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2005 Ford Explorer Lineup
The Explorer delivers a smooth ride on rough roads. Bumpy corners don't upset it, and it feels stable in fast, sweeping turns. The Explorer is very stable at high speeds and feels comfortably secure in bad weather. We felt safe and confident while pulling a trailer on a daylong drive through a violent tropical storm in Tennessee. Just knowing the Explorer had automatic 4WD and ABS was comforting when it was raining buckets. It's still a truck, though. Tire whir is heard; road vibration is felt. But the ride is more comfortable, less jouncy than in some imported SUVs.
The Explorer's standard engine is a modern 4.0-liter V6 with overhead cams and aluminum heads, rated 210 horsepower. Acceleration with the V6 is quite respectable, thanks to the 254 pound-feet of torque it generates at 3700 rpm. You can hear and feel the V6 under full-throttle acceleration and it isn't as smooth as Toyota's V6, but it is entirely within acceptable bounds. You're not likely to need the V8 unless you're towing or live at high altitude. |