2006 Ford Explorer

During our preview drive, Ford was eager to impress on us the fact that the new Explorer offers numerous first-in-class safety innovations--no doubt to banish any lingering memories of the Firestone fiasco. With Roll Stability Control (introduced on 2005 models), canopy airbags, and adaptive safety devices that sense occupant size and impact severity to tailor the management of crash forces, this Explorer is likely to score best-in-class ratings on the IIHS and NHTSA crash tests. Plus, all these safety additions now allow the Explorer to meet all federal crash requirements through 2010.

Under the hood is a three-valve V-8 borrowed from the Mustang GT, which produces 292 horsepower (an increase of 53). It's cleaner than the two-valver it replaces, and it should get about 10-percent-better fuel economy. The increased grunt results in improved towing capacity, which means the Explorer can now haul 7300 pounds off the rear hitch, 160 more than the outgoing model. The standard V-6 still produces 210 horsepower, but its tailpipe emissions have been lowered to ULEV II status.

The V-6 is paired with the five-speed transmission carried over from last year's trucks, but if you opt for the V-8, you'll get a luxury car-like six-speed automatic that does a respectable job of keeping the revs in the power range and squeezing as much fuel economy as possible out of the engine.

First thing you'll notice when firing up the new V-8 is a quieter interior, and, once up to speed, you'll also notice less road noise in the cabin. In fact, Ford claims the interior noise levels are lower than those of the 4Runner, Grand Cherokee, and TrailBlazer. The old V-8's throttle response was never a high point; the new three-valver feels much more lively, enhanced even more by the six-speed.

Out on the highway, the Explorer's ride is more composed and confident, and the vehicle doesn't bark back as much when pushed briskly through a tight turn. New shocks help absorb washboard bumps common to dirt roads, and the odd steering-column vibration in previous-generation Explorers has been remedied. A new speed-sensitive steering pump reduces effort at parking lot speeds and decreases power assistance at freeway speed.

Ford anticipates sales of Eddie Bauer models are likely to double because of the unique packaging options being offered for the first time, such as a chrome grille, 17-inch wheels, leather seats and wood trim, plus the availability of a luxury package for Eddie Bauer that adds heated, two tone seats, and a six-disc in-dash stereo.