2006 Ford Explorer 4X4 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2006 Ford Explorer?
Enhanced comfort, more power and new safety features are the headlines for the 2006 Ford Explorer. Drive this latest Explorer against an earlier version and you'll likely notice that it's quieter and more refined. Ford added additional sound insulation to reduce road noise and revised the Explorer's suspension and frame for improved ride quality. There are other mechanical changes, as well, such as upgraded brakes (now with EBD and brake assist) and a steering rack that reduces the effort required to turn the steering wheel at low speeds. For motivation, the 2006 Ford Explorer features more power in the form of a newly optional, 292-horsepower, 4.6-liter V8. It comes standard with a new six-speed automatic transmission and boosts the Explorer's maximum towing capacity to 7,300 lbs. The 4.0-liter V6 is carryover but has been improved for reduced tailpipe emissions. Should a 2006 Ford Explorer be involved in an accident, occupant safety should be even better thanks to new standard features like front side airbags and a passenger detection system. In a crash, the detection system customizes the response of the airbags, seatbelts and steering column to the positions and weight of the Explorer's front occupants. Other major changes for 2006 include freshened exterior styling (including optional 18-inch wheels), the availability of a GPS navigation system, improved seat comfort, and an optional power-fold feature for the third-row seat.

Advantages of the 2006 Ford Explorer:

• Roomy interior for both passengers and cargo
• Strong engines
• Comfortable ride on the street and decent off-road ability
• Long list of advanced safety features

Objections to the 2006 Ford Explorer:

• Some low-quality interior trim
• Poor fuel economy with V8 engine
• Not as nimble as many crossover SUVs

Editor's Advice:
The Ford Explorer debuted way back in 1991 and has successfully surfed the SUV wave ever since. Consumers have continually been drawn to its balanced offerings of comfort, utility, space and capability, and the same should hold true for 2006. At first glance, the upgrades this year don't seem overly dramatic. The Explorer still looks like an Explorer, still seats five to seven people, still has V6 or V8 power (you were expecting a V12?) and still motors about with two- or four-wheel drive. And it still has some low-rent interior plastics, too. But the improvements to the ride quality are welcome, as are the new safety features. The Explorer has been the best-selling SUV for 15 straight years, and we foresee no reason why it shouldn't be 16 for 2006.