Ford Explorer 2006 - 2010 review

Ford Explorer 2006. Click for larger photo

Ford Explorer was originally launched in 1990; by 2010, the Explorer has been America's best-selling midsize SUV for 15 of the previous 19 years.
The 2006-2010 Explorer is a comfortable well designed mid-size truck-based SUV. The Explorer offers 5, 6, or 7-passenger configuration.
With a powerful optional V8 and smooth and quiet ride the Explorer is a pleasure to take on a road trip, but it surely won't be cheap on gas. The Explorer's body-on-frame construction combined with a powerful V8 make it suitable for towing a heavy trailer.

Overview

Ford Explorer 2006 interior. Click for larger photo See more photos below Ford Explorer second row bucket seats. Click for larger photo Ford Explorer second row bucket seats. Click for larger photo The 2006-2010 Explorer has a body-on-frame construction with independent front and rear suspension. The Explorer comes as a rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive (only 4WD in Canada). The powertrain choices include a 210-hp SOHC V6 with a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 292-hp V8 with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Inside the Explorer feels refined. The front seats are supportive and comfortable even on a long trip. The five- and seven-passenger Explorer has a 60/40-split second-row bench seat. The six-passenger models come with two second-row bucket seats with a large fold-out center console in between. The front visibility is good. The large rear headrests block the rear view, but they can be flipped forward. The second- and split third-row seats fold down to form a flat cargo floor. The rear liftgate window opens separately. An auxiliary climate control and the entertainment system with a DVD player for the rear-seat passengers are among available options. The Ford Sync™ is available from 2008. On the road, the Explorer has comfortable and quiet ride, especially with V8. Ford claims that the Explorer is the quietest vehicle in its class. The handling is good for a body-on-frame SUV, but not sporty. I also took the 4X4 Explorer on a snow covered dirt trail and it handled very well. The anti lock braking system (ABS) and AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control are standard. Side and side curtain air bags 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. For more info, visit Safercar.gov

Engine

Ford Explorer 4.6L V8 engine The 2006-2010 Ford Explorer comes with a V6 or V8 motor. The base engine is a 210-hp 254 lb-ft 4.0-liter V6 with a 2 valves per cylinder SOHC design. It's not a rocket, but adequate for daily driving. The optional 292-hp 4.6-liter, SOHC V8 with 3 valves per cylinder and variable cam timing has plenty of power and 300 ft.-lbs. of torque. The EPA rates both the V6 and V8 4WD Explorer at 13/18 MPG (18.1/13.1 L/100km) city/highway. Both the V6 and V8 are pretty good engines for the most part and either can run on a regular gasoline, but there are things to watch for; read below.

Pros

- Comfortable, quiet ride
- Roomy, well-equipped cabin
- Available third-row seats
- Standard stability control system
- Towing capacity
- Large cargo area with seats folded down
- Excellent sound system

Cons

- Poor gas mileage
- Reliability could be better, especially in early models
- Design of the inner door handles in 2006 model
- Cup holders are too close to the transmission shifter; easy to spill some drink that may cause problems with the shifter.
- The dirt from the front wheel splashes on the doors.

Overall

Out of all the SUVs I drove, I enjoyed the V8 Ford Explorer the most, as it was very comfortable, powerful, quiet and the sound system was great. It's a pleasure-to-drive truck that is much improved compared to the previous model, but it surely won't be cheap on gas and the reliability is far from perfect. Some transmission concerns, bad wheel bearings, ignition coils, throttle body, Check Engine light, ABS issues and some other problems are not uncommon, mostly in 2006, 2007 models. I'd recommend to avoid V6 2006 models, as there are plenty of complaints about leaking radiators, causing overheating the engine. Look for V8 model if you planning to use the Explorer for towing. Interestingly, the V8 and the V6 have the same EPA fuel economy ratings. The Explorer's maximum towing capacity ranges from 5140lb to 7300lb (when properly equipped) depending on the engine, drivetrain, rear axle ratio and number of seats.

What to look for buying a used Ford Explorer

As a first step, check the used car history records. A history report may help you to uncover some of the problems the car might have in the past such as accidents, flood damage, rolled back odometer, etc. Follow this link: How to check used car history.
- If possible check the service history to make sure that the engine hasn't been overheated.
- Watch for low coolant level and leaks from the radiator and thermostat housing.
- During a test drive, watch for anything irregular in the way the transmission shifts; there should be no jerks or jolts, all shifts have to be very smooth. There should be no clunk during deceleration when coming to a stop.
- Unstable idle, stalling, hesitation are signs of problems.
- Watch for "binding" feeling on turns and any noises from the drivetrain or suspension.
- Bad front wheel bearings are not uncommon, watch for any noises, looseness in the front end or handling issues.
- Check if the CD 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 light, Traction Control light or Powertrain malfunction indicator light (wrench light) or any other warning light is on, have it checked out before buying a vehicle.
- Check if all the heater and air conditioner modes are working properly.
Read more what to look for when buying a used car
- Prior purchase have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic of your choice experienced in Ford products. Make sure the mechanic tests the transmission and 4WD system.
Check our step-by-step used car buying guide for more information.

Few maintenance tips

- Wash and wax your truck regularly to protect the paint.
- Rustproofing can help to protect the body and the frame from corrosion.
- Regular oil changes are important to keep your engine in a good shape.
- Regularly check coolant level; if you notice the leaks on your parking spot or if the engine temperature rising more than usually, have the truck checked.
- Overheating can cause serious engine problems.
- The Explorer is a tall heavy SUV with high center of gravity. This type of SUVs have higher rollover rate, especially with a heavy load, so the proper tire pressure as well as good tires are very important. Check the tire pressure regularly; incorrect tire pressure can also cause problems with the 4WD system, as well as with the ABS and Traction Control. Your owner's manual has all the information.
- For the same reason, it's also important to have all four tires of the same size.
- If you notice a jolt or bump when coming to a stop, there was a Ford Service Bulletin about this problem in 2006-2008 Explorer that listed reprogramming the PCM 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. There were a number of Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) about the transmission problems; it might be a good idea to check if any of the TSB applies to a problem you have.
- If your truck is hesitating or misfiring due to a bad ignition coil, it's good idea to replace all the spark plugs (if they are old) along with the coil.
- At least once a year have your truck inspected in a garage on the lift to keep it safe.
Check more Car maintenance tips.
- Read Why "Check Engine" light comes on.
- If you know the trouble code that caused Check Engine light in your Explorer, check what it means here: OBDII trouble codes.

2007 Ford Explorer specifications

2006 Ford Explorer 6-seat model Photos

2006 Ford Explorer 2006 Ford Explorer Dashboard storage Dual-zone climate control Ford Explorer leather-wrapped steering wheel The 2006 Explorer door handle takes time to get used to. Later models have different design Rear view The head restraints can flip forward when the seat is unoccupied for improved rearward visibility The second-row bucket seats in a 6-seater model The second-row storage in a 6-seater model Available rear entertainment system with a DVD player The rear liftgate window opens separately Third-row seats up The third-row seats folded down

2006 Ford Explorer