In the Driver's Seat: Explorer delivers

A funny thing happened once Memorial Day weekend hit, gas under four dollars seemed to almost completely disappear. And with prices climbing almost daily, it doesn't seem like there's any respite in sight. So it would make sense that many people are scaling back, even in the types of cars they buy. But sometimes that just isn't possible; large families, work requirements and other scenarios force people to get larger vehicles. Those souls are left to simply buck up as they hit the pump. If you're one of those folks in need of a vehicle with size for the summer trip with the family, or to take that group of investors out to the work site, Ford Motor Co. still has a vehicle for the job. The standard bearer for the sport utility vehicle, the 2008 Ford Explorer is a vehicle that can carry your brood while at the same time offering comfort and versatility. Recently I got behind the wheel of a 2008 Ford Explorer Limited with four-wheel drive. Granted, in today's automotive climate, going big seems to go against the grain, but Ford does a good job with this product. Completely redone in 2006 with a new frame, independent rear suspension and safety features, the Explorer was back as one of the leaders in the mid-size segment. It was named a finalist for the North American Truck of the Year in '06, and was named a Recommended Buy by Consumer Guide in 2007. For '08 there isn't much change to the overall design of the vehicle from its revamp in 2006, but there are some enhancements. Ford has added equipment such as Ford SYNC, the hands-free communications and entertainment system developed by Microsoft; voice activated navigation and new 20-inch wheels. The Dearborn, Mich., automaker also offers the Safety Canopy System with side-curtain air bags standard on all series as well as more package options and new colors. Appearance wise, the '08 Explorer offers a strong presence with smooth lines that give it a pleasing look overall. The large four-bar chrome front grille on the Limited is a strong focal point of the vehicle that sets the tone. When it comes to moving this big vehicle around, Ford offers two options for Explorer shoppers. The standard engine on this vehicle is a 4.0-liter, V6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 254 pounds-feet of torque. Ford equips this engine with a five-speed automatic transmission. Our Limited was outfitted with the optional 4.6-liter, V8 engine that kicks out 292 horsepower and 300 pounds-feet of torque. This engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive; I was equipped with this powerplant. Acceleration with the V8 is good, put your foot down on the accelerator and it's pretty responsive. You hear the engine get to work and then you're up to speed. There's no lack of power for doing the mundane, or even the somewhat strenuous — it does a good job of providing power for almost all occasions. The six-speed automatic contributes to this with a rather smooth succession of gears and helps the Explorer get up to speed quickly. With the V8, the Explorer can tow more than 7,000 pounds when properly equipped. However, here's where the pain will come in this current fuel climate. All versions of the Explorer come with a 22-gallon fuel tank, and the mileage isn't ideal. With the four-wheel drive version of the Limited, the Explorer gets 13 miles per gallon in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. Without the four-wheel drive system, the vehicles get 13/20 mpg, and with the V6 with two-wheel drive the numbers come in at 14/20 mpg. The handling of the Explorer is solid; it cruises well on the freeway, offering a smooth and comfortable ride, as well as a relatively quiet cabin. When it comes to city streets and two-lane highways, the Explorer still performs adequately, taking the rough spots out of the road and cornering decently. There are some times when the vehicle felt a little tall and some body roll was detected, but overall I felt the vehicle tracked the pavement — I never felt out of control. Inside, the Explorer offers what these vehicles are known for — space and versatility. Up front there's plenty of head and legroom for passengers of all sizes. The second row seating still offers good headroom, and legroom is also pretty solid. With the Limited you get a third row to seat up to seven passengers, the last row will fold flat to offer more cargo room. Getting all the way in the back isn't too much work thanks to the easy-to-use folding second row, but getting out is a little tougher. While you can sit back there, the third row is the children's domain.The dash and center stack are laid out well, making navigation and use of controls and gauges easier to use. The Limited offers nice touches such as an upgraded sound system with satellite radio, leather-trimmed seats and a dual-zone electronic climate control system. When you fold down the second and third row seats the Explorer Limited offers as much as 83.7 cubic feet of cargo space, and there's 13.6 behind the third row, and 43.9 behind the second row. When the SUV isn't in the seven-passenger configuration, there's 45.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row, and 85.8 when the second row is folded down. In the safety department, the Explorer is very solid, especially when it comes to the frontal and side impact crash tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Explorer four five-star crash test safety ratings for how it handled those two tests, however it only received three stars for its performance in a rollover. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the vehicle an overall "Good" rating for how it handled the frontal offset crash test, and just an "Acceptable" rating for how it performed in the side impact test. The institute gave it a "Poor" rating for how it performed in the rear-end impact test. Ford does a good job of equipping the vehicle with plenty of safety features, including AdvanceTrac with roll stability control; front, front-seat side air bags; the Safety Canopy System with side-curtain air bags; a tire pressure monitoring system and a four-wheel anti-lock braking system. The Explorer comes in four trims (XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited, Ironman) and ranges in starting sticker price from $26,195 to $32,685. The Explorer Limited driven for this review with the optional navigation and entertainment systems and other options and fees was valued at $42,885. For more information about the Explorer or to schedule a test drive, visit Maita Ford Mercury at 1650 Highway 49, Auburn, or call (530) 823-6591.----------Ford Explorer Limited Four-wheel drivePrice: Starting at $36,690Mileage estimate: 13 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highwayPower: 4.6-liter, V8 engine with 292 horsepowerStandard features include: Dual-zone automatic air conditioning; auxiliary rear climate control; Audiophile Sound System with AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability and auxiliary audio input jack; Ford SYNC voiced communications and entertainment system; power-adjustable pedals; reverse sensing system; cruise control; illuminated glove compartment; power windows, door locks, mirrors; fog lamps, keyless entry; anti-lock brake system; Control Trac four-wheel-drive system; AdvanceTrac with roll stability control; front seat side air bags; Safety Canopy System with side-curtain air bags; tire pressure monitoring system; Front air bags; Leather trim seats; 10-way power driver seat; third-row 50/50 split fold-flat seats