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Day 1:
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With recent gas prices going from extreme highs across the country to more sane levels in the past few days, manufacturers want to remind you the SUV is still around and are better than ever. This week I step into the 2006 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition.
As luck would have it, I tested one of the largest SUVs around last week, the Cadillac Escalade; as a result the Explorer seems down right small in exterior dimension and road presence. Interior dimensions though are more forgiving in the Explorer, leg room and head room seem more abundant even though the Explorer’s overall dimensions are smaller.
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The Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition is powered by either a 4.0L SOHC V6 engine or as is the case with my tester a 4.6L 3-valve V8 engine producing 292hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The V8 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, driving all four wheels with Ford’s ControlTrac four-wheel drive system.
Although not nearly as decked out as the Escalade at half the price of the Escalade the Explorer holds its own with leather seating, navigation system, 18ďż˝? chrome wheels and climate control.
Almost immediately I noticed the independent rear suspension provides a smoother ride and better lateral control than SUVs equipped with conventional solid axles. Bumps and cracks in the road are smoothed out, providing almost a car like feel.
2006 Ford Explorer
MSRP as tested: $54,57500
For more information on Ford and the Explorer visit Ford Canada
Updated Septemeber 13th 2006
Day 2:
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It was raining today in Ottawa which means I had some time to focus on the interior elements of the Explorer as I sat in traffic. Why is it that Ottawa drivers forget how to drive in adverse weather conditions anyways?
Sitting in traffic, idling away precious dollars of fuel, I had a chance to play with the navigation system, stereo system and inspect the general quality of the interior components of the Explorer.
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I have to be honest with my opinion on the interior gadgetry of the Explorer. Honestly I do not feel the interior belongs in a vehicle in this price range. The navigation screen seems low rent, the image quality is sub-par. The guidance system has some great features such as: audio prompts of turn by turn directions and street name pronunciation, which is great if you enjoy listening to Hal the computer voice.
There is nothing really wrong with the audio system, it sounds great although a little lacking in adjustments. The radio features a smart display which is able to acquire information broadcasted by the radio stations on the FM band, like song and artist names. This is a pretty cool feature to have on a standard FM radio.
For $54,575 I expect a certain level of build quality and unfortunately the Explorer doesn’t provide it. The quality of the plastics on the interior are low rent, something you would be hard pressed to find on even the most basic of cars these days. The bezel around the instrument cluster is thin and feels like it was an after thought.
These short comings are unfortunate as the Explorer drives well. It is quiet and has an incredible turning radius that may even be better than the Hyundai Accent I tested a few weeks ago.
Updated September 14th 2006
Day 3:
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Third row accommodations are actually comfortable for more than just children, as a foot well is available for third row passengers. This creates a similar feel between the second row and the third row passengers. The rear two rows also have climate control, although oddly the controls are not located in the rear of the vehicle, but in the front to be controlled by the front occupants.
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Cargo space is greatly increased by the fold flat third row and even more space can be had by tumbling forward the second row of bucket seats. Unfortunately four-by-eight sheets of building material would be difficult to carry even with the vast amounts of space due to the intruding centre console in the rear row.
Interior volume in the Explorer seems much better managed than the larger Escalade I tested last week. Head room is plentiful as well as leg room for all three passenger rows.
I am unsure of the decision to move the shift level from the typical column shift location in most vehicles in this class to the floor as this takes up valuable storage space, but it does give you the feel that you are driving a smaller vehicle.
Updated September 8th 2006
Day 4:
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The 2006 Ford Explorer is available in more than a few trim options. Unless the V8 power is required I would suggest keeping the option list low on the Explorer and opting for the more basic V6 model which is well equipped for a starting price of $39,999.
Powered by the 4.6L V8 the Explorer gets less than optimal fuel mileage. I averaged 18L/100km and I was very light on the throttle. I was very disappointed in this considering I averaged a similar mileage figure in the much more powerful Escalade, with a heavier foot. The Explorer is rated at 16.7L/100 km in the city and 10.9L/100 km by Natural Resources Canada
Optioned out as my test model is, the Explorer becomes less of a bargain. There is some very stiff competition in the $55,000 price range. But if you need the towing capacity the Explorer is one of the few that can perform.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2006 Ford Explorer
MSRP as tested: $54,57500
For more information on Ford and the Explorer visit Ford Canada
September 12, 2006, 10:01:52 pm Are they ever going to change the look of this?
September 12, 2006, 11:14:41 pm James, please go do some off-roading and report back how this vehicle (and it's drivetrain) fares! Thanks.
September 13, 2006, 03:21:25 am That's one big pleasure device sticking up from the centre console.
September 13, 2006, 09:10:55 am Am I the only one confusing the new Explorer for an Expedition on the street at first glance?
And $55Gs for it? I'd have to be on something reaaaaaaaaal good to pay more than $44 - and even that figure is generous.
Ford may have fresh engineering underneath, but in most other aspects they are just not keeping up IMO. And their 'style' is very distasteful both inside and out.
On the plus side, that 3rd row seat looks to have nice height to be comfy for adults.
September 13, 2006, 10:16:04 pm James, you must have angered the car review gods. The Explorer was a warning. Do it again, and next week you'll be in an Econoline.
September 13, 2006, 11:44:20 pm "For $54,575 I expect a certain level of build quality and unfortunately the Explorer doesn’t provide it."
Don't worry...wait a year and you can get a 40% discount...
September 13, 2006, 11:49:20 pm Once you get into the 50k range, you're dealing with some heavy hitters like the Acura MDX, Lexus RX330, Infiniti FX35, Land Rover LR3, Volvo XC90 etc.....the product better be pretty special and better bring something to the table.....
What does the Explorer bring? Besides big discounts and incentives. Wing?
September 14, 2006, 11:01:38 am I think Ottawa gets crazy in the rain because everybody who biked takes their cars.
September 14, 2006, 04:36:18 pm The Eddie Bauer is by far the ugliest of all Explorers. Ford doesn't do themselves any favours by sending these out for review.
September 15, 2006, 09:22:11 am Are these still the best selling SUV?
September 15, 2006, 10:31:47 pm Im not sure for 2006. In 2005 I believe the best selling SUV in Canada was the Escape.
September 15, 2006, 10:41:25 pm That's right.
Source: Ford Motor Company
40-year sales record as #1 pick-up in Canada also achieved in 2005
December Highlights:
Ford truck sales up 6% over last year
Ford Five Hundred up 21%
Ford Escape sets another monthly sales record, up 51%
Ford Freestyle up 114% vs. last year
Ford Ranger sales up 68% for best December since 2001
2005 Highlights:
F-Series outsold all other vehicles in Canada for third consecutive year
F-Series is named the number-one selling pick-up truck in Canada for 40 th year in a row
Ford Mustang up 44% for its best year since 1994 – making it Canada 's best-selling sports car
Ford Escape is Canada 's top-selling SUV with a 15% sales increase (best year ever since its introduction in 2000)
Ford Ranger up 23%
Ford F-150 Super Crew up 18% (setting a new all-time sales record)
September 16, 2006, 12:26:54 am
What does the Explorer bring? Besides big discounts and incentives. Wing?
As stated in the review, the Explorer brings a very good ride quality with its 4-wheel indepedant suspension and tow rating above 7000 lb. You have to give that to the Explorer.
But I too can't believe the poor material quality. The steering wheel hide partially the gauges. The fake chrome grill has sometimes pretty significant plastic flashing. And as you said Mdx, $55K puts you into a whole different league though the Grand Cherokee can cost up to $58K and the interior is not much better... But the Hemi is more powerful with the same fuel economy ratings as the Explorer that has a smaller V8 and 6-speed trans...
September 16, 2006, 12:29:41 pm I agree with SirA. Drop the price by at least 10 grand and it would be better. Still not the best price, but better. The imports are gonna eat it up in the 55 K range.
September 18, 2006, 09:54:22 pm For that kind of gas mileage and interior, the Durango seems a better deal...
September 19, 2006, 12:44:25 am The 4Runner beats it like a rented mule.
18L/100km average? Giving it 1.5 "wheels" out of 5 was generous. It burns the gas of three Civics.
September 19, 2006, 03:10:43 am
September 19, 2006, 12:09:01 pm Besides the cheap bits found in the upper end of the domestics, such as the Explorer, another weakness, IMO, is the service or attitude you receive with the domestics at this price level. Anyone who has had the pleasure of owning premium/luxury name brands, such as Mdx posted "Acura MDX, Lexus RX330, Infiniti FX35, Land Rover LR3, Volvo XC90 " would be quite disappointed or at least feel the difference in the experience with the high price tag vehicles from the domestic at service intervals. Not sure if it makes a difference with the average owner, but this is something that I have experienced and have questioned Ford Mo.Co. if they are aware of this IMO lack of premium service to go along with the high price tag, normally associated with owning a premium brand.
But to no avail, as Ford does not seem to understand this type of thinking.
For this reason once into the premium price tag levels, I do not consider the domestic brands at all.
September 19, 2006, 07:30:24 pm Good point MKII.
September 19, 2006, 07:39:42 pm
What does the Explorer bring? Besides big discounts and incentives. Wing?
American Patriotism? And decent towing capacity? Neither is important to me.
September 25, 2006, 05:16:19 am i agree with you,cost decreased 10%, i think again decreased 40% in this year,now iam running <a href="http://www.philadelphia-limo-services.com">limousine shuttle taxi</a> services,i want some vechiles,is it suitable for limo services.