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2007 Ford Explorer Performance Review

December 20, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

noticeably smoother and more stable out on the highway than past versions
Kelley Blue Book

transmission changes gears smoothly
ConsumerGuide

neither powertrain is particularly fuel-efficient
ForbesAutos

strong power and a high towing capacity on V8 models
Edmunds

When the editors at TheCarConnection.com took a look at the reviews of the 2007 Ford Explorer, one thing was clear: Bring on the V-8 engine! Nearly all reviewers agreed that performance suffered with the V-6, and there were no apparent advantages to the smaller engine, other than a lower sticker price.

Cars.com lays out the specifics, saying, "either a 210-hp, 4.0-liter V-6 or a 292-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 with three valves per cylinder that generates 300 pounds-feet of torque can be installed in the Explorer." ForbesAutos calls the base engine of the 2007 Ford Explorer "barely adequate" with the V-6. Echoing the comments of many reviewers, Edmunds observes the "strong power and a high towing capacity on V-8 models."

The V-6 engine comes with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the V-8 is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. According to ForbesAutos, the six-speed transmission is "smoother and more sophisticated." ConsumerGuide Auto drives the V-8 and reports that the "transmission changes gears smoothly" and "delivers quick part-throttle downshifts for fine around-town response. Some testers say full-throttle downshifts take too long, however."

The Explorer is available with either rear- or four-wheel drive; ForbesAutos points out that the four-wheel-drive system “includes low-range gearing for off-roading." But no matter who you ask or what the model, fuel economy in the 2007 Ford Explorer is not good. ConsumerGuide drives a two-wheel-drive V-8 version and averages 15.1 mpg. ForbesAutos simply remarks that "neither powertrain is particularly fuel-efficient," while Kelley Blue Book mentions the "less-than-stellar fuel economy."

The 2007 Ford Explorer handles quite well, despite being such a tall and heavy vehicle. ForbesAutos declares that a four-wheel independent suspension gives the Explorer "a smooth ride with respectable handling, especially when compared to some other rougher-riding truck-based models." Edmunds explains why the Explorer might have a leg up on the competition, saying it is "built on an advanced ladder-frame chassis with an independent rear suspension." But ConsumerGuide isn’t as keen on the Explorer’s handling, declaring it "typical of truck-type SUVs," with some body lean in turns.

Conclusion

The 2007 Ford Explorer offers decent performance overall, and handles acceptably for such a tall vehicle, but you’ll want to get the V-8.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:noticeably smoother and more stable out on the highway than past versionsKelley Blue Booktransmission changes gears smoothlyConsumerGuideneither powertrain is particularly fuel-efficientForbesAutosstrong power and a high towing capacity on V8 modelsEdmunds When the editors at TheCarConnection.com took a look at the reviews of the 2007 Ford Explorer, one thing was clear: Bring on the V-8 engine! Nearly all reviewers agreed that performance suffered with the V-6, and there were no apparent advantages to the smaller engine, other than a lower sticker price. Cars.com lays out the specifics, saying, "either a 210-hp, 4.0-liter V-6 or a 292-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 with three valves per cylinder that generates 300 pounds-feet of torque can be installed in the Explorer." ForbesAutos calls the base engine of the 2007 Ford Explorer "barely adequate" with the V-6. Echoing the comments of many reviewers, Edmunds observes the "strong power and a high towing capacity on V-8 models." The V-6 engine comes with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the V-8 is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. According to ForbesAutos, the six-speed transmission is "smoother and more sophisticated." ConsumerGuide Auto drives the V-8 and reports that the "transmission changes gears smoothly" and "delivers quick part-throttle downshifts for fine around-town response. Some testers say full-throttle downshifts take too long, however." The Explorer is available with either rear- or four-wheel drive; ForbesAutos points out that the four-wheel-drive system “includes low-range gearing for off-roading." But no matter who you ask or what the model, fuel economy in the 2007 Ford Explorer is not good. ConsumerGuide drives a two-wheel-drive V-8 version and averages 15.1 mpg. ForbesAutos simply remarks that "neither powertrain is particularly fuel-efficient," while Kelley Blue Book mentions the "less-than-stellar fuel economy." The 2007 Ford Explorer handles quite well, despite being such a tall and heavy vehicle. ForbesAutos declares that a four-wheel independent suspension gives the Explorer "a smooth ride with respectable handling, especially when compared to some other rougher-riding truck-based models." Edmunds explains why the Explorer might have a leg up on the competition, saying it is "built on an advanced ladder-frame chassis with an independent rear suspension." But ConsumerGuide isn’t as keen on the Explorer’s handling, declaring it "typical of truck-type SUVs," with some body lean in turns. ConclusionThe 2007 Ford Explorer offers decent performance overall, and handles acceptably for such a tall vehicle, but you’ll want to get the V-8. 2007 FORD EXPLORER STYLING | [8 out of 10] Edmunds: "more style than a station wagon or minivan" ForbesAutos: "Handsomely styled inside and out" Kelley Blue Book: "Interior sports more angular styling" TheCarConnection.com notes that the styling of the 2007 Ford Explorer is clean ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

If the key elements you want from an SUV are toughness and power, the 2007 Ford Explorer is probably the best way to go. The Grand Cherokee, Pathfinder, and 4Runner are all better choices if off-roading is a priority, but all three rivals aren’t as roomy inside, in terms of usable space, as the Explorer. In general, the Explorer also tops GM offerings such as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer or the GMC Envoy, which haven't received much of an overhaul since they were first introduced.

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See the Ford Explorer in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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