2009 Ford Explorer
2009 Ford Explorer Review
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The Explorer is a full size five, six, or seven passenger SUV from Ford. In the history of SUVs, the Explorer is one of the longest standing and most wee known in its class. It offers a variety of seating arrangements to suit your exact needs. Ford, sometime in the next few years is expected to roll out a car-based Explorer. Until then, with the 2009 included, it will remain on the truck based platform. The prototype looks like a mix of Ford Taurus X and Ford Flex, but there are some telling alterations, raising the prototype's ride-height, along with a higher cowl, and rigged A-pillars to accommodate what appears to be a more steeply-raked windshield. There are also clear signs around the rear hatch and roof rails that the platform has been widened. While the front clip is pure Ford Flex, the lowest slat of the Flex's three-bar grille has been removed, perhaps to better approximate airflow of the next Explorer's grille. Ford confirmed earlier this year that the Explorer would be ditching its body-on-frame SUV construction in favor of a new unibody, car-based approach for greater fuel-efficiency. Starting MSRP for the 2009 Explorer is $28,880 – $38,200.
Power Source
The 2009 Explorer is powered by standard a 210-hp, 4.0-liter V-6. It also has an optional 292-hp, 4.6-liter V-8. For transmission there is a choice of 5-speed automatic w/OD, or 6-speed automatic. The Explorer can tow up to 5,395 pounds, versus 7,310 pounds in models with V-8 power.
Inside the 2009 Explorer
Standard is a 5-passenger Explorer with front bucket seats and a 2nd-row 60/40 split-folding bench seat. The next option is 6-passenger seating in Explorer Limited with the Quad Bucket Seat Group that includes 2nd-row sport bucket seats with center console. And the third option is 7-passenger seating with front bucket seats, 2nd-row 60/40 split-folding bench seats, and available fold-flat 3rd-row seat which features a convenient 50/50 split design so you can fold one or both seat backs into the floor. The 3rd-row seat with manual control is optional in Explorer XLT and Eddie Bauer. The PowerFold 3-Row Seat is standard in Explorer Limited and optional in Explorer Eddie Bauer with the 3rd-Row Power Package. Available on the Explorer is SYNC, an in-car voice-activated communications system that allows you to operate MP3 players, Bluetooth®-enabled phones and flash drives with simple voice commands. And now SYNC includes 911 Assist and a Vehicle Health Report feature. Power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals let you raise or lower the pedals to suit your individual height needs. Standard in Explorer Limited with a convenient memory feature that remembers your preset positions; optional on Explorer Eddie Bauer with memory features in the Eddie Bauer Convenience Package; and optional on XLT without the memory feature in the XLT Convenience Package. The standard two-row seating provides a continuous, flat-floor cargo area that is better for loading and h
auling with space for 84 cubic feet of cargo.
Driving, Explorer Style
The Explorer gears range across the six speeds, providing responsive acceleration at the low end and enhanced fuel economy at the overdrive 6th gear. It also incorporates variable cam timing. The Explorer cranks out 292 hp, 315 lb.-ft. of torque and impressive 15 city/21 highway fuel consumption. Explorer comes equipped with standard AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. It's the only stability control system with gyroscopic sensors measuring both vehicle yaw and roll motion. Corner too quickly or swerve to avoid an object and RSC will selectively apply brake pressure and adjust engine power to help keep you under control. Explorer's standard Intelligent Safety System is excellent. The innovative system processes information from a suite of sophisticated sensors and adjusts the performance of Explorer's adaptive load-limiting safety belt retractors, driver- and front-passenger airbags, and adaptive steering column to enhance protection in the event of certain frontal collisions. Explorer has received NHTSA's 5-star crash test rating for all four crash seating positions.
Lineup for ‘09
There are three levels of trim are available: the XLT, the Eddie Bauer, and the Limited. The base XLT offers standard accessories, cloth/velour seats, 4-speaker AM/FM radio with CD player, cruise control, trip computer, side protection air bags and other amenities, with 235/70R16 tires and part-painted bumpers. Power driver's seat and leather seat trim are available.
The Eddie Bauer, geared towards the outdoor enthusiast, rides on 245/65R17 tires and adds remote audio controls, head protection and canopy curtain air bags, leather seats with dark wood interior trim, power driver's seat, side and rear platform steps, luggage rack cross-rails, and toned rear bumper. A luxury package with upgraded audio, power heated seats and heated exterior mirrors is available
The Limited has a luxury look with alloy chrome 18-inch wheels and 235/65R18 tires and silver luggage rack cross-rails, body-colored bumpers, power heated front seats, 7-speaker audio system with 6-CD changer, parking sensor and reverse sensor, and light wood interior trim.
Summary
The Ford Explorer is known for its power, handling, trailer-towing capability and refined passenger comfort. Any criticisms of the Explorer are rather minor, but include poor ergonomics of door handles, gear shift, turn signal and audio/HVAC controls. For many years, the Ford Explorer has been one of the best-selling SUVs in the market. For a closer look, view more pictures of the 2009 Explorer. As more fuel efficient and better handling SUVs hit the market, Ford is counting on those who need towing capacity to keep the Expedition at the top of its market.
