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2008 Ford Explorer Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 Ford Explorer Review:
5.
6.
Ford Explorer Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Ford Explorer Review
The 2008 Ford Explorer adds some new features, including a "capless" fueling system. This midsize SUV uses a traditional, truck-type design. It offers rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement, or all-wheel-drive. The 4WD and AWD systems include a low-range gear for off-roading. Trim levels include XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited. All are available with a 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine or a 292-hp 4.6-liter V8. V6 models have a 5-speed automatic transmission; V8s have a 6-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 7300 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Explorer seats five, but an optional 3rd-row seat increases this to seven. The 3rd-row is available with a power folding feature. The capless fueling system allows owners to fill their fuel tanks without having to remove a gas cap. Ford's Sync voice-activated cell phone and MP3 player control system is available. 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 choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
News
Explorer sales took a big tumble with the recent gas-price runup, 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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2008 Ford Explorer Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No V6 Explorers or Mountaineers have been made available for us to test. V8 versions provide ample power. A 2WD Explorer Limited did 7.4 sec 0-60 mph in our test. The transmission changes gears smoothly and delivers quick part-throttle downshifts for fine around-town response. Some testers say full-throttle downshifts take too long, however.
| 2WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
No V6 Explorers or Mountaineers have been made available for us to test. V8 versions provide ample power. A 2WD Explorer Limited did 7.4 sec 0-60 mph in our test. The transmission changes gears smoothly and delivers quick part-throttle downshifts for fine around-town response. Some testers say full-throttle downshifts take too long, however.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD V8 Limited averaged 15.1 mpg, with 4WD, 15.0 mpg. An AWD Mountaineer Premier V8 averaged 15.4 mpg. All Explorers and Mountaineers use regular-grade gas.
| 2WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD V8 Limited averaged 15.1 mpg, with 4WD, 15.0 mpg. An AWD Mountaineer Premier V8 averaged 15.4 mpg. All Explorers and Mountaineers use regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Explorer and Mountaineer are among the best-riding traditional SUVs. Explorer is compliant, even with 18-inch tires, and is devoid of sloppy motions. Some of our testers say Mountaineers suffer undue impact harshness and body oscillations over low-speed bumps.
| 2WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Explorer and Mountaineer are among the best-riding traditional SUVs. Explorer is compliant, even with 18-inch tires, and is devoid of sloppy motions. Some of our testers say Mountaineers suffer undue impact harshness and body oscillations over low-speed bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Typical of a traditional SUV: some body lean in turns and delayed reaction in quick directional changes. Ford or Mercury, steering feel is responsive and accurate, but some testers want more road feel. Good brake pedal feel with no undue nosedive in quick stops.
| 2WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Typical of a traditional SUV: some body lean in turns and delayed reaction in quick directional changes. Ford or Mercury, steering feel is responsive and accurate, but some testers want more road feel. Good brake pedal feel with no undue nosedive in quick stops.
Quietness
Among the quieter SUVs of any stripe. Wind and road noise are well-muffled. So is noise over bumps. Engines intrude only under full throttle.
| 2WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Among the quieter SUVs of any stripe. Wind and road noise are well-muffled. So is noise over bumps. Engines intrude only under full throttle.
Controls
Explorer and Mountaineer cabin designs differ mainly in trim appearance. Both have large, clear main gauges. The transmission shift lever prevents easy access to climate controls. The dashboard puts the radio just out of easy reach. The turn signal stalk is mounted at an awkward angle. Rear climate controls are set into the ceiling and are difficult to read.
| 2WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 6.3 |
Explorer and Mountaineer cabin designs differ mainly in trim appearance. Both have large, clear main gauges. The transmission shift lever prevents easy access to climate controls. The dashboard puts the radio just out of easy reach. The turn signal stalk is mounted at an awkward angle. Rear climate controls are set into the ceiling and are difficult to read.
Details
Interior materials feel solid, and assembly quality has been good on all models tested. There are many hard plastic surfaces throughout the interior, which are fine on Explorer, but inappropriate for Mountaineer, given the Mercury's upscale aspirations.
| 2WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Interior materials feel solid, and assembly quality has been good on all models tested. There are many hard plastic surfaces throughout the interior, which are fine on Explorer, but inappropriate for Mountaineer, given the Mercury's upscale aspirations.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Plenty of room on comfortable seats. Entry and exit is complicated by a fairly high step-in. Outward visibility is hindered some by thick roof pillars, but the 2nd- and 3rd-row headrests fold to reduce obstruction.
| 2WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.1 |
Plenty of room on comfortable seats. Entry and exit is complicated by a fairly high step-in. Outward visibility is hindered some by thick roof pillars, but the 2nd- and 3rd-row headrests fold to reduce obstruction.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Three adults can squeeze across in the roomy 2nd row. Legroom is tight only with the front seats fully aft. The 3rd-row seat cushion is low to the floor, pancake flat, and the floor shape obstructs foot space. But 3rd-row headroom is expansive and leg space is surprisingly good. Second-row seats tip forward with relatively little effort, but access to the 3rd row is only for the limber. Available power running boards automatically deploy when a door is opened, but they don't extend far enough to be as useful as they could be.
| 2WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Three adults can squeeze across in the roomy 2nd row. Legroom is tight only with the front seats fully aft. The 3rd-row seat cushion is low to the floor, pancake flat, and the floor shape obstructs foot space. But 3rd-row headroom is expansive and leg space is surprisingly good. Second-row seats tip forward with relatively little effort, but access to the 3rd row is only for the limber. Available power running boards automatically deploy when a door is opened, but they don't extend far enough to be as useful as they could be.
