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Explorer
2008 Ford Explorer exterior.
2008 Ford Explorer - enlargeComplete 2008 Ford Explorer New Car Reviews listed below
The 2008 Ford Explorer midsize sport utility vehicle (MSRP $26,010 - $36,090) is available in XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trim levels. The Ford Explorer was one of the vehicles instrumental in turning the SUV from a special-interest vehicle into one of the most popular vehicle types on the road.1 It is currently in its fourth generation and is assembled in Louisville, Kentucky and St. Louis, Missouri.
The Ford Explorer midsize sport utility vehicle competes with the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Durango, Dodge Nitro, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Patriot, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-9, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Xterra, Saturn Outlook, Suzuki XL-7, and Toyota 4Runner.
Buyers may choose from a 210-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6 engine or a 292-horsepower, 4.6-liter V8 engine; a rear-wheel drive (RWD) system, an all-wheel drive (AWD) system (available on Eddie Bauer and Limited trim levels), or a 4-wheel drive (4WD) system; and five-speed automatic or six-speed automatic transmission. On-demand 4WD, a mechanical center differential, a center locking differential, an electronic hi-lo gear selection, and automatic locking hubs are additional drivetrain features on the 4WD trim levels.
The Ford Explorer midsize sport utility vehicle has a short and long arm front suspension, a four-wheel independent suspension, a multi-link rear suspension, and front and rear stabilizer bars.
Exterior features for the Ford Explorer SUV are 16 x 7.0 inch painted alloy wheels for XLT trim levels, 20 inch polished alloy wheels for Eddie Bauer trim levels, all-season tires, an alloy spare wheel, a full-size, non-matching spare tire, and an underbody-mounted spare tire. It also has variable intermittent wipers, a roof rack, an intermittent rear wiper, a privacy glass, and a rear defogger. This model is equipped with a chrome grille, a manual flip-up liftgate window, and a rear liftgate door.
Ford Explorer midsize sport utility vehicle instrumentation features are a tachometer, a trip computer, an external temperature display, low fuel level warning, and a clock. It is also equipped with a trailer hitch, cargo tie downs, and trailer wiring.
Seats and trim features on the Ford Explorer SUV include cloth upholstery, a 5-person total seating capacity (for XLT and Eddie Bauer trim levels), and sport front seats. It also has a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 6-way power driver seat, a driver seat with manual adjustable lumbar support, and a height-adjustable driver seat. In the rear, the Ford Explorer has a 40-60 split bench rear seat, a split-folding rear seatback, and rear ventilation ducts.
The Ford Explorer midsize sport utility vehicle basic convenience features include cruise control, power-dependent steering, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, and audio and cruise controls on steering wheel. It is also equipped with front and rear cupholders, front seatback storage, and a front console with storage. An overhead console with storage, front door pockets, retained accessory power, and 12V front and 12V rear power outlets are also standard on this model.
The Ford Explorer SUV power and comfort features are remote power door locks, power windows and mirrors, 1 one-touch power window, and a cargo area light. It also has air conditioning, dual illuminating vanity mirrors, front and rear floor mats, and front and rear reading lights.
Ford Explorer midsize sport utility vehicle entertainment and telematics features are an AM/FM in-dash single CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo, 4 total speakers, an auxiliary MP3 audio input, 80 watts of stereo output, and a mast antenna.
Ford Explorer SUV safety and security features include a 4-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), traction control, ventilated front disc/solid rear disc brakes, and stability control. It also has front and rear head airbags, dual front side-mounted airbags, passenger airbag occupant-sensing deactivation, and front seatbelt pretensioners. This model is equipped with child seat anchors, rear door child safety locks, an engine immobilizer, and front fog/driving lights. Electronic brake-force distribution, tire pressure monitoring, a rear center 3-point belt, 2 front height-adjustable headrests, and 2 multi-adjustable headrests are also standard on the Ford Explorer.
Alternative/additional features on the Eddie Bauer and Limited trim levels of the Ford Explorer midsize sport utility vehicle include, leather upholstery, 10-way power driver seat, and a passenger seat with manual adjustable lumbar support. These also have digital keypad power door locks, simulated wood trim on center console and doors, and an electrochromatic inside rearview mirror. These trim levels are equipped with pre-wiring for phone, a USB connection, and a Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone.
