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  • Ford Explorer

Ford Cars by Price Range

  • Under $15K

    Focus
    MSRP: $14,395
    MPG: Up to 24

    Ranger
    MSRP: $14,490
    MPG: Up to 15

  • $15K - $25K

    Escape
    MSRP: $19,140
    MPG: Up to 22

    F-150
    MSRP: $17,900
    MPG: Up to 13

  • $25K - $35K

    Econoline Wagon
    MSRP: $26,135
    MPG: Up to

    Edge
    MSRP: $25,735
    MPG: Up to 16

  • $35K - $45K

    Expedition
    MSRP: $36,590
    MPG: Up to 12

    Expedition EL
    MSRP: $39,240
    MPG: Up to - TBD -

  • Expert Reviews
  • Features
  • Options
  • Specifications
  • Warranty & Incentives

Model Highlights


Pros
The 2008 Explorer is a traditional body-on-frame SUV, which makes it attractive to buyers in the market for a mid-sized SUV with towing and off-road capability. Safety equipment, including standard stability control with a rollover sensor, will appeal to the family haulers. Another plus for those with large broods is the availability of manual- or power-folding third-row seating.

Model Highlights
Redesigned in 2006, the 2008 Ford Explorer is well positioned to compete against other truck- or car-based mid-sized SUVs. The body-on-frame construction will please those in need of towing capacity, while the independent rear suspension and stiffer frame enhance handling on paved surfaces. Optional third-row seating on all trim levels expands utility for larger families. For those with the occasional boat or basketball-team-sized contingent of kids (or both) who choose not to pop for a large SUV, the mid-sized Explorer must be considered. The standard V6 engine produces 210 horsepower while the optional V8 cranks out 292 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The V8 is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox, which is a nice segment-leading plus. At just a hair over $26,000, the base 2WD V6 XLT offers impressive standard equipment for the price, including air conditioning, fog lamps, stability control, aluminum wheels, anti-lock brakes, privacy glass, remote keyless entry, side seat air bags, and more. Options available include a power moonroof, navigation system, and heated windshield, leather seats, keyless entry, and Sirius satellite radio so even the XLT can be generously loaded.

Model News
For 2008, Ford added a new full-time all-wheel drivetrain to the lineup mid-model year. Also, the XLT now features folding power mirrors with integrated approach lamps as standard, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Eddie Bauer trim gets a freshening with new two-tone bumpers and 20-inch wheels, in addition to other decorative touches. The Limited is mostly the same as last year while adding a HomeLink universal garage door opener and power-adjustable pedals. Side curtain air bags are standard on all Explorer trims for 2008. Ford's new Microsoft-developed SYNC media system is now available as an option on the XLT trim, and is standard on all higher trims. It integrates a voice-activated interface with portable music player connectivity.

Value Writeup
Generous standard safety equipment; quiet cabin; good balance of around-town driving, towing, and off-road capabilities.

Exterior

  • Accent color step bars
  • Accent color wheel lip molding
  • Automatic on/off dual beam headlamps
  • Black roof side rails w/black end caps
  • Body-color body-side molding
  • Body-color door handles
  • Chrome 3-bar design nostril grille
  • Fog lamps
  • Folding pwr mirrors-inc: security approach lamps & body-color skull caps
  • Intermittent rear wiper/washer
  • One-piece liftgate w/pop-up flip glass
  • Privacy glass-inc: rear door, rear quarter, liftgate glass
  • Speed-sensitive intermittent front wipers
  • Two-tone front/rear bumpers

Safety

  • 2nd generation driver & front passenger airbags & side seat airbags
  • 4-wheel anti-lock brakes w/brake shift interlock
  • Adaptive energy-absorbing steering column
  • AdvanceTrac w/Roll Stability Control (RSC)
  • BeltMinder feature
  • Front passenger sensing system
  • LATCH system on rear outboard seat locations
  • Safety canopy air curtain system
  • Seat belts-inc: pretensioners, energy management system, adjustable height in 1st row
   

Paint

InvoiceMSRP
SOLID PAINT (STD) --
  


Transmission
Clutch Size (in) 
Drivetrain4-Wheel Drive
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1)0.71
First Gear Ratio (:1)3.22
Fourth Gear Rato (:1)1.00
Reverse Ratio (:1)3.07
Second Gear Ratio (:1)2.29
Sixth Gear Ratio (:1) 
Third Gear Ratio (:1)1.54
Trans Description Cont.Automatic w/OD
Trans Description Cont. Again 
Trans Order Code- TBD -
Trans Power Take Off 
Trans PTO Access 
Trans Type5
Transfer Case Gear Ratio (:1), High1.00
Transfer Case Gear Ratio (:1), Low2.48
Transfer Case ModelBW-4411
Transfer Case Power Take Off 

Weight Information
Curb Weight - Front (lbs)2466
Curb Weight - Rear (lbs)2140
Gross Axle Wt Rating - Front (lbs)2960
Gross Axle Wt Rating - Rear (lbs)3400
Gross Combined Wt Rating (lbs)10000
Gross Combined Wt Rating (lbs)8500
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Cap (lbs)6180
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Cap (lbs)6190

Cooling System
Total Cooling System Capacity (qts)7.8

Engine
Displacement4.0L/245
Engine Oil Cooler 
Engine Order Code- TBD -
Engine TypeGas V6
Fuel SystemSMPI
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM210 @ 5100
SAE Net Torque @ RPM254 @ 3700

Suspension
Axle Capacity - Front (lbs)3240
Axle Capacity - Rear (lbs)3600
Axle Ratio (:1) - Front3.55
Axle Ratio (:1) - Front3.73
Axle Ratio (:1) - Rear3.55
Axle Ratio (:1) - Rear3.73
Axle Type - FrontFord SLA
Axle Type - RearFord SLA
Shock Absorber Diameter - Front (mm)32.0
Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear (mm)32.0
Spring Capacity - Front (lbs)2470
Spring Capacity - Rear (lbs)2200
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front (in)1.34
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear (in)0.77
Suspension Type - FrontIndependent SLA
Suspension Type - RearIndependent SLA

Electrical
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0? F (2nd) 
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0? F (Primary)650
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)130
Maximum Alternator Watts1950

Vehicle
Rear Door TypeLiftgate

Brakes
Brake ABS System4-Wheel
Brake ABS System (Second Line) 
Brake TypePwr
Disc - Front (Yes or )Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or )Yes
Drum - Rear (Yes or ) 
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)12.01 x 0.43
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in)11.85 x 0.39
Rear Drum Diam x Width (in) 

Mileage
EPA Fuel Economy Est - City (MPG)13
EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy (MPG)19
  

Warranty

Basic:3 Years/36,000 Miles/km Corrosion:5 Years/Unlimited Miles/km



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