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2008 Ford Explorer Shown
2008 Ford Explorer 4WD -
Review
2008 Ford Explorer 4WD Review

While Ford is in the process of paying off a huge $82.6 million lawsuit for its part in the rollover of an Explorer that paralyzed a woman, it continues to march ahead with its latest edition, the 2008 Ford Explorer 4WD. However, the newest Explorer is being marketed with "exclusive roll stability control." Obviously, Ford has created this marketing campaign to attempt to counteract the awful publicity from the lawsuit. Leaving behind the idea that one may become a quadriplegic; the Explorer 4WD boasts power, performance, and a new trim level.

The 2008 Explorer can be fitted with either a 4.0L V6 SOHC or even a 4.6L SOHC 24V V8, in which the V6 gets 210 horsepower, while the V8 gets a whopping 292 horsepower. However, the Explorer is not equipped to run on E85 gasoline, a feature that many of its competitors are putting in the forefront. With an estimated 14 city MPG and 20 highway MPG, the Explorer falls short of the competition. Nevertheless, the choice of either the 5 or 6-speed automatic makes up in transmission selection what it lacks in fuel economy.

The exterior has undergone minimal change. However, a new trim, the Explorer Ironman, comes with a rugged body kit and innovative "nostril" grille that gives the Ironman a tougher facade. The interior comes equipped with SYNC voice technology that provides handsfree access to a cellular phone and MP3 capable stereo system. An introductory subscription to SIRIUS satellite radio is also standard. News-obsessed buyers will be happy to know that they can access a number of all-day news stations on SIRIUS. An in-dash navigation system is also available for an extra fee. Another available option is the 7" DVD system that allows rear passengers to watch their favorite movies during long rides.

The 4WD option is not standard on any of the trim levels. Although, the 2008 Explorer does come with an optional 4WD ControlTrac. This is yet another attempt of Ford to redeem themselves from the effects of the lawsuit. Also, Ford has developed a system called AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control that presumably keeps the SUV firmly grounded on the road. An interesting addition is the tinted windshield that protects both driver and passenger from the sun's solar rays. However, if this is Ford's attempt at being green, they've definitely fallen short.

Ford has stayed true to the Explorer model, its competitors are making futuristic leaps and bounds. Assuming that Ford has been caught up in their rollover scandal, they've made an impressive effort to redirect the public's attention to the Explorer's finer qualities. However, will it be enough to get the buying public back in the rollover king? Only time will tell.


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2008 Ford Explorer 4WD Specs
Doors:
4
Bodystyle:
Sport Utility
Drive:
2
Vehicle Class:
Intermediate Utility
MPG:
14/20
Wheelbase:
113.7''
Overall Length:
193.4''
Cargo Capacity:
85.8 cu. ft.
Seating Capacity:
5/7
Front Headrooom:
39.8''
Payload Capacity:
1530 lbs.
Front Legroom:
42.4''
Towing Capacity:
7310/7310 lbs.
Final Assembly Location:
United States
Engine Size:
4.00L
Number of Cylinders:
6
Type:
Gas
Camshaft:
SOHC
Compression Ratio:
9.70
Horespower:
210 @5100rpm
ABS Brakes:
STD
Driver Air Bag:
STD
Passenger Air Bag:
STD
Side Air Bag:
STD
Child Safety Locks:
STD
Integrated Safety Seats:
N/A
Height:
73.7''
Width:
72.8''
2008 Ford Explorer 4WD Review

2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
1.9% - 4.9% Financing. Models in Gulf, Midwest, Northeast & Southeast Regions. (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Cash. HEV in Midwest & Northeast Regions. (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Cash. HEV in Western Region. (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Cash. HEV in Gulf & Southeast Regions. (Exp: 11/2/2009)

2009 Mercury Mountaineer
0.0% - 1.9% Financing. (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Bonus Cash. (Req's Financing through Ford Credit) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Military Cash. (Available to Active Military Personnel, National Guard or Reservists) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
College Student Cash. (Exp: 2/3/2010)

2009 Subaru Tribeca
2.9% Short Term Financing. (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Lease Offer. Base 5-Passenger Models. ($319.00 per mo/39 mos/$2999.00* at Signing) (N/A Base 7-Passenger or Limited) (Req's Special Ed Pkg) ($0.15 per mi Charge Over 10,000 mi) (Exp: 11/2/2009)

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid
Military Cash. (Available to Active Military Personnel, National Guard or Reservists) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
College Student Cash. (Exp: 2/3/2010)

2010 Ford Explorer 2WD
Bonus Cash. (Req's Financing through Ford Credit) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Military Cash. (Available to Active Military Personnel, National Guard or Reservists) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
0.0% - 4.9% Financing. (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Cash. (Incentive Combinations & Availablity May Be Restricted by Regional or Fleet Rules & Other Factors -- See Dealer for Details) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
College Student Cash. (Exp: 2/3/2010)

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
0.0% Short Term Financing. (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Lease Offer. S w/Auto Trans. ($329.00 per mo/36 mos/$3299.00* at Signing) (N/A S w/Manual Trans, SE, or SEL) ($0.25 per mi Charge Over 36,000 mi) (Exp: 11/2/2009)

2009 Ford Taurus X
College Student Cash. (Exp: 2/3/2010)

2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
College Student Cash. (Exp: 2/3/2010)

2009 Ford Edge
Military Cash. (Available to Active Military Personnel, National Guard or Reservists) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Cash. (Incentive Combinations & Availablity May Be Restricted by Regional or Fleet Rules & Other Factors -- See Dealer for Details) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
0.0% - 1.9% Financing. (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Bonus Cash. (Req's Financing through Ford Credit) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
College Student Cash. (Exp: 2/3/2010)

