solid, mid-size truck-based SUV with a smooth and quiet ride. It is available in 5, 6, or 7-passenger configuration, with a V6 or V8 engine. The 5- and 7-passenger Explorer has a 60/40-split second-row bench seat. The 6-passenger models offer two second-row bucket seats with a large fold-out center console. The front seats are supportive and comfortable. The second- and third-row seats fold down to form a flat cargo floor. The third-row seats are low to the floor and have fairly thin padding, but the head- and legroom is pretty good. Front visibility is good. The large rear headrests block the rear view, but they can be flipped forward. The rear lift gate window opens separately.
Power-adjustable pedals with memory, rear climate controls and the DVD player are among available features.
The V8 Explorer is a good choice for towing. Fuel economy for both the V6 and V8 Explorer is what you'd expect from this type of vehicle. The reliability is not better than average.
Ford Explorer 2006 interior. |
Mechanical: The 2006-2010 Explorer is a body-on-frame truck. It comes as a rear- or four-wheel drive, with an independent front and rear suspension. Powertrain choices include a V6 with a five-speed automatic or a V8 with a six-speed automatic transmission. The base 210-hp 254 lb-ft 4.0L V6 is not very strong, but adequate for daily driving.
The optional 292-hp 4.6L SOHC V8 is more powerful and quiet.
Both the V6 and V8 are good engines for the most part and with regular maintenance can last very long.
V8 models are better suited for towing. The Explorer's maximum towing capacity ranges from 5,140 lb. to 7,300 lb. (when properly equipped) depending on the drivetrain, rear axle ratio and number of seats.
Fuel Economy:
The EPA rates both the V6 and V8 4WD 2007 Explorer
at 13/18 mpg (18.1/13.1 L/100 km) city/highway; this is about average for a truck of this size, but well behind car-based 4-cylinder SUVs. On a full tank (22.5 US gallons or 85.2 liters), the 4WD Explorer can travel for 344 miles (554 km) with 10% city and 90% highway driving.
Handling and ride The Explorer handles well, but not sporty. The ride is smooth and comfortable. We took the Explorer on a few snow-covered trails and the truck handled snowy hills and back roads with confidence; the all-wheel drive system worked very well.
Safety:
The antilock braking system (ABS) and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control are standard. Side and side curtain airbags are available. Trailer Sway Control is standard from 2009.
The 2006-2010 Ford Explorer received five out of five stars in the NHTSA front and side-impact crash tests, and three out of five stars in rollover tests.
Pros:
Strong V8, quiet ride, towing capacity, comfortable well-equipped cabin, available third-row seating, standard stability control,
good sound system.
Cons:
Gas mileage, reliability is not better than average, cup holders are too close to the transmission shifter, dirt from the front wheel splashes on the doors, limited cargo space with all seats in use.
Reliability and common problems: Consumer Reports rates the 2006 Explorer 'worse than average' with Engine Cooling getting the worst marks. The 2007, 2008 and 2010 Explorer received 'average' rating.
The Ford Explorer common problems include various transmission issues, leaking radiators in 2006 model, electrical problems, bad wheel bearings, faulty ignition switch, bad ignition coils, throttle body and emission control system faults.
What to look for when buying a used Ford Explorer: We recommend to avoid the 2006 V6 Explorer, as the leaking radiators in them were causing the engine to overheat.
When buying a used Ford Explorer, check the history records to find out if the truck has any reported accidents or other issues in the past.
If possible, check the service records to make sure that the engine hasn't been overheated.
When inspecting the truck, watch out for low coolant level and leaks from the radiator and thermostat housing. During the test drive, pay attention to the way the transmission shifts; there should be no jerks or jolts; all shifts should be smooth. There should be no clunk when coming to a stop.
Unstable idle, stalling, hesitation are the signs of problems.
Watch out for "binding" feeling in turns, as well as for noises from the drivetrain or suspension. Humming or growling noises, looseness in the front end could be caused by a bad front wheel bearings. Check if the CD/DVD player works.
If the Check Engine light is on, have it checked out before buying a vehicle; some problems are expensive to fix.
Similarly, if the ABS, Traction Control light or Powertrain malfunction indicator (wrench light), have it checked out before buying a truck. Check if all the heater and air conditioner modes are working properly. Read more what to look for when buying a used truck. Before signing the contract, have the truck inspected by a mechanic experienced in Ford products, even if it's sold as 'Certified Pre-owned'. Ask to test the transmission and 4WD system.
You might also be interested:
 How to buy a used carstep-by-step guide » |
 How to check a usedSUV or truck » |
Maintenance:
Have the oil changes done in recommended intervals to keep the engine in good shape. Regularly check the coolant level; if you notice coolant leaks on your parking spot or if the engine temperature starts rising more than usual, have the truck checked out; overheating can cause serious engine damage.
The Explorer is a tall heavy SUV with high center of gravity. This type of vehicles have higher rollover rates, especially with a heavy load, so the proper tire pressure as well as good tires are very important. Check tire pressure regularly. Incorrect tire pressure can also cause problems with the 4WD system, as well as with the ABS and Traction Control.
For the same reason, it's also important to have all four tires of the same brand and size.
If you notice a jolt from a transmission when coming to a stop, there was a Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) about this problem in 2006-2008 Explorer that recommended reprogramming the ECM and TCM as a solution. Your Ford dealer can do this for you.
If you have concerns with the way the transmission shifts, have it checked out before it gets worse. Some problems, if caught early, can be less expensive to repair.
If your truck needs a new ignition coil, it's good idea to replace all the spark plugs as well.
At least once a year have your truck inspected in a repair shop on the hoist to keep it safe.
If the Check Engine light comes on and you know the trouble code, see what it means here: OBDII trouble codes.
More on maintenance:
 10 simple tips how to keepyour car running longer » |
 Easy car maintenance checklist with photos » |
Resources:
Safety Recalls - NHTSA - check for recalls.
Transport Canada - Road Safety Recalls - check for recalls in Canada.
Ford Fleet - download an owner's manual.
Support | Ford.com - info on maintenance and other ownership topics.
2007 Ford Explorer specifications
| Dimensions: | |
| Overall length: Overall width: Overall height: Wheelbase: Ground clearance: |
193.4 in (4912 mm) 73.7 in (1872 mm) - excluding mirrors 72.8 in (1849 mm) 113.7 in (2888 mm) 8.2 in (208 mm) |
| Seating capacity: |
5, 6 or 7 passenger |
| Engine: | |
| V6: V8: |
4.0-liter, V6, 12-valve SOHC 210 hp @ 5,100 rpm, 254 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm 4.6-liter, V8, 24-valve SOHC 292 hp @ 5,750 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 3,950 rpm |
| EPA Fuel Economy (US mpg, L/100 km): | |
| 4.0L V6 engine, 2WD: 4.6L V8 engine, 2WD: 4.0L V6 engine, 4WD: 4.6L V8 engine, 4WD: |
city: 14 mpg (16.8 L/100 km) hwy: 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) city: 13 mpg (18.1 L/100 km) hwy: 20 mpg (11.8 L/100 km) city: 13 mpg (18.1 L/100 km) hwy: 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) city: 13 mpg (18.1 L/100 km) hwy: 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) |
| Recommended Fuel: |
87 octane |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: |
22.5 US gallons (85.2 liters) |
| Engine oil capacity: | |
| 4.6L engine 4.0L engine |
6.0 US qt. (5.7L) 5.0 US qt. (4.7L) |
