2007 Ford Explorer [ 2008 ]
Ford Explorer
Overall Score - 8.2 (Very Good)
The Explorer delivers good towing and off-road capability, but can't match the on-road performance of others in its class. If you're in the market for an affordable midsize SUV, you should also consider the Honda Pilot and GMC Acadia, or for a more rugged, off-road option, try the Toyota 4Runner.
Reviewers say the 2007 Ford Explorer is a solid if unspectacular performer, with straightforward styling and nice comfort and safety features. Kelley Blue Book says, "The Explorer makes a great choice for families looking to get away from a full-sized SUV, as well as for those who need the ride height and four-wheel-drive capability that only a body-on-frame SUV can provide." MSN nicely summarizes the consensus among reviewers by labeling the Explorer "quite good in some ways, but not exceptional in any particular way."
The Explorer was a Consumer Guide top recommendation for 2007. The Detroit Free Press calls the Ford Explorer "a good value when stacked up against competitive models that can't match its long list of safety and convenience features." Cars.com, on the other hand, argues that the Explorer's sticker prices "continue to reflect a built-in plan for incentives and rebates" and would "like to see the Explorer's price set closer to actual transaction values." IntelliChoice gives the Ford Explorer a "worse than average" value rating, based on total cost of ownership compared to others in its class.
The 2007 Ford Explorer is available in four trims: the base XLT, the Eddie Bauer, the Ironman and the premium Limited. All trims come with your choice of a standard 4.0-liter V6 engine or an optional 4.6-liter V8.
Explorer Performance - 7.7 (Good)
According to reviewers, the 2007 Ford Explorer's performance is good, though less than spectacular. Car and Driver says the Explorer will "go, corner, and stop well enough, but excitement is absent." continue
Explorer Exterior - 5.3 (Mediocre)
Last year's overhaul left the Explorer's exterior largely unchanged, and this year the familiar contours remain. "This SUV thus continues as a cautious, mainstream vehicle, though not a backward one, with risk-free styling," says MSN. continue
Explorer Interior - 7.9 (Good)
Reviewers are generally pleased with the five-seat (seven-seat optional) Explorer's quiet, comfortable interior and ample cargo room. Comfort features and a quiet cabin have rendered the Explorer a "quite luxurious offering," according to Motor Week. continue
Explorer Safety - 8.5 (Very Good)
The 2007 Explorer boasts a long list of standard safety features. The Car Connection writes, "If there's such a term as 'safety run rampant,' the Explorer is one of the few SUVs to really earn it." The Explorer earns a top 5-star rating in front and side impact government crash tests and the highest rating of "good" in tests by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. continue
Explorer Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2007 Ford Explorer reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Explorer comes equipped with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. continue
