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2006 Ford Explorer
Date Published: 2/20/08

2006 Ford Explorer
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MSRP:
$26,530 - 35,940

Invoice:
$24,252 - 32,626

Class:
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle

CG Award: (What's This?)
2006 Ford Explorer
Expert Rating Summary
Category 2WD Limited V8 w/18-in. whls. Rating (See All
Ratings)
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle Average Rating
Acceleration 6 5
Fuel Economy 4 3.8
Ride Quality 6 5.4
Steering/Handling/Braking 4 4.1
Quietness 6 5.2
Controls 5 6.3
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 7 6.7
Room/Comfort (rear) 7 6.2
Cargo Room 7 8.3
Value within Class 7 5.7
Total Score: 59 56.7
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
2006 FORD EXPLORER BUYING RESOURCES
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2006 Ford Explorer Review
More V8 power, revised interiors and exteriors, and more safety features are 2006 updates for America's best-selling SUV. Explorer has a truck-type design and offers rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and has low-range gearing. Two engines are available: a 210-hp V6 and a 292-hp V8. The V8 gains 53 hp for '06. Both use automatic transmission; the V6 retains a 5-speed, the V8 trades its 5-speed for a 6-speed. The model line ascends through XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trim. Offered on all but XLS is a 3rd-row seat for seven-passenger capacity; it's available for '06 with a power-folding feature. Front side airbags are newly standard. Again optional are curtain side airbags that cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows and include rollover deployment. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard, as is traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors. Also available are 2nd-row bucket seats, DVD entertainment, sunroof, rear obstacle detection, and power-adjustable pedals. A navigation system is newly optional. Ford retrims the Explorer for sale as the Mercury Mountaineer.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.

New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
News
Explorer and Mountaineer have just received an extensive redo, so expect no further changes of consequence for the next couple of years.
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