Published: November 20, 2005 12:57 am            

Ford Explorer SUV gets major overhaul for 2006

New redesign offers more power and refinement.

Ford takes the bull by the horns for 2006 with a complete redesign of its segment-leading Explorer SUV. As the sales leader for the last 15 years, the Explorer is considered the world’s best selling SUV — a tough act to follow. The automaker answered the call and responded with more power, improved fuel economy, low emissions, new advanced safety technologies, class-leading interior quietness, improved ride comfort and bolder styling.

Available in XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited models and rear- or four-wheel drive drivetrain configurations, the Explorer SUV is built at the automaker’s Louisville, Ky., light truck facility. The 2006 Ford SUV is powered by an improved 4.0L V6 engine bolted to a 5R55W5 five-speed automatic transmission or a new optional three-valve 4.6L V8 prime mover mated to the 6R six-speed automatic transmission, a first for the segment.

This year, the 4.0L V6 engine is certified to the same level of ultra-low emissions as the Ford Escape Hybrid as a result of the following improvements: a 50 percent improvement in idle quality due to a new camshaft and spark plugs; new engine calibrations; and improved emission controls that cut smog-forming emissions by 74 percent compared to the previous model.

The new optional 4.6L V8 shares the same variable cam timing and three-valve cylinder heads used on the wildly successful Mustang GT and 5.4L Ford F-150 engine. The all-new six-speed automatic transmission features a wide 6.04:1 gear ratio, enabling the engine to spend more time in its optimum powerband — either at peak power for acceleration, or at peak efficiency for more fuel economy.

Underway, the new Explorer displays awesome low end response from rest delivering a smooth, solid, confident and secure driving experience. The awesome goodness of the new Ford starts with an all-new body-on-frame construction. Thanks to increases in section height and width, it is 63 percent more resistant to bending and 55 percent more resistant to twisting than the previous model.

The Ford SUV adopts the F-150’s tube-through-tube frame design, where the cross-members pass through the section of the frame-rails, creating an inherently stronger joint. These joints are then completely welded around the perimeter for a fully boxed seam.

The stiffer frame provides a smoother ride with better road feel, crisper handling and improved steering response because it allowed Ford engineers to improve the vehicle systems. Paired with new manufacturing techniques that decrease manufacturing tolerances, the Explorer’s solid foundation also helps significantly reduce long-term squeaks and rattles.

Explorer’s control hardware includes a new front suspension that retains its basic geometry with upper and lower control arms and a sway bar. At the rear, the independent suspension now features trailing arms and is more robust to accommodate the vehicle’s increased towing and payload capability. As before, the rear half shafts pass through frame portholes, lowering the rear control subframe for better third-row seating and a lower center of gravity. While the suspension components are stronger, they are also lighter overall.

Inside the cabin, Ford engineers fought to eliminate unwanted noise with a vengeance. As a result, the Explorer’s third row is just as quiet as some competitors’ front row at highway speeds. The all-new interior features the use of advanced materials that dampen vibrations and lessen noise. New insulation materials were used along the headliner, door panels and floor of the passenger compartment to help provide class-leading interior quietness.

New seating and new interior configurations provide more comfort, enhanced safety and more possibilities when the need for hauling both people and cargo arises. The instrument panel is a study in modern capabilities. Crisp, clean and functional — all the gauges are easy to read — all the switchgear, simple to operate.

The driver’s side door controls come in for special mention — the placement of the power window and mirror switches, door-release handle and door pull are a great combination of convenience and function.

Ford also addressed the previous model’s slight incline of the load floor. The new Explorer and its redesigned seats provide a virtually flat floor when folded — increasing cargo capacity. The midsize SUV retains its separate window and hatch rear access capabilities — allowing access to small items in the rear cargo area without having to open the rear hatch.



2006 Ford Explorer:

• Wheelbase: 113.7; overall length: 193.4; width: 73.7; height: 72.8 — measurements in inches.

• Engine: 4.0L V6 — 210 hp at 5,100 rpm and 254 lbs-ft of torque at 3,700 rpm; 4.6L V8 — 292 hp at 5,750 rpm and 300 lbs-ft of torque at 3,950 rpm.

• Transmission: five-speed automatic, six-speed automatic.

• Cargo capacity: 85.8 cu. ft.

• Towing capacity: 7,300 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, battery saver, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, SecuriLock passive anti-theft system, tire pressure monitoring system, four-wheel anti-lock brakes and remote keyless entry. XLT adds fog lamps. Eddie Bauer adds automatic headlamps.

Optional safety features include limited-slip rear axle, Safety Canopy System, navigation system and power-adjustable pedals.

Warranty

• Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

• Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited.

• Roadside assistance: 3-year/36,000, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2006 Ford Explorer SUV starts from $24,192 for the XLS, up to $31,498 for the Limited. Destination charges add $645.

        

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