Cargo Room
Opening hatch glass is handy, but the 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. The optional power folding 3rd row is a real convenience. Aside from a large console box, interior storage is meager.
| 2WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.6 |
Opening hatch glass is handy, but the 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. The optional power folding 3rd row is a real convenience. Aside from a large console box, interior storage is 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 traditional truck-type design 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 pick for its broader range of model choices.
| 2WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels | Class Average |
| 7 | 8 | 5.8 |
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 traditional truck-type design 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 pick for its broader range of model choices.
Total Score
| 2WD Limited V8 | 4WD Limited V8 w/18-in wheels | Class Average |
| 65 | 66 | 63.7 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 53 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 76 |
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Ford Explorer Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/24/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD XLT V6 4-door wagon | $26,195 | $24,760 | $785 |
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| 2WD XLT V8 4-door wagon | $27,490 | $25,951 | $785 |
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| 4WD XLT V6 4-door wagon | $28,490 | $26,871 | $785 |
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| 4WD XLT V8 4-door wagon | $29,785 | $28,063 | $785 |
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| 2WD Eddie Bauer V6 4-door wagon | $28,915 | $27,261 | $785 |
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| 2WD Eddie Bauer V8 4-door wagon | $30,210 | $28,453 | $785 |
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| 4WD Eddie Bauer V6 4-door wagon | $31,210 | $29,373 | $785 |
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| 4WD Eddie Bauer V8 4-door wagon | $32,505 | $30,564 | $785 |
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| AWD Eddie Bauer V6 4-door wagon | $31,210 | $29,373 | $785 |
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| AWD Eddie Bauer V8 4-door wagon | $32,505 | $30,564 | $785 |
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| 2WD Limited V6 4-door wagon | $32,685 | $30,731 | $785 |
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| 2WD Limited V8 4-door wagon | $33,980 | $31,921 | $785 |
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| 4WD Limited V6 4-door wagon | $34,980 | $32,841 | $785 |
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| 4WD Limited V8 4-door wagon | $36,275 | $34,033 | $785 |
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| AWD Limited V6 4-door wagon | $34,980 | $32,841 | $785 |
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| AWD Limited V8 4-door wagon | $36,275 | $34,033 | $785 |
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, front- and 2nd-row curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, center console, 2nd-row split folding seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, 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 white-letter tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Eddie Bauer adds to XLT:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 10-way power driver seat, keypad entry, wireless cell phone link and iPod adapter w/voice recognition, 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, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Limited adds to Eddie Bauer:
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, pedals), 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, universal garage door opener.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/65R18 white-letter tires, chrome alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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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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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, rubber floormats, unique interior and exterior trim, body cladding, roof rack, 235/65R18 white-letter tires, machined alloy wheels. NA w/rear-obstacle-detection system.
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Luxury Pkg.
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Eddie Bauer
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$1,290
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$1,097
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Dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, pedals), 6-way power passenger seat, heated power mirrors, universal garage door opener.
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Sun and Sirius Pkg.
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Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLT
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$560
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$476
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Power sunroof, satellite radio.
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Class III/IV Trailer Towing Prep Pkg.
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Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLT
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$275
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$234
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Special axle ratio (V6), Class III hitch, 7-wire harness, 7- to 4-pin adapter.
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Safety |
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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, XLT
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$1,295
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$1,101
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Requires Comfort Pkg., Sync Media System, or navigation system.
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Rear air conditioning and heater
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XLT, Eddie Bauer
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$695
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$591
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Requires 3rd-row seat.
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Rear air conditioning and heater delete
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Limited (credit)
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$-285
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$-243
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Requires 3rd-row split folding seat delete.
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Power-adjustable pedals
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XLT
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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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Sync
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XLT
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$395
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$336
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Wireless cell phone link, iPod adapter, voice recognition. Std. Eddie Bauer, Limited.
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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.
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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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$744
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3rd-row split folding seat delete
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Limited (credit)
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$-375
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$-319
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3rd-row power-folding seat
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Eddie Bauer
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$1,370
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$1,164
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Limited
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$495
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$421
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Eddie Bauer requires 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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Eddie Bauer 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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Heated windshield
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Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLT
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$300
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$255
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Remote engine start
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Eddie Bauer, Limited, XLT
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$385
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$327
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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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$495
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$421
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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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$295
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$251
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Bright fuel door
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XLT, Eddie Bauer
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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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Machined alloy wheels
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XLT
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$200
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$170
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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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Polished alloy wheels
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2WD/AWD Eddie Bauer
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$1,325
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$1,127
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2WD/AWD Limited
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$630
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$536
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Includes 255/50R20 tires. NA 4WD.
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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 | 13/19 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | --/-- | 13/19 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 3 |
| 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 | -- |
| 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:
all-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Ford Explorer Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Ford Explorer Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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