Overview & Reviews
Ford treats the Explorer to a number of significant improvements for 2006. Styling has been updated with a bolder grille treatment, a new tailgate and more attractive taillights. Interior furnishings get an upgrade, too, and additional sound insulation results in a supremely quiet cabin, while a stiffened frame and new shocks provide even better ride and handling characteristics than before. Ford tweaked the 4.0-liter V6 to cut smog-forming emissions by 74 percent and a new three-valve 4.6-liter V8 replaces last year's two-valve version. A six-speed automatic transmission is also new, and comes standard with the V8 engine. Trim levels are simplified, and front-seat side airbags, AdvanceTrac stability control and Roll Stability Control are now standard on all Explorers.
- Excellent ride and handling characteristics for a truck-based SUV, strong optional V8, comfortable and quiet interior with user-friendly layout, standard Roll Stability Control.
- Low resale value, lousy fuel economy.
User Reviews:
Showing 51 through 60 of 179.00-
Heap Of Junk - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Chilly - January 8 - 9:17 amThis Model Ford is a piece of Junk. Every issue that everyone has with this car we have had. Bought it used, we have had to replace the radiator twice now. The lurching problem with the transmission fixed twice(36k) and now the breaks at low speed breaking make an awful noise, oh and thats right after ford installed new brakes. All service done at a local ford dealership and they seem clueless as how to fix there own car! We were honda faithfuls but thought we would try a FORD (buy American... right). Stand in line call me an idiot later. Car now has 76k another radiator to buy. I think Ill take this hunk out back and put it out of its misery! STEER CLEAR OF THIS JUNK!
-
Technical Service Bulletin - 2006 Ford Explorer
By cold - January 5 - 7:12 pmBought this for my wife last year with 50,xxx. Two weeks later had radiator leak. Lucky the dealership replaced radiator at no charge. Here it is less then a year later and radiator is leaking once again. Again lucky the radiator that got replaced had a 1yr warranty. Turns out 2006/2007 4.0L explorers have a tech service bulletin for a PCM (Power Train Module) update calibration. If you have a 2006 Explorer, Mountaineer or 2007 Sport Trac I would get this updated before you have to replace a radiator if you havent already. This TS bulletin was released 5/4/2009 so just a heads up to anyone having trouble with radiators leaking. $100 for software update or $$$$ for a new radiator.
-
Disappointed - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Doug - December 24 - 1:46 pmIm a huge Ford fan however Ford didnt get it right with the Explorer. Take for example my 2007 F-150, I love it. The Explorer isnt up to par with the European or Japanese SUVs as far as fit and finish and probably reliability. With 40K M to date, the follow have been replaced: gear shifter, heater valve, alternator, & Nav system fixed. The vehicle has lots of interior plastic too. The ride is harsh for 4 wheel independent suspension. Visibility is poor. There are big side blind spots and with the 3rd row head rests up, its poor out the back too. The trans off the line hesitates/sluggish (been reflashed). Steering at slow speed is heavy. Im not a big fan of the interior door handles.
-
Nice vehicle - 2006 Ford Explorer
By bbandit74 - November 14 - 1:19 pmGreat family vehicle. We enjoy all the extras especially the DVD player in the back. Back up sensors are great in the city. Very nice looking vehicle and extremely quiet inside. Very comfortable on long trips. The V- 6 could use more horsepower. Sometimes tranny has hard time deciding what gear to stay in on hills. Overall its a very nice vehicle. Glad I have extended warranty after reading some of these reviews...
-
My favorite vehicle yet - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Casper, WY - November 12 - 3:53 pmI loved my Ford Windstar and didnt think I would want to drive a "big" SUV, but a move to wintry climate area changed my mind. I love the way it handles, the very smooth ride and the strong engine. The interior is roomy, comfortable and very quiet. The fold down rear seats are very easy to manipulate and it provides lots of cargo room in the five passenger mode. For a five member family it was a great choice.
-
Amazing - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Threnners - November 5 - 3:20 pmI now understand why there are so many Explorers on the road -it is simply amazing. For a vehicle that is physically 4 years old (the build date is 2005), it still drives and handles like it just came from the factory. It drives like a big marshmallow - you rarely feel anything on the road, and I have yet to have an issue with it. Mileage wise I average 18.8- 19.1 MPG weekly. Its just a great truck, and after driving a money pit Mazda Tribute for years, its a welcome relief.
-
My OTHER Lady - 2006 Ford Explorer
By ChrisnIndy - November 1 - 9:55 amI purchased my white-beauty brand- spankin used in Dec 08. I still have a daily sedan, but I love the days when I drive my truck. Its so smooth and it feels solid, planted and secure. I have had two problems, a failed radiator(which is fairly common with this Explorer) and both my power outlets failed. All was covered under warranty. I love the high seating position and its nice when travelling. The cabin is very capacious with the seats folded down. I have saved so much money when buying large items that previously would have required paying for delivery. This is my first Ford and my first SUV. I will definitely be steering my wife toward that new Taurus when her car needs replacing!!
-
06 Explorer Ltd V-8 4wd - 2006 Ford Explorer
By rowekmr - October 29 - 2:24 amThis is my 3rd Explorer. Bought it because I needed 3 rows of seats and the 4.6L engine/tow package for towing. I got it with 22K miles and now going on 3 yrs later I got 73K. It tows loads well (up to 8,000#) gets excellent mpg on the highway (24-25mpg) and can squeeze in many adults and kids. I had the hesitation problem as others but it was very intermittent. I get the high rpm shift sqeak off of the accessory drive. Dealership acts like they are normal and does quick fixes (dont work). Get the ext warranty if its loaded because the stuff is expensive to repair. My heated seat went out but was covered.
-
fantastic vehicle - 2006 Ford Explorer
By jarrad - October 23 - 10:31 pmI have had alot of vehicles before, this has been one of the best. I was scared at first of buying a ford so I bought a service contact for repairs. I have not had one thing go wrong in the vehcle. I would buy another one again.
-
Radiator Problems - 2006 Ford Explorer
By jashmon - October 21 - 5:35 pmBought the 2006 Ford Explorer, Eddie Bauer edition, and thought I had a great deal. Wrong!! Had to replace the radiator and thermosatat in October 2009 because of a leak cost me $823.00. Ive owned a lot of cars, older and newer, and have never had to replace the radiator. Get this...the radiator is not covered by the warranty or the extended warranty I bought from Ford. My next and future vehicles WILL NOT be a Ford. Foreign cars here I come.
