2006 Ford Explorer First Drive

Driving Impressions There’s no doubt that the 2006 Ford Explorer is one of the best handling vehicles in its class, doing a masterful job of blending off-road capability with a comfortable and responsive on-road ride. However, we’d take a long, hard look at the ULEV-II V6 engine before going with the thirsty and sometimes flat V8.

To help us draw contrast between the old Explorer and the new Explorer, Ford first let reporters drive the 2005 model before handing over the keys to the 2006 version. Our 2005 had XLT trim, a V6 engine and 4WD, and it reminded us how much we like the Explorer in the first place. Solid, tight, comfortable, and reasonably peppy, the 2005 Explorer is a fine SUV in its own right. But we were here to drive the improved 2006 version, of which Ford supplied a choice between Eddie Bauer and Limited trim levels equipped with a V8 engine and 4WD. We selected the Limited model, and hit the road in upstate New York.

Instantly, the improved ride quality was noticeable, the 2006 Ford Explorer soaking up more of the pavement but without numbing communication to the driver. Noise, vibration, and harshness were all reduced, producing a quiet ride free of almost all rattles and squeaks. Even on harsh surfaces like broken roadways and rock-strewn two-track trails, the 2006 Explorer remained quiet, composed, and confident.

Unfortunately, the rest of the Explorer’s hardware didn’t live up to its promise. The 4.6-liter V8 produces a nice rumble, but this doesn’t feel like a 292-horsepower, eight-cylinder engine unless you check the bad news shown on the trip computer’s average fuel economy display. There are spots in the power band that fall a little flat, and the truck can bog down on hills with just two people on board. Imagine if you had the whole clan stuffed inside, or the maximum tow load of 7,300 pounds connected to the trailer hitch.

Good thing the six-speed transmission does a decent job of selecting gears, and does so smoothly, though once during a three-point turn shifting from Drive to Reverse resulted in a significant clunk from the drivetrain. Improvements to the steering result in feel that’s a hint too light on center between 45 and 65 mph, but it no longer exhibits a dead spot like the old model. Response off-center is linear and reasonably quick, and the tight turning circle makes the 2006 Ford Explorer nimble and maneuverable. And, like much of the new Explorer’s hardware, the brakes could use more attention, too. They work well, but don’t offer optimal levels of travel and pedal feel.

Despite imperfections, however, there’s no doubt that the 2006 Ford Explorer is one of the best handling vehicles in its class, doing a masterful job of blending off-road capability with a comfortable and responsive on-road ride. However, we’d take a long, hard look at the ULEV-II V6 engine before going with the thirsty and sometimes flat V8.