Alternative/additional features standard only on the Limited trim levels of the SUV include 18 x 7.5 inch chrome alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, 2 third row height-adjustable headrests, a 7-person total seating capacity, and a 6-way power passenger seat. These trim levels also have heated driver and passenger seats, a height-adjustable passenger seat, rear ventilation ducts with fan control, 50-50 split bench third row seats, and manual folding bench third row seats. Other features are heated mirrors, height-adjustable pedals, a universal remote transmitter, a dual-zone front climate control with rear air, and memorized settings for 2 drivers (includes settings for driver seat). Seven total speakers, 290 watts of stereo output, an adjustable, speed-sensitive volume control, 1 subwoofer, pre-wiring for phone, a USB connection, and a Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone are also available on the Ford Explorer Limited trim levels.
A safety and crash test report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that 2008 Ford Explorer midsize sport utility vehicle received five stars out of five in frontal and side crash tests and three stars out of five in rollover tests.
A reliability history report from ConsumerReports.org showed how the Ford Explorer SUV held up mechanically. The Ford Explorer (V6) received the following ratings for the year 2007 (design year was 2006):
Excellent ratings for major engine, engine cooling, transmission, drive system, fuel system, climate system, suspension, brakes, exhaust, and paint and trim trouble spots; very good ratings for minor engine, electrical system, and audio system trouble spots; and good ratings for its squeaks and rattles, body hardware, and power equipment trouble spots.
The Ford Explorer (V8) midsize sport utility vehicle received the following ratings for the year 2007 (design year was 2006):
Excellent ratings for engine, major transmission, drive system, fuel system, electrical system, climate system, suspension, exhaust, and paint and trim trouble spots; very good ratings for its minor transmission, brakes, and audio system trouble spots; a good rating for its body hardware; and a fair rating for its power equipment trouble spots.
Click here for more information on 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Ford Explorer car prices, auto insurance, auto loans, car dealers, and car leases.
Ford Explorer - the vehicle that defined a segment - has been completely reinvented, raising customers' expectations of sport utility vehicle (SUV) fuel efficiency, safety, technology, capability and quality.
•2004 Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4X4 Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
The Ford Explorer Sport Trac combines the passenger comforts of an SUV with the utility of a pickup truck. Based on the best-selling Ford Explorer, the Sport Trac mimics its namesake inside the cabin, featuring a similar dash, instrumental panel and passenger compartment.
•2006 Ford Explorer Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
Ford's mid-size SUV best-seller scores a makeover for 2006 with fresh styling outside and a fresh cabin design inside loaded with new features.
•2006 Ford Explorer Full Size Sport Utility Vehicle
While its basic, boxy shape is unchanged, the front end of Ford's all-new 2006 Explorer is slightly more aggressive. It's an example of how the Explorer is evolving into a more refined, less truck-like vehicle over time. Better materials and construction are nice to see in the 2006 Ford Explorer's interior. Ford focused on making the cabin significantly quieter for this year.
•2005 Ford Explorer Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
Ford's mid-size SUV, consistently ranked as the best-selling sport-ute in the world, comes to the 2005 line in 20 different configurations with multiple choices for powertrain, traction mode and trim.
•2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
This crossover vehicle rides on the chassis of Ford's Ranger truck but gets the four-door cabin of Explorer and works as both a truck and SUV.
•2006 Ford Explorer Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
Also due later this year is a make-over of Explorer, Ford's best-seller SUV. The revised Explorer of 2006 presents a fresh face and tail with new hood and grille up front plus revamped lamps in front and back.
•2004 Ford Explorer Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
Ford's wildly successful wagon for the mid-size sport utility vehicle class puts a fold-flat seat in the third row for seven-person capacity of all editions in 2004.
•2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
Riding on Ranger's chassis but toting the body of an Explorer wagon, Ford's unique Sport Trac works as both truck and wagon.
•2003 Ford Explorer Mid-Size SUV
Overhauled last year with more cabin space and optional third-row seats, Explorer returns in 2003 with new equipment packages and more stand-alone options.
•2003 Ford Explorer Sport Compact SUV
Rugged Sport, a two-door wagon derived from the previous Explorer, looks different from the current four-door Explorer and carries different equipment.
•2003 Ford Explorer Sport Track
iding on Ranger's chassis but toting the body of an Explorer wagon, Ford's unique Sport Trac works as both truck and wagon.
