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Sunday, February 27, 2011
2010 Ford ExplorerThe 2010 Ford Explorer lineup is largely unchanged for what is likely its final model year in its current design. This midsize SUV uses traditional, truck-type construction. It offers rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and has a low-range gear for off-roading. Trim levels include XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited. All have a 210-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine. Optional on Eddie Bauer and Limited is a 292-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. V6 models have a 5-speed automatic transmission; V8s have a 6-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 5,375 pounds for the V6 and 7,285 pounds for the V8. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Offered on all is a 3rd-row seat for 7-passenger capacity; it's available with a power-folding feature. Explorer's capless fueling system allows owners to fill their fuel tanks without having to remove a gas cap. Ford's Sync voice-activated cell phone and MP3 player control system is available. The available navigation system includes real-time traffic alerts, weather, gas prices, sports, and movie information. Ford re-trims the Explorer for sale as the Mercury Mountaineer.
COMPETITION
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
For many years, the Ford Explorer has been one of the best-selling SUVs in the market. A capable tow vehicle and off-roader, the Explorer also offers the generous interior space, comfort features and safety technologies necessary for day-to-day tasks.
The Explorer is available in rear-wheel, four-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, each with a choice of three trim levels: XLT, Eddie Bauer or Limited. All trims can be equipped with either a 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission, or a 292-hp 4.6-liter V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Limited trims are outfitted with a power-folding third row seat for 2009 (previously manual fold-flat); on XLT and Eddie Bauer trims, three-row seating is optional, increasing capacity to seven passengers. Standard safety features on every Explorer include AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control, anti-lock disc brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system, as well as dual front, front side-impact and side-curtain airbags.
For 2009, the Ford Explorer carries over with minor adjustments to standard equipment and restructured option groups, including a new XLT Sport Package. Satellite radio is now standard on Eddie Bauer and Limited trims, while a new Trailer Sway Control feature is incorporated into the stability control system on all trims. Additionally, all-wheel drive Explorer models now get the XLT trim level.
More V8 power, revised interiors and exteriors, and more safety features are 2006 updates for America's best-selling SUV. Explorer has a truck-type design and offers rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and has low-range gearing. Two engines are available: a 210-hp V6 and a 292-hp V8. The V8 gains 53 hp for '06. Both use automatic transmission; the V6 retains a 5-speed, the V8 trades its 5-speed for a 6-speed. The model line ascends through XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trim. Offered on all but XLS is a 3rd-row seat for seven-passenger capacity; it's available for '06 with a power-folding feature. Front side airbags are newly standard. Again optional are curtain side airbags that cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows and include rollover deployment. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard, as is traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors. Also available are 2nd-row bucket seats, DVD entertainment, sunroof, rear obstacle detection, and power-adjustable pedals. A navigation system is newly optional. Ford retrims the Explorer for sale as the Mercury Mountaineer.
