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2007 Ford Explorer Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
Also in the 2007 Ford Explorer Review:
2007 Ford Explorer Review
Power running boards and a heated windshield are new options for 2007 on Ford'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. Both use automatic transmission; the V6 has a 5-speed, the V8 a 6-speed. The model line ascends through XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trim. Offered on all is a 3rd-row seat for seven-passenger capacity; it's available with a power folding feature. Front side airbags are standard. Optional on XLT, standard on the others are curtain side airbags that cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows and include rollover deployment. ABS is standard, as is traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors. Also available are 2nd-row bucket seats, navigation system, DVD entertainment, sunroof, rear obstacle detection, and power-adjustable pedals. Ford retrims the Explorer for sale as the Mercury Mountaineer.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buy choice is the Honda Pilot. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Dodge Nitro, Ford Edge, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook, Suzuki XL-7, and Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Our Best Buy choice is the Honda Pilot. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Dodge Nitro, Ford Edge, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook, Suzuki XL-7, and Toyota FJ Cruiser.
News
Explorer sales took a big tumble with the recent gas-price run-up, and demand is still dropping even though fuel prices have since eased. Unless things improve, some Detroit insiders see Ford dropping this SUV by 2010 after minimal interim change.
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2007 Ford Explorer Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No V6 Explorer or Mountaineer made available for test. V8 versions provide ample power. Test 2WD Explorer Limited did 7.4 sec 0-60 mph. Transmission changes gears smoothly, delivers quick part-throttle downshifts for fine around-town response. Some testers say full-throttle downshifts take too long, however. Maximum towing capacity is 7300 lb.
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.2 |
No V6 Explorer or Mountaineer made available for test. V8 versions provide ample power. Test 2WD Explorer Limited did 7.4 sec 0-60 mph. Transmission changes gears smoothly, delivers quick part-throttle downshifts for fine around-town response. Some testers say full-throttle downshifts take too long, however. Maximum towing capacity is 7300 lb.
Fuel Economy
With 2WD, test V8 Limited averaged 15.1 mpg, with 4WD, 15.0 mpg. Mountaineer offers all-wheel drive and test AWD Mountaineer Premier V8 averaged 15.4 mpg. Both V6 and V8 use regular-grade fuel.
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
| 3 | 4 |
With 2WD, test V8 Limited averaged 15.1 mpg, with 4WD, 15.0 mpg. Mountaineer offers all-wheel drive and test AWD Mountaineer Premier V8 averaged 15.4 mpg. Both V6 and V8 use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Explorer and Mountaineer among best-riding truck-type SUVs. Explorer compliant, even with 18-inch tires, and is devoid of sloppy motions. Some testers, however, say Mountaineers suffer undue impact harshness and body oscillations over low-speed bumps.
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.5 |
Explorer and Mountaineer among best-riding truck-type SUVs. Explorer compliant, even with 18-inch tires, and is devoid of sloppy motions. Some testers, however, say Mountaineers suffer undue impact harshness and body oscillations over low-speed bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Typical of truck-type SUVs: some body lean in turns and delayed reaction in quick directional changes. Ford or Mercury, steering responsive, accurate, but some testers want more road feel. Good brake pedal feel, no undue nosedive in quick stops.
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.5 |
Typical of truck-type SUVs: some body lean in turns and delayed reaction in quick directional changes. Ford or Mercury, steering responsive, accurate, but some testers want more road feel. Good brake pedal feel, no undue nosedive in quick stops.
Quietness
Among the quieter SUVs. Wind, road noise well-muffled. So is noise over bumps. Engines intrude only under full throttle.
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.6 |
Among the quieter SUVs. Wind, road noise well-muffled. So is noise over bumps. Engines intrude only under full throttle.
Controls
Explorer, Mountaineer cabin designs differ mainly in trim appearance. Both have large, clear main gauges. Transmission shift lever blocks easy access to climate controls. Dashboard puts radio just out of easy reach. Turn signal stalk mounted at awkward angle. Rear climate controls set into ceiling, are difficult to read. Interior materials mostly solid-feeling, despite presence of many hard plastic surfaces.
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.6 |
Explorer, Mountaineer cabin designs differ mainly in trim appearance. Both have large, clear main gauges. Transmission shift lever blocks easy access to climate controls. Dashboard puts radio just out of easy reach. Turn signal stalk mounted at awkward angle. Rear climate controls set into ceiling, are difficult to read. Interior materials mostly solid-feeling, despite presence of many hard plastic surfaces.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Plenty of room on comfortable seats. Entry/exit complicated by fairly high step-in. Outward visibility hindered some by thick roof pillars, but 2nd- and 3rd-row headrests fold to reduce obstruction. Available rear-obstacle-detection system adds a measure of safety when backing up.
