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 81 through 90 of 179.00-
Hate the 2006 Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Connie - September 29 - 12:35 pmI bought a used 2006 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer in March 2008. I have had it at the dealership five times. Ive had the shifter replaced and the whole fan assembly for the heat and air. I have had an ongoing problem with a loud noise coming from under the dash when I first take off. Overheard the mechanic telling the service guy that its a vacuum problem and its because of the design. Now it wont start, the road slippery light comes on and stays on even when driving on dry pavement. It also shifts hard and jerks when taking off. This is my third Explorer. I will NEVER buy one again.
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Lemon Lemon - 2006 Ford Explorer
By LEMON LEMON - September 26 - 2:40 pmI purchased Explorer Limited in 3/2006. In the 6 months I have owned it, it has been at the dealer for repairs 6 times (1 1/2 months). First it was the transmission. Then it was the cooling sensors that are supposed to prevent the engine from overheating. I was driving 70 mph on the highway when it just turned off. I lost power steering and almost ran other cars off the road while trying to maintain control. Since then it has been in & out of the dealership with cooling sensor issues. It doesnt turn on if it is cold out. I have been stranded 4 times, missed hours of work, and feel unsafe in the car. Ford doesnt stand behind product, Now must go through lemon law process which takes months. Buyers beware!
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Handsome SUV - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Roddy - September 22 - 2:39 pmI bought my Explorer with 18K miles on it. It is 4x4, Eddie Bauer edition and the v-6. I was sold on it the minute I sat in it. Great interior, very comfortable and well laid out. Im not crazy about the speedometer and tach layout. They sometimes seem to be in a hole, but a minor issue. It rides and drives great and will get 21 mpg or so on the highway. City is about 16. Great factory stereo, great A/C, rides like a Lincoln.
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good not great - 2006 Ford Explorer
By fordfan - August 21 - 2:10 amCompared to our 99, it seems Ford had to change some things just for the sake of change. Whats improved: very quiet, great ride, all seats very comfortable, dual zone A/C, reclining 2nd row seat, rear HVAC controls. Should have been left as they were: door pulls, memory seat and heated seat controls (now on the console and not convenient), 2nd row headrest non- adjustable and non-removable(interferes with child seat), side mirrors (clunky looking and do not have full range of travel), console shifter (Id rather use the space for storage), dash design. Some complaints here about dash reflections with the tan interior. This is easily solved with a dark color dash cover.
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Very Good Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Ben - July 1 - 8:57 amPurchased from a dealership last year, and so far no problems, other than a tire sensor indication. This SUV drives like a dream. No sudden jerking as far as acceleration very smooth ride. I like the fact that its equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission, and a middle console transmission gear shift, a very first for the explorer family. Gas mileage is really good for a normal SUVs I drove up to 25 mpg with a 65- 70 mph speed. Very nice interior! A/C system is really good front and back. Has great exterior lighting, especially the front headlights and fog lights. Definintely recommend the explorer to anyone who desires a SUV. As long as you treat it well, itll drive well.
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I give! - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Daisee86 - June 30 - 8:16 pmSo sad. I dreamed of this car for 7 years while I drove beat up car waiting to afford this one. Now I have had every trouble listed on all the complaint websites - back driver window wont roll down (fixed 3 times), stick shift stuck (had to be replaced), radiator leaking (has to be replaced), Transmission problem (not yet diagnosed). At least it is all covered under warranty but what a pain to have to keep taking it in. I am so upside down, I cant trade it. I am likley never to buy a Ford again and I have driven them all my life. No more.
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Built to last - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Rick - June 25 - 5:17 pmI bought my truck new in 2006, needing a 4wd family vehicle (traded my 94 Cobra for it). The only problem Ive had is my manual lumbar support breaking twice. The transmission problem everyone is talking about is solved with a simple trip to the dealer to get the transmission reprogrammed. Problem fixed!!! It gets about 14.5 mpg in the city and 21.9 on the hwy at hwy speeds. if you drive aggressively though, expect it to be worse. Weve driven across the country and its very comprortable for me and my family. The V8 is powerful enough to haul a trailer and get into traffic with ease, and sits at 2k rpm on the hwy. Have a light foot in the city and get respective mpg there too.
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Good, but could be better - 2006 Ford Explorer
By lagonzal - June 10 - 3:00 pmI bought it used with 59963 miles on the odo for $16500. No problems so far. Replaces an 07 4Runner which was totalled in a crash. I didnt feel like spending another 30 grand on a 4Runner so I went with the cheaper Ford. This is my weekend vehicle. Mon thru Fri I use my much more economical Camry. Didnt realize it was a 4x4 til I took it home and saw the buttons on the dash, neither did the salesman, oh well. Overall, a decent family vehicle which fits nicely in my garage, but the 4Runner was lighter and got better gas mileage and overall felt a tad more refined.
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An Almost Luxury SUV - 2006 Ford Explorer
By SneakyE - May 18 - 8:03 pmI have owned my 2006 Explorer for 2 months now. I was impressed from the first time I drove the car. I was amazed that a body on frame "truck" could be so quiet, smooth and effortless to drive. This rides better and is quieter that the Lexus SUVs I have tried. Yet there is plenty of power with a nice growl from the V8 when needed. I have had seven adults fit comfortable in it. Even the 6 foot guy in the 3rd row said it was surprisingly roomy. I was aware of the unusual door pulls before I looked at the car and despite my concerns I dont even notice them now. I have had no problems with the fit, finish and quality of the construction so far. This is by far the best SUV I have owned.
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Nice Style - Poor Quality - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Bill - April 24 - 12:48 pmGet the V-8. I get 20 mpg on a trip at 65. Nice looking truck but poor Ford quality - Ive had it 4 mos with 2 major breakdowns. No problems with the transmission. The dealer was great and Im glad I got the extended warranty. The 18 chrome rims look great. Ive previously had Pilots - not as nice looking but far more reliable. I am impressed with the ride and how quiet it is at highway speeds.
