- More features. Explorer adds more features for comfort
and convenience for 2008, including: industry-exclusive Ford Sync™
hands-free communications and entertainment system (late
availability), voice-activated navigation system and new 20-inch
wheels (late availability).
- Innovative technology. Explorer is the first Ford vehicle
to receive the new capless fuel filling system (late availability).
- Added safety. Safety Canopy? side curtain air bags are
now standard on all series.
- More Choices. With 12 available arrays and many package
options, Explorer is the class leader in comprehensive equipment
levels.
- New colors. Three new exterior colors are added for 2008:
Stone Green Clearcoat Metallic, Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic and
White Suede Clearcoat Metallic.
Since its introduction, the Ford Explorer has delivered confidence
and customer-oriented design. It leads the mid-size SUV segment in
sales, and remains the first choice when looking for a vehicle that
will serve family adventures well. For 2008, Explorer adds new
technology and safety features while still meeting the needs of SUV
customers with its generous interior and capable towing performance.
For the 2008 model year, Explorer gives a nod to increasing
customer demand for seamless connectivity, offering two new
technologies – voice-activated navigation and the industry-exclusive
Ford Sync™ hands-free communications and entertainment system.
Additionally, the 2008 Explorer debuts Ford’s new capless fuel filling
system. Ford Safety Canopy? also becomes standard on all 2008 Explorer
models to provide increased confidence and security.
Explorer is available in XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited trims. All
Explorers are produced in Louisville, Ky.
Never Lose Your Gas Cap Again
The 2008 Ford Explorer will be the first to market with a capless fuel
filling system. This technology not only eliminates the inconvenience
of forgetting to put the gas cap back on after fueling, but also saves
time during refueling by doing away with unscrewing and replacing a
fuel filler cap.
The system could prove to benefit the environment as well. The
capless fuel system provides a much better seal than a cap, as it
isn’t opened until the fuel pump nozzle is inserted. When capless
fueling is completed, the nozzle is removed and the system seals shut
automatically.
Refined Design and Added Conveniences
Explorer features solid proportions and a planted stance and projects
a large presence — most noticeably in the front end. The grilles, with
two distinct styles wrapping the large, 7-inch Ford blue oval, make
the strongest statement.
New for 2008, XLT models now include standard body color bumper and
wheel lip moldings for a more classic, seamless appearance. The Eddie
Bauer and Limited editions also see slight refinements in exterior
design. Eddie Bauer models receive standard Pueblo Gold colored accent
step bars and Limited adds a standard chrome accent step bar. Finally,
the exterior palette is updated with three new finishes: Stone Green
Clearcoat Metallic, Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic and White Suede
Clearcoat.
For 2008, several convenience features find their way into the
vehicle, including:
- Ford Sync, Ford’s industry-exclusive, voice-activated
hands-free in-car communications and entertainment system. This
available system fully integrates mobile phones and handheld media
players into the vehicle using Bluetooth technology and USB
connectivity.
- Available voice-activated navigation system. Explorer’s
available navigation system can be voice activated for more
convenient hands-free operation.
- New standard conveniences. One-touch up/down driver’s
window (late availability) is another newly added standard features
on all levels for 2008. Limited models also receive standard power
adjustable pedals with memory and Homelink.
Smooth, Efficient Power
Explorer’s optional three-valve, 4.6-liter V-8 delivers 292 horsepower
and 300 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to the first 6-speed
automatic in the segment, with a wide, 6.04:1 gear ratio, enabling the
engine to spend more time in its optimum power band — either at peak
power for acceleration or at peak efficiency for optimal fuel economy.
The V-8 delivers low emissions as well. It qualifies for the
stringent Tier II, Bin 5 federal standard, which is compliant with
California’s Low Emissions Vehicle II (LEV II) standard.
Explorer’s standard 4.0-liter V-6 engine is also very clean,
meeting federal Tier II, Bin 4 emissions requirements to achieve Ultra
Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) status. Explorer benefits from the
smooth ride effects of an exceptionally stiff frame. Aiding in the
comfort of the ride are an independent front suspension, independent
rear suspension with trailing arms and a four-wheel disc brake system
with standard anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution
and electronic brake assist. Explorer also boasts a 1,520-pound
payload and up to a 7,290-pound tow rating.
