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 61 through 70 of 179.00-
Ford Certified ??? - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Tim - September 30 - 10:03 pmBought this Ford used two months ago with a Ford Certified guarantee. 169 point inspection? Well, they missed a few things... almost immediatly we noticed a hesitation when accelerating on the highway, but it was rare and never presented when we took it to the shop. Over the last month it was more frequent and this week when we took it in they said the transmission needed to be replaced. While working on it, they also found the radiator has a leak and will need to be replaced. This is a 3 year old truck with 55,000 miles! Not what we expected from Ford.
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Black Beauty - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Tony - August 22 - 4:16 amThis is my 5th Explorer and so far Im loving this one. It handles great; the power is awesome in comparison to my last LTD, which was also an V8. Needs to improve gas mileage.
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Never again - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Rebecah - August 12 - 3:44 pmThis is my first (and LAST) Ford. 2 radiator replacements. The heater does not work anymore and I now have to replace the housing and gasket which supplies coolant to the radiator. Waste of $ and time. This is not a reliable vehicle.
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Luv almost all of it! - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Scotch&Cigars - August 3 - 9:26 pmI purchased my SUV with 40000 miles. I now have about 72000 miles and have had nothing but good luck with it. Although the gas mileage is a little lower than Id like, I bought an SUV, so Im not going to complain. No problems with the power train, electronics, or anything else with the mechanics. The only problem has been with the front drivers seat comfort. A large person must have owned it prior to me and mashed out the seat, which I didnt notice until I sat for a longer drive.
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Great value! - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Jon - July 28 - 11:23 amTight ride plus comfortable inside. I used to own a Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was more of a sedan ride except it wobbled too much on uneven roads or bumps. This Explorer rides exceptionally well.
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New and much improved - 2006 Ford Explorer
By TB - June 9 - 7:36 amWe LOVE our new Explorer! Its solid, very quiet, and very versatile which is good when you have 2 small boys. Power from the V6 is good, not excellent, and we have no problems traversing the long steep hills of Western PA. Its no sports car but it does handle very well for its size and even seems to handle better than the Escape it replaced. The thing I cant get over is how quiet it is inside and what a great highway cruiser it is. Its almost limo-like! The DVD system has a few too many buttons but once you learn them you realize that they are there for added convenience. Overall the 06 Explorer isnt great at any one thing but it is very good at everything.
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Someone Take Mine! - 2006 Ford Explorer
By M. Murphy - May 26 - 12:53 pmYear 1: gear shifter replaced. Dash electronics went nuts and computer needed to be reset. Year 2: rear shocks blew out (I have a 4 mile commute!) Exhaust hose blew and fuel filter resembled that of a car with 100k miles. Both replaced. Currently in the shop because the transmission feels like it is ready to drop. Car has 24k miles.
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Chronic radiator problems - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Wendy - May 11 - 6:11 pmBought my Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer when it was just 2 years old. Ive had it for 9 1/2 months and am on the 6th radiator! Yes, you heard correctly...even a reputable Ford auto shop can not find the source of the problem. So the radiator keeps getting replaced and every 1-2 months (this time it was literally only a matter of 1 week!)...it ends up leaking radiator fluid everywhere, overheating and roaring/not running properly. This was the worst purchase Ive ever made and now I fell totally stuck. I HATE this car and will NEVER EVER EVER buy Ford again...Nothing but a big hassle, headache, money pit and inconvenience.
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Great So Far - 2006 Ford Explorer
By xploder06 - April 21 - 8:26 pmI have had this vehicle going on almost 3 years and love it! First, the negatives. The first year I owned it I had the 4WD motor and shifter replaced. During the second year, I experienced the common "clunk" when starting from rest or moving slowly then pressing on the gas. Initially, dealer replaced faulty transmission part and re-flashed computer. Computer had to be re-flashed again recently to totally fix the problem. All covered under warranty. Now the positives. The cabin is ultra quiet when driving highway speeds of 65 mph or more. Lots of cargo space, decent performance, and very comfortable seats on long trips. Best mid-sized SUV out there IMO!
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Love This New 2006 Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
By DMRs 2006 Explorer - March 17 - 11:30 pmI had a 2004 Explorer (V8) which I liked a lot. Power, comfort and reliability. But the new 2006 is even better. New v8 engine is terrific! Much improved interior, very quiet. Handling is excellent and fuel economy is better than the 2004 (new V8 engine). Perfect vehicle used for hunting, fishing, huge cargo room, as well as using for business and clients. Two vehicles in one - perfect for my lifestyle! Like having a truck and a luxury car.