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 |
Plenty of room on comfortable seats. Entry/exit complicated by fairly high step-in. Outward visibility hindered some by thick roof pillars, but 2nd- and 3rd-row headrests fold to reduce obstruction. Available rear-obstacle-detection system adds a measure of safety when backing up.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Three adults can squeeze across in roomy 2nd row. Leg room tight only with front seats fully aft. Third-row seat cushion low to floor, pancake flat, and floor shape obstructs foot room. But 3rd-row head room expansive, leg space surprisingly good. Second-row seats tip forward with relatively little effort, but access to 3rd row is only for the limber. Available power running boards automatically deploy when a door is open, but they don't extend far enough to be as useful as they could be.
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.1 |
Three adults can squeeze across in roomy 2nd row. Leg room tight only with front seats fully aft. Third-row seat cushion low to floor, pancake flat, and floor shape obstructs foot room. But 3rd-row head room expansive, leg space surprisingly good. Second-row seats tip forward with relatively little effort, but access to 3rd row is only for the limber. Available power running boards automatically deploy when a door is open, but they don't extend far enough to be as useful as they could be.
Cargo Room
Opening hatch glass handy, but hatch itself is heavy to open and close. Second- and 3rd-row seats fold nearly flat for ample cargo room, but leave gaps large enough for smaller items to fall through. Optional power folding 3rd row a real convenience. Aside from large console box, interior storage meager.
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 |
Opening hatch glass handy, but hatch itself is heavy to open and close. Second- and 3rd-row seats fold nearly flat for ample cargo room, but leave gaps large enough for smaller items to fall through. Optional power folding 3rd row a real convenience. Aside from large console box, interior storage meager.
Value within Class
Explorer and its Mercury Mountaineer sibling are highly competent overall performers with an outstanding array of available features. These include V8 power, seven-passenger seating, and a power folding 3rd-row seat. Their truck-type chassis serves trailering needs without giving up much refinement to lighter-duty midsize SUVs with car-type construction. Mountaineer provides nothing of consequence over similarly equipped Explorers, making the Ford version our Recommended pick for its broader range of model choices.
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
| 8 | 5.9 |
Explorer and its Mercury Mountaineer sibling are highly competent overall performers with an outstanding array of available features. These include V8 power, seven-passenger seating, and a power folding 3rd-row seat. Their truck-type chassis serves trailering needs without giving up much refinement to lighter-duty midsize SUVs with car-type construction. Mountaineer provides nothing of consequence over similarly equipped Explorers, making the Ford version our Recommended pick for its broader range of model choices.
Total Score
| 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in. wheels | Class Average |
| 62 | 58.4 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 48 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 69 |
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2007 Ford Explorer Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/17/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD XLT V6 4-door wagon | $25,300 | $23,996 | $695 |
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| 2WD XLT V8 4-door wagon | $26,595 | $25,158 | $695 |
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| 4WD XLT V6 4-door wagon | $27,595 | $26,078 | $695 |
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| 4WD XLT V8 4-door wagon | $28,890 | $27,269 | $695 |
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| 2WD Eddie Bauer V6 4-door wagon | $28,300 | $26,726 | $695 |
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| 2WD Eddie Bauer V8 4-door wagon | $29,595 | $27,918 | $695 |
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| 4WD Eddie Bauer V6 4-door wagon | $30,595 | $28,838 | $695 |
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| 4WD Eddie Bauer V8 4-door wagon | $31,890 | $30,029 | $695 |
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| 2WD Limited V6 4-door wagon | $31,705 | $29,858 | $695 |
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| 2WD Limited V8 4-door wagon | $33,000 | $31,050 | $695 |
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| 4WD Limited V6 4-door wagon | $34,000 | $31,970 | $695 |
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| 4WD Limited V8 4-door wagon | $35,295 | $33,162 | $695 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
XLT
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine or 4.6-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission (V6), 6-speed automatic transmission (V8), traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/driver-side lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights, cargo-management system, floormats, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear privacy glass, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Class II trailer-hitch receiver, 4-pin wiring harness, full-size spare tire, 235/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 235/70R16 white-letter tires.
Eddie Bauer adds to XLT:
Safety
Curtain side airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 10-way power driver seat, keypad entry, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Running boards.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
245/65R17 white-letter tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Limited adds to Eddie Bauer:
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated front seats, driver-seat memory, 6-way power passenger seat, 3rd-row split folding seat, dual-zone automatic climate controls, rear air conditioning and heater, heated power mirrors, Audiophile AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering wheel radio and climate controls.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/65R18 white-letter tires, chrome alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Comfort Pkg.
