2007 Ford Explorer

Great vehicle with good value for the money. Bought the Ironman 4X4 for 30K out the door including tax, license, fees etc. Options include the third row seats, rear air, class III/IV tow package, XLT comfort group, Sirius Satellite Radio and the 3:73 axle. This is my fourth Explorer (Three XLTs and one Sport) and this handles better than any of the previous models. I didn not go for the V-8 because none was in stock except in Orange Frost, which I didn not want, (Mine is Red Fire) and the V-8 models were loaded up with navigation, and up packages that was bringing the MSRPs to about 39-40K for things I just did not need or want.

The vehicle has auto 4 wheel drive; it decides when 4 wheel drive is needed, normally being in rear 2 wheel drive mode and switching to 4 wheel drive when traction is needed on the front wheels as well. You also have the choice of manually selecting 4 wheel drive high or 4 wheel drive low for off roading, snow or sand. The low is the typical "grunt" gear, similar to that found on the earlier Explorers which had the option of turning off 4 wheel drive completely. I do not know at this point whether there is any disadvantage to the auto 4WD system over the old switch it yourself; it could prove invaluable in improved stability in emergency maneuvers and the ability to automatically have traction on unstable ground without switching over. My 1996 was the first Explorer AWD and had no transmission or transfer case problems, nor did it eat tires any faster than standard 4WDs, and this Ironman has so far been no different in that area.

The Ironman also has Traction Control, Rollover Stability Control, Anti-Lock Brakes, front & side air bags and intelligent safety systems for seat belt tensioning standard. It's a far cry from the old Explorers; My 2003 Explorer was struck broadside by a loaded 1 ton van traveling at 55 MPH (I was moving at 5 mph) and I am here writing this, so I can attest to the structural integrity of the Explorer firsthand.

The full frame exhibits no squirm or creaks and the body is tight. Steering is centered and tight, but not as tight as I might like, but then again, I am used to driving sports cars and other high performance vehicles, so the Explorer is not expected to steer like them anyway. Throttle response is adequate and it has no problem merging with Freeway traffic at normal speeds. The 5 speed automatic shifts crisply, although there can be a lag at lower speeds below 20 mph; I attribute that to the 4X4 automatic drive perhaps hunting on turns in slow speed on city streets. It exhibits none of that on the highway.

Leather front and second row seats are comfortable, and both front and the rear seats recline, something unusual for Explorers of the past. The heated front seats are single temperature, but pleasant so you're not likely to have a poultry burn nor feel too cold. Drivers seat is 10 way power and passenger is manual; both have lumbar support although passenger is also manual like the seat. Air conditioning will freeze you out front and rear. The third row seats are about useless unless you use them for small children or to torture friends when you go out. Luckily they fold easily; we leave them folded for cargo room.

Ride is smooth, not choppy. The 18" wheels are nicely done and add to the ride quality. Standard tires on my vehicle are Michelin M&S Rated. Note there are NO real skid plates under this vehicle. If you are serious about off roading, get them!