The Safety Leader
To meet federal safety regulations and Ford’s even more stringent
internal safety targets, the 2008 Explorer offers advanced safety
technology as standard equipment, including:
- Safety Canopy™ side curtain air bags
- Advanced Restraints Module and Dual Front-Crash Sensors
- Five-Level Front-Passenger Sensing System
- Adaptive Load-Limiting Safety Belt Retractors
- Front-Passenger Seat Adaptive Air Bag Tether
- Adaptive Air Bag Venting
- Adaptive Stroking Steering Column
- Front-Seat Side Air Bags
- AdvanceTrac? with RSC® (Roll Stability Control)
- Dual-Stage Front Air Bags
- Driver-Seat Position Sensor
- LATCH child restraint system in rear outboard seats
These standard safety features contributed to Explorer’s
recognition as the only full-size SUV to receive the government’s
highest frontal crash test rating for six consecutive years.
Major Features and Options
XLT includes: Fog lamps; Frame hider (not available on units
with running boards or step bars); Privacy glass; Chrome four-bar
grille; One-piece liftgate with flip-open rear window; Power mirrors
with security approach lamps; Black roof side rails; 16-inch, painted
aluminum wheels with P235/70R 16 all-season tires; Body-color wheel
lip moldings; Power windows with one-touch up/down driver window (late
availability); Air conditioning; AM/FM audio system with MP3-capable,
single-CD player; Auxiliary audio input jack; Cargo management system;
Carpeted floor mats; Center console with floor shifter; Front grab
handle; Dual rear grab handles; Two 12-volt power points; Load-floor
tie-down hooks; Two-line message center with outside-temperature
readout; Cloth low-back bucket seats with manual driver lumbar
adjustment; 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat with back-rest
recline; Illuminated visor vanity mirrors; AdvanceTrac? with RSC®
(Roll Stability Control); Adaptive energy-absorbing steering column;
Second-generation driver and front-passenger front air bags;
Seat-mounted side air bags; Belt-Minder®; Front-passenger sensing
system; Illuminated entry; Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren
(LATCH) system in rear outboard seats; Remote entry key fobs;
Front-row pretensioner safety belts; SecuriLock® immobilizer
anti-theft system; Safety Canopy? side curtain air bags; Tire Pressure
Monitoring System.
Eddie Bauer adds: Automatic headlights; Two-tone front and
rear bumpers; Chrome three-bar grille with nostrils; Black roof rails;
Pueblo Gold step bars; 17-inch, painted aluminum wheels with
all-season tires; Accent-color wheel lip moldings; Wood-grain interior
accents; Overhead console; Four-line message center; Electrochromic
auto-dimming rearview mirror; Leather-trimmed, 10-way, power, low-back
driver sport bucket seat; Leather-trimmed, manual passenger seat;
Keyless entry with keypad.
Limited adds: Body-color front and rear bumpers; Chrome
four-bar grille; Chrome heated, power exterior mirrors; Chrome roof
rails with black end caps; Chrome accent step bars; 18-inch,
chrome-clad wheels with all-season tires; Unique interior wood-grain
accents; Dual-zone electronic climate control; Power-adjustable pedals
with memory; Homelink; Audiophile AM/FM audio system with six-disc
in-dash CD, MP3 player and subwoofer; Auxiliary climate control;
Unique floor console; Reverse Sensing System; Heated, leather-trimmed,
low-back driver and passenger sport bucket seats; Leather-wrapped
steering wheel with cruise and audio controls; Third-row 50/50 manual
fold-flat seats.
Options include: Ford Sync (late availability); Capless fuel
filling system (late availability); SIRIUS® Satellite Radio;
Voice-activated navigation system; Rear-seat DVD entertainment system;
Quad bucket seating; PowerFold™ third-row seat; Trailer Tow package;
Eddie Bauer Luxury Package; Convenience Group; Ironman Package; Sun
and Satellite Package; Auxiliary climate control; Cargo shade; Heated
windshield; Reverse Sensing System; Power moonroof; Power-deployable
running boards; Power adjustable pedals with memory.
Milestones
1990 |
Explorer introduced as a 1991 model, redefining the mid-size
sport utility vehicle segment |
1993 |
Explorer Limited introduced; Explorer appears in movie “
Jurassic Park “ |
1995 |
Extensive redesign, including use of independent front
suspension |
1996 |
5.0-liter V-8 with all-wheel drive becomes available |
1997 |
4.0-liter V-6 introduced |
2001 |
Explorer lineup expands with the introduction of the Explorer
Sport Trac |
2002 |
New platform featuring independent rear suspension with
available 4.6-liter, V-8 and third-row seats |
2005 |
AdvanceTrac ® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control) is made
standard |
2006 |
Major update with new frame, new independent rear suspension
and new adaptive safety features |
|
Explorer named a finalist for 2006 North American Truck of the
Year |
2007 |
Consumer Guide names the 2007 Explorer a Recommended
Buy among mid-size sport utility vehicles |