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2006 Ford Explorer First Drive
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2006 Ford Explorer
TO THE POINT
What’s New? Ford significantly updates the Explorer with cleaner V6 and more powerful V8 engines, a six-speed automatic transmission, a redesigned frame and suspension, new safety technology, improved payload and towing capacities, a revised and quieter interior, and fresh exterior styling.
Selling Points: Lots of safety features, improved ride and handling, powerful V8 engine, ULEV-II V6 engine, greater payload and towing capacity, redesigned seats with better comfort.
Deal Breakers: Thirsty V8 feels like a big V6, hard and cheap plastic on the dash and doors, tight leg room in both rear rows, less cabin storage space than before.
Our Advice: Though imperfect, the 2006 Ford Explorer remains one of the better midsize SUVs, one that can tackle moderate off-road terrain while providing a supple on-road ride quality and responsive handling.
MEET THE COMPETITION
Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Nissan Pathfinder
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Specifications
The 2006 Ford Explorer’s key competitors include the Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Dodge Durango, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mercury Mountaineer, Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Xterra, Toyota 4Runner, and Volkswagen Touareg
Test Vehicle: 2006 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD V8
Price of Test Vehicle: $45,275
Engine Size and Type: 4.6-liter V8
Engine Horsepower: 292 at 5,750 rpm
Engine Torque: 300 lb.-ft. at 3,950 rpm (V8)
Transmission: Six-speed automatic (V8)
Curb weight, lbs.: 4,615
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): Not Rated
Observed Fuel Economy: 13.2 mpg
Length: 193.4 inches
Width: 73.7 inches
Wheelbase: 113.7 inches
Height: 72.8 inches
Leg room (front/2nd row/3rd row): 42.4/36.9/34.9 inches
Head room (front/2nd row/3rd row): 39.8/38.7/37.4 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: Seven
Max. Cargo Volume: 85.8 cubic feet (83.7 cubic feet with seven-passenger seating)
Max. Payload, lbs.: 1,520
Max. Towing Capacity, lbs.: 7,300
Ground Clearance: 8.2 inches
Competitors: Buick Rainier, Buick Rendezvous, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Dodge Durango, GMC Envoy, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Santa Fe, Isuzu Ascender, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mercury Mountaineer, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Nissan Murano, Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Xterra, Pontiac Torrent, Saturn Vue, Subaru B9 Tribeca, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Highlander, Volkswagen Touareg Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company
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About Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw joined Autobytel's Automotive Information Center (AIC) in January 2003, and current serves as Manager of Content Development for Autobytel. Previously, Christian spent eight years as Editor-in-Chief and Director of Automotive Data for Edmunds.com. A writer, editor, and automobile aficionado, Christian is a different sort of car enthusiast. His passion lies in the vehicles that people most often buy, rather than with high-performance sports cars or ultra-luxury sedans. “Given the choice to spend an hour with a Dodge Viper or a Honda Accord, I’ll choose the Accord,” he claims. Unless, of course, the driving venue is a racetrack. Christian has been a car enthusiast all of his life, uttering “car” as his first word while growing up in Detroit. A graduate of Western Michigan University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in English. His daily drivers include a 1994 Mazda Miata, a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata, and a 2005 Nissan Murano.
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