2007 Ford Explorer news, pictures, and information

2007 Highlights

Explorer's optional three-valve, 4.6-liter, single-overhead-cam (SOHC) V-8 delivers 292 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to the first six-speed automatic in the §egmènt, wîth a wide, 6.04:1 gear ratio, enabling the engine to spend more time in its optimum powerband — 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 wîth California's Low Emissions Vehicle II (LEV II) standard.

Explorer's standard 4.0-liter, SOHC V-6 engine is also exceptionally clean, meeting federal Tier II, Bin 4 emissions requirements to achieve Últra Low Emissions Vehicle II (ÚLEV II) status.

The Explorer adopts the Ford F-150's tube-through-tube frame design, where the cross members pass through the section of the frame rails, creating an inherently strong joint. The stiff frame provides a smooth ride wîth excellent road feel, crisp handling and outstanding §teering response.

Explorer's independent rear suspension features trailing arms and is quite robust to accommodate the vehicle's towing and payload capability, yet is slightly lighter than the previous short- and long-arm assembly. As before, the rear half shafts pass through frame portholes, lowering the independent rear suspension subframe for better third-row packaging and a lower center of gravity.

The four-wheel disc brake system features standard anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution and electronic brake assist. Explorer's brake system has been designed for outstanding heat dissipation and durability, helping increase the vehicle's maximum capacity. With a 1,520-pound payload and up to a 7,290-pound tow rating, the 2007 model is the most capable Explorer ever.

Safety and Security
To meet federal safety regulations and Ford's even more stringent internal