2008 Used Ford Explorer Manchester NH

See Our Inventory of the 2008 Ford Explorer Manchester, NH

2008 Ford Explorer Overview

Explorer has earned the best possible impact protection rating in the federal government's crash tests: five stars for the driver in a frontal impact, the front-seat passenger in a frontal impact, front-seat occupants in a side impact, and rear-seat occupants in a side impact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2006 model year New Car Assessment Program. Ford says the Explorer is designed to meet all known federal frontal- and side-impact crash requirements through 2010.

All Explorers offer a smooth ride and decent handling for such big, heavy vehicles. The interiors are pleasant, with only oddly designed door panels to complain about. With five, six, or seven-passenger seating configurations, customers can outfit their Explorers to fit their passenger and cargo carrying needs.

Driving Impressions of the 2008 Ford Explorer

The steering has a nice, hefty feel at highway speeds, while still providing plenty of assist for parking. The suspension is relatively supple, giving the Explorer a nice ride on rough streets. The Explorer does not lean excessively in corners for a heavy sport utility, body roll is nicely controlled and there's a feeling of being solidly planted. The current chassis is some 63-percent stiffer than in older models; chassis rigidity is a key element for crisp handling and a smooth ride. Explorer manages to be isolated from the road, but well connected to it, at the same time.

The 4.0-liter single-overhead-cam V6 features variable valve timing and is rated at 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. It meets federal Tier II, Bin 4 emissions requirements for Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) status. With the V6, you get a five-speed automatic overdrive transmission and a maximum towing capacity of 5,395 pounds. The V6 gets an EPA-rated 14/20 mpg with 2WD, 13/19 mpg with 4WD.

Used Ford Explorer Lineup

Eddie Bauer adds leather upholstery; 10-way-power seat for the driver; wood-grain interior accents; overhead console; automatic headlights; trip computer with four-line message center; auto-dimming rearview mirror; illuminated visor vanity mirrors; keyless entry keypad; fixed running boards; and painted aluminum wheels with 245/65R17 all-season tires. Optional is a Luxury Package that includes leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, universal garage door opener, driver's seat memory, heated mirrors, power adjustable pedals, and six-way power adjustable front passenger seat.

XLT options include leather upholstery, a Convenience Group with keyless entry keypad, automatic headlights and auto-dimming rearview mirror; a Sun and Sirius Package  with a power moonroof and Sirius satellite radio with six-month subscription; Class III/IV trailer tow package; power adjustable pedals; rear air conditioning; fixed running boards; remote engine starting ; rear DVD entertainment; voice-activated navigation system with Audiophile AM/FM audio with six-disc in-dash CD player and auto-dimming rearview mirror; 50/50 split folding third-row seat; P245/65R17 tires with machined aluminum wheels; and aheated windshield. The Audiophile stereo and Sirius satellite radio with six-month subscription are available separately. The Ironman Package  for XLT celebrates Ford's sponsorship of the Ironman World Championship with Ironman logos; machined-aluminum wheels with P235/65R18 tires; two-tone leather seats; heated front seats; 10-way power adjustable driver seat; roof rail crossbars; and exterior touches that include a chrome grille, unique body side cladding, and unique front and rear fascias.

Interior of the 2008 Ford Explorer

Ford's Sync communications and entertainment system, can recognize Bluetooth-enabled cell phones, access their phonebooks, and play calls and read text messages through the speakers. It also has a USB interface to connect with iPods and other MP3 players. Voice commands and/or steering wheel buttons can be used to control all functions. The DVD-based navigation system is very easy to use, with excellent colors and graphics, and a big eight-inch display. For 2008, it can now be operated via voice commands

The cargo floor is completely flat when all the seats are folded, with almost no forward rise. With three rows of seats, you get 13.6, then 43.9, then 83.7 cubic feet of space as the seats fold down. The five-seater has slightly more room with the seats folded.

Summary

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.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com