2008 Ford Explorer Review Summary
Read this professional review summery and road test of the latest new 2008 Ford Explorer with a complete test drive evaluation in all driving situations including an overview of the SUV's specifications, 20 hwy / 13 city fuel economy, safety features and more.
2008 Explorer Review Summary & Specs
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Haul people, tow boats.
2008 Explorer Review Summary & Specifications
The Ford Explorer has never been better and represents an excellent choice among midsize sport utilities. It gets the basics right while paying attention to the details. We find the Explorer fully competitive in a tightly contested segment, succeeding as both an excellent machine and a high-value purchase. It's handsome, smooth, quiet, comfortable and competent.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Jim McCraw filed this report from Dearborn, Michigan, with Kirk Bell reporting from Chicago and Mitch McCullough reporting from Los Angeles.
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| Vehicle Category | Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor | New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup | Ford Explorer XLT 2WD ($25,755): XLT 4WD ($28,050): Eddie Bauer 2WD ($28,100): Eddie Bauer 4WD ($30,395): Limited 2WD ($31,870): Limited 4WD ($34,165) |
| Engines (standard) | 4.6-liter sohc 24-valve V8 |
| Engines (optional) | 210-hp 4.0-liter SOHC 12-valve V6; 292-hp 4.6-liter SOHC 24-valve V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 6-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed automatic; 6-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | 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; traction control; tire-pressure monitor; AdvanceTrac antiskid control with roll stability control |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | rear obstacle detection |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Louisville, Kentucky; St. Louis, Missouri |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-392-3673 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.fordvehicles.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 25300 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Ford Explorer XLT 4WD ($28,050) |
| Standard Equipment | 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; air conditioning; 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 lamps; painted aluminum wheels on P235/70R16 all-season tires |
| Destination Charge | 735 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | V8 engine ($1,295); third-row seat ($875); rear air conditioning ($695) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 30885 |
| Layout | four-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 292 @ 5750 |
| Torque | 300 @ 3950 |
| Fuel Economy | 13/19 |
| Wheelbase | 113.7 |
| Length/Width/Height | 193.4/73.7/72.8 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 36.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.8/55.4/42.4 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.7/55.5/36.9 |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.4/45.3/34.9 |
| Trunk Volume | 83.7 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 7040 |
| Front Suspension | independent, double A-arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent, trailing blade short and long arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance | 8.2 |
| Curb Weight | 4790 |
| Stock Tires | P245/65R17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 22.5 |
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