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XLT
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$295
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$251
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Leather-wrapped steering wheel, 6-way power driver seat, overhead console, rear dome and map lights, security approach lights.
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Convenience Group
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XLT
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$250
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$213
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Keypad entry, automatic day/night rearview mirror, automatic headlights.
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Leather Heated Seat Pkg.
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XLT
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$995
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$846
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Leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated power mirrors w/security approach lights. Requires Comfort Pkg.
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Ironman Pkg.
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XLT
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$1,495
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$1,271
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Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 10-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rubber floormats, unique interior and exterior trim, body cladding, roof rack, 235/65R18 white-letter tires, machined alloy wheels.
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Appearance Pkg.
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XLT
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$695
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$591
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Color-keyed front and rear fascias, color-keyed wheel lip moldings, running boards, 245/65R17 white-letter tires, machined alloy wheels.
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Luxury Pkg.
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Eddie Bauer
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$1,450
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$1,233
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Dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated front seats, driver-seat memory, power passenger seat, Audiophile AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, steering wheel radio controls.
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Ultimate Convenience Group
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Eddie Bauer, Limited
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$350
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$298
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Power-adjustable pedals w/memory, universal garage door opener.
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Class III/IV Trailer Towing Prep Pkg.
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Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLT
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$150
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$128
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Special axle ratio (V6), Class III hitch, 7-wire harness, 7- to 4-pin adapter.
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Powertrain |
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Special axle ratio
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V6
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$50
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$43
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Safety |
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Front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment
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XLT
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$560
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$476
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Rear-obstacle-detection system
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XLT, Eddie Bauer
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$295
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$251
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Eddie Bauer
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$2,505
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$2,129
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Eddie Bauer w/Luxury Pkg., Limited
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$1,995
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$1,696
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Includes Audiophile AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer. NA w/heated windshield.
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DVD entertainment system
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Eddie Bauer, Limited
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$1,295
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$1,101
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XLT requires Comfort Pkg.
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Rear air conditioning and heater
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XLT, Eddie Bauer
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$675
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$574
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Requires 3rd-row seat.
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Rear air conditioning and heater delete
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Limited (credit)
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$-285
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$-243
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NA w/3rd-row power folding seat.
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Power sunroof
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Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLT
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$850
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$723
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XLT includes illuminated visor mirrors.
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Power-adjustable pedals
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XLT, Eddie Bauer
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$150
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$128
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Audiophile AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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XLT, Eddie Bauer
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$510
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$433
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Satellite radio
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Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLT
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$195
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$166
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Leather upholstery
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XLT
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$695
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$591
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Includes 10-way power driver seat. Requires Comfort Pkg.
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3rd-row split folding seat
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XLT, Eddie Bauer
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$875
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$744
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XLT requires Comfort Pkg. or leather upholstery.
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3rd-row split folding seat delete
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Limited (credit)
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$-375
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$-319
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3rd-row power-folding seat
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Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLT
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$1,340
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$1,139
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XLT, Eddie Bauer require rear air conditioning and heater.
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Quad bucket seats
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Eddie Bauer, Limited
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$795
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$676
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Requires folding or power-folding 3rd-row seat.
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Power running boards
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Eddie Bauer, Limited
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$695
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$591
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Remote engine start
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Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLT
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$385
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$326
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Heated windshield
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Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLT
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$300
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$255
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Cargo cover
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Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLT
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$90
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$77
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NA w/3rd-row folding seat.
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Rubber floormats
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Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLT
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$55
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$47
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Side steps
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XLT
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$375
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$319
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Chrome side steps
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Limited
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$175
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$149
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Roof rack
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Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLT
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$115
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$97
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Special paint
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Limited
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$275
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$234
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Bright fuel door
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Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLT
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$110
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$73
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Mud guards
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XLT, Eddie Bauer
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$80
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$32
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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18-inch chrome alloy wheels
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Eddie Bauer
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$695
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$591
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Includes 235/65R18 white-letter tires.
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Ford Explorer Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Ford Explorer 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 193.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 72.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4615 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 85.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.9 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc V6 | sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.0 /245 | 4.6 /281 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 210 @ 5100 | 292 @ 5750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 254 @ 3700 | 300 @ 3950 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed automatic | 15/20 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | --/-- | 14/20 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Ford Explorer 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | 5/100,000 on Ford Focus only. 8/100,000 on Escape Hybrid components. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/Unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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Also in the 2007 Ford Explorer Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
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