2009 Kia Borrego
Cash. (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Loyalty Rebate. (Available to Current Kia Owners) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Competitive Bonus Cash. (Must Be Owner of Qualifying Vehicle -- See Dealer for Details) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Military Cash. (Available to Active & Reserve Military Personnel Only) (Exp: 11/2/2009)

2009 Toyota Highlander
1.9% - 2.9% Financing. Models ex Hybrid in Central Atlantic, Kansas City & Portland Regions. (N/A Base, Sport or Limited) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
1.9% Financing. Models in New York Region. (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Cash. Models ex Hybrid in Portland Region. (Exp: 11/2/2009)
0.0% - 2.9% Financing. Base & Sport in Cincinnati Region. (N/A Hybrid) (Exp: 11/2/2009)

2010 Ford Edge
Bonus Cash. SE 2WD, SEL, Limited & Sport. (N/A SE AWD) (Req's Financing through Ford Credit) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
0.0% - 1.9% Financing. SE 2WD, SEL, Limited & Sport ex in Florida, Midsouth, Mountain West, Southeast & Southwest Regions. (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Military Cash. (Available to Active Military Personnel, National Guard or Reservists) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Cash. SE 2WD, SEL, Limited & Sport in Midsouth & Southwest Regions. (N/A SE AWD) (Incentive Combinations & Availablity May Be Restricted by Regional or Fleet Rules & Other Factors -- See Dealer for Details) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
0.0% - 3.9% Financing. SE 2WD, SEL, Limited & Sport in Florida, Midsouth, Mountain West, Southeast & Southwest Regions. (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Cash. SE 2WD, SEL, Limited & Sport ex in Midsouth & Southwest Regions. (N/A SE AWD) (Incentive Combinations & Availablity May Be Restricted by Regional or Fleet Rules & Other Factors -- See Dealer for Details) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
College Student Cash. (Exp: 2/3/2010)

2010 Mitsubishi Endeavor
Military Cash. (Available to Active Military Only) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
0.0% Financing. (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Loyalty Rebate. (Available to Returning Lessees of Mitsubishi Vehicles) (Exp: 11/2/2009)
Cash. (Exp: 11/2/2009)
2008 Ford Explorer 4WD Pricing
Eddie Bauer 4.0L 2WD
Base Invoice Price: $27,273
Base List Price: $29,245
Destination Charge: $785>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,522
Dealer Holdback: $877
Target Price: $26,916
Options
Eddie Bauer 4.0L 4WD
Base Invoice Price: $29,384
Base List Price: $31,565
Destination Charge: $785>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,635
Dealer Holdback: $947
Target Price: $28,984
Options
Eddie Bauer 4.6L 2WD
Base Invoice Price: $28,465
Base List Price: $30,555
Destination Charge: $785>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,586
Dealer Holdback: $917
Target Price: $28,084
Options
Eddie Bauer 4.6L 4WD
Base Invoice Price: $30,576
Base List Price: $32,875
Destination Charge: $785>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,699
Dealer Holdback: $986
Target Price: $30,150
Options
Limited 4.0L 2WD
Base Invoice Price: $30,740
Base List Price: $33,055
Destination Charge: $785>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,707
Dealer Holdback: $992
Target Price: $30,311
Options
Limited 4.0L 4WD
Base Invoice Price: $32,851
Base List Price: $35,375
Destination Charge: $785>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,820
Dealer Holdback: $1,061
Target Price: $32,375
Options
Limited 4.6L 2WD
Base Invoice Price: $31,932
Base List Price: $34,365
Destination Charge: $785>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,771
Dealer Holdback: $1,031
Target Price: $31,476
Options
Limited 4.6L 4WD
Base Invoice Price: $34,048
Base List Price: $36,690
Destination Charge: $785>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,885
Dealer Holdback: $1,101
Target Price: $33,544
Options
XLT 4.0L 2WD
Base Invoice Price: $24,771
Base List Price: $26,495
Destination Charge: $785>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,388
Dealer Holdback: $795
Target Price: $24,463
Options
XLT 4.0L 4WD
Base Invoice Price: $26,881
Base List Price: $28,815
Destination Charge: $785>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,500
Dealer Holdback: $864
Target Price: $26,532
Options
XLT 4.6L 2WD
Base Invoice Price: $25,958
Base List Price: $27,800
Destination Charge: $785>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,452
Dealer Holdback: $834
Target Price: $25,627
Options
XLT 4.6L 4WD
Base Invoice Price: $28,074
Base List Price: $30,125
Destination Charge: $785>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,564
Dealer Holdback: $904
Target Price: $27,701
Options
Eddie Bauer 4.0L AWD
Base Invoice Price: $29,384
Base List Price: $31,565
Destination Charge: $785>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,643
Dealer Holdback: $947
Target Price: $28,984
Options
Eddie Bauer 4.6L AWD
Base Invoice Price: $30,576
Base List Price: $32,875
Destination Charge: $785>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,708
Dealer Holdback: $986
Target Price: $30,150
Options
Limited 4.0L AWD
Base Invoice Price: $32,851
Base List Price: $35,375
Destination Charge: $785>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,831
Dealer Holdback: $1,061
Target Price: $32,375
Options
Limited 4.6L AWD
Base Invoice Price: $34,048
Base List Price: $36,690
Destination Charge: $785>
Gas Guzzler Tax: $0
Average Sales Tax and Fees: $1,896
Dealer Holdback: $1,101
Target Price: $33,544
Options
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