2006 Ford Explorer

Ford-Explorer-guide.com

2006 Ford Explorer

2007 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer, considered by many to be the best-selling SUV in the world for the last 15 years, for the 2006 year was launched in 2005. The 2006 Ford Explorer was launched into a market that has truly changed over the years- 929,000 SUVs sold in the 1990, to a whopping 4.8 million SUVs in 2004. The SUV went from being 6.6% to 27.5% of all vehicles purchased. However, with the introduction of smaller SUVs like the RAV-4 and the Explorer’s smaller brother, the Ford Escape, the market share of the traditional SUVs fell (probably in part due to the rising cost of gasoline and other economic reasons). It should be noted that the entire industry saw a drop in sales in 2005, with GM experiencing a 7.6% drop in sales, Ford a 15% drop, and Daimler Chrysler down 2.7%.

To combat such trends manufacturers tried sales incentives, introducing new products, and making existing ones more efficient and appealing to the prospective car buyer. Well, Ford was no exception. With the release of the 2006 Ford Explorer, the carmaker added new features and improved on existing ones; the result, an SUV that is both luxurious and powerful and lives up to the name of the Ford Explorer. However, the sales and the publics’ attitude will determine if the 2006 Ford Explorer will continue to carry the title of “America’s best-selling SUV”.

The Ford Explorer name goes on 2 different vehicles:

Ford Explorer- available in the 2006 model

Ford Explorer Sport Trac- available in the 2005 model, with the 2007 due out this year

2006 Ford Explorer (models and prices):

Explorer XLS- $27,175

Explorer XLT- $28,870

Explorer Eddie Bauer- $30,845

Explorer Limited- 33,160

2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac (models and prices):

Explorer Sport Trac XLS- $24,615

Explorer Sport Trac XLT- $25,855

Explorer Sport Trac XLT Premium- $28,260

Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin- $29,055

2006 Ford Explorer vs. 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Wheelbase: 113.7 inches vs. 125.9 inches

Length: 193.4 inches vs. 205.9 inches

Height (when empty): 72.8 inches vs. 70.5 inches

Width: 71.8 inches vs. 73.7 inches

Track-Width (front/rear): 58.5/58.3 inches vs. 60.9/61.8 inches

Angle of departure: 23.5º to 23.8º

Angle of approach (4X2/4X4 on Sports Trac model): 26.9º/26.7º vs. 28.2º

Ramp break-over angle (4X2/4X4 on Sports Trac model): 16.0º/17.7º to 18.4º

Clearance to rear axle (Sports Trac) vs. Ground clearance (Explorer): 7.9 in. vs. 8.2 in.

Seating capacity: 5 vs. 7 persons

Fuel Capacity: 22.5 gallons ea.

Displacement: 4.0L (245 CID) vs. same; 4.6L (281 CID) on 24V V8

HP (SAE net @ rpm): 205 @ 5,250 vs. 210 @ 5,100; 292 @ 5,750 on 24V V8

Torque: 242 @ 3,000 vs. 254 @ 3,700; 300 @ 3,950 on 24V V8

Compression ratio: 9.7:1 vs. same; 9.8:1 on 24V V8

Bore x stroke: 3.95 x 3.32 inches; same; 3.55 x 3.54 inches on 24V V8

Main bearing: 4 vs. 4; 5 on 24V V8

Competitors of the 2006 Ford Explorer include:

2006 Nissan Pathfinder- starting MSRP is $25,400
2006 Chevy TrailBlazer- starting MSRP is $24,990
2006 Honda Pilot- starting MSRP is $26,995
2006 Buick Rendezvous- starting MSRP is $24,990
2006 HUMMER H3- starting MSRP is $29,500
2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee- starting MSRP is $28,110
2006 Toyota 4Runner- starting MSRP is $27,635
2006 Toyota Highlander- starting MSRP is $24,530
2006 Dodge Durango- starting MSRP is $25,400
2006 GMC Envoy- starting MSRP is $26,790
2006 GMC Envoy XL- starting MSRP is $28,090
2006 Nissan Murano- starting MSRP is $27,600
2006 Saturn Relay- starting MSRP is $23,490

2009 Ford Explorer models.

Looking for information on other cars, trucks or motorcycles? Then try one of our partner sites that offer information on a wide array of automotive vehicles:

Single car models: