2008 Ford Explorer Review
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The Ford Explorer is one of the most popular and well known SUVs. It is a medium sized SUV, not nearly as big as its Expedition and Excursion siblings, but offers plenty of space for family travel. In this crowded segment, with lots of quality competition, the Explorer succeeds as both an excellent machine and a high-value purchase. There are three trim levels: XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited. The Explorer competes with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder. The cabin of the 2008 Explorer is quiet, as Ford has gone to great lengths to make sure of this. The drive is well controlled, and the brakes work well. For 2008 the Ford Explorer has never been better, with great attention to detail it is handsome, smooth, quiet, and comfortable. Three new colors are available for 2008: Stone Green Clearcoat Metallic, Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic and White Suede Clearcoat Metallic. Also new for 2008 is a cap-less fuel filler, standard side curtain airbags and its new voice-activated multimedia system, Sync.
Driving the Explorer
Though the Ford Explorer drives like a traditional SUV, it is given an independent rear suspension, and this helps smooth things out. As far as engines go, the V6 is lighter and easy to maneuver, but even the V8 is well behaved. There is some slack in the drivetrain in some situations, and there is a momentary lag when accelerating from a stop. The suspension is relatively supple, and the 2008 Explorer does not lean excessively in corners for a heavy sport utility, body roll is nicely controlled and there's a feeling of being solidly planted. Explorer manages to be isolated from the road, but well connected to it, all at the same time.
2008 Explorer Power
All Explorer models are available with the standard 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic transmission or an optional 4.6-liter V8 with a six-speed automatic. Explorers can be equipped with rear- or four-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive is a full-time system that can be driven on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. The 4.0-liter single-overhead-cam V6 meets federal Tier II, Bin 4 emissions requirements for Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) status. The V8 is the latest from Ford's 4.6-liter modular family, with single overhead camshafts and three valves per cylinder: two intake and one exhaust, for better breathing. The V8 delivers low emissions as well, meeting the Tier II, Bin 5 federal standard, which is compliant with California's Low Emissions Vehicle II (LEV II) standard.
Ford Explorer Design
The 2008 Ford Explorer is built on a 113.7-inch wheelbase, and it measures 193.4 inches long overall. Getting in and out of this SUV is easy, relatively speaking; it is aided by big doors and a low step in. The front of the Ford Explorer looks like an F-150 pickup with finer, scaled-down features. Still, it does have its unique aspects, such as big-and-bold lamps, and square-cornered aero mirrors. Beside the fancy front and rear lamps, the Explorer is rather plain; it is kind of like a big box without much decoration.
Inside the SUV
As far as seating goes, there is an optional manually folding or power folding third row seat. A four-bucket-seat configuration, with second-row captain's chairs, is available on Eddie Bauer and Limited. Opting with the third row, though, does limit the cargo capacity. The interior features a contemporary instrument panel and a console-mounted floor shift lever. The 60/40-split folding second-row seat can be reclined. In the Explorer cabin there are dark wood accents, which are paired with metal surrounds both shiny and matte. The seats are supportive and comfortable. The colors and trims are elegant and tasteful, and the use of metallic trim is not overdone. The cargo floor is completely flat when all the seats are folded, with almost no forward rise. The five-seater has slightly more room with the seats folded.
Ford's Sync communications and entertainment system can recognize Bluetooth-enabled cell phones, access their phonebooks, and play calls and read text messages through the speakers. It also has a USB interface to connect with iPods and other MP3 players. Voice commands and/or steering wheel buttons can be used to control all functions.
Safety Features
The 2008 Explorer has a long list of standard safety features. These include dual-stage front airbags; seat-mounted, torso-protecting side-impact air bags; head-protecting curtain side air bags with a rollover sensor; antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution; tire-pressure monitor; traction control; and Ford's AdvanceTrac antiskid control with the same roll stability control system used by Volvo and Land Rover.
2008 Lineup
The 2008 Ford Explorer lineup is available as the XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited, with 2WD or 4WD options. Standard equipment on the XLT includes air conditioning; cloth low-back bucket seats with manual driver lumbar adjustment; 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat with back-rest recline; power windows with one-touch-down driver window; remote keyless entry; AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with auxiliary input jack; cargo management system; two 12-volt power points; trip computer with two-line message center; one-piece liftgate with flip-open rear window; fold-away power exterior mirrors; black roof side rails; fog lights; and painted aluminum wheels on P235/70R16 all-season tires.
Eddie Bauer adds leather upholstery; 10-way-power seat for the driver; wood-grain interior accents; overhead console; automatic headlights; trip computer with four-line message center; auto-dimming rearview mirror; illuminated visor vanity mirrors; keyless entry keypad; fixed running boards; and painted aluminum wheels with 245/65R17 all-season tires.
Limited adds heated exterior mirrors; unique interior wood-grain accents; dual-zone electronic climate control; Audiophile AM/FM audio with six-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3 playback and subwoofer; rear air conditioning; unique floor console; heated seats; leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls; a third-row 50/50 split manual-folding seat; Homelink universal garage door opener; power-adjustable pedals; and machined-aluminum wheels with 245/65R18 all-season tires. For another take, read a different Ford Explorer review.
