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TEST DRIVE
Explorer upgraded for safety
With the 2006 version of the Ford Explorer, one of the standard bearers in the SUV market has undergone its second makeover in four years.
The changes are more subtle than sweeping, such as a new safety system and a modified grille. But to Explorer aficionados, they should be duly appreciated because they don't detract from what made it such a popular vehicle in the first place.
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2006 Ford Explorer
(click on photo to enlarge)
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The standard 4.0-liter V-6 engine and its accompanying five-speed automatic transmission have been fine-tuned to run smoothly and efficiently. And Ford says the engine meets Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II standards, putting it on par with the Escape hybrid for environmental friendliness.
Optional is the 4.6-liter V-8, which zooms with 292 horsepower on the Explorer's first ever six-speed automatic transmission.
Ford is touting the Explorer as having the most standard safety features in its class.
That includes a four-part stability system made up of four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control, yaw control and a vehicle-roll motion sensor.
It also has front-seat side air bags, new this year, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
This model's appearance is just a bit different from last year, with a slightly different grille and headlight design that's not bad looking.
The dashboard has a classy style, with the clear instrumentation sitting amid faux wood and chrome trim.
But the instrumentation panel isn't just a pretty face. It's got a redesigned message center that offers four lines of type and is easily readable in the central gauge cluster.
It also has power adjustable pedals that allow shorter drivers to adjust their positioning for comfort and ease of use.
Another option is the DVD-based navigation system.
The Explorer is fairly comfortable, with the front bucket seats offering firmness and good lumbar support. The back seats come in bucket style or a 60/40 split bench. This row isn't as comfortable, though, because it lacks legroom and headroom.
Another new option is power-folding third-row seating, which used to be available only in the Explorer's big brother, the Expedition. But because of very limited space, this row is strictly for kids or, maybe, tiny adults.
On the road, the Explorer offers a quiet, smooth ride, but one that resonates with power. Even with the V-6 engine on the test driving model, it was apparent that this SUV has adequate muscle to acquit itself nicely on the highways and in the streets.
Its road-hugging capability also is admirable, and even though the test drive vehicle wasn't taken off-road, the suspension seemed strong enough to be able to handle some hills and thrills in a less civilized setting.
Ford, for the 2006 model year, is employing what it calls value pricing, which means some vehicles, such as the Explorer, are marked lower than last year's new models, but there are fewer incentives offered.
The test drive vehicle, an Eddie Bauer model with the navigation system and third-row seating as its main options, was priced at $35,520. Ford also offers the Explorer in the XLS, XLT and Limited versions, with fewer to more add-ons, respectively.
The Explorer plays in a tough league, with a lot of good SUVs competing in a market that's not growing as it used to. But it still has to be seen as a strong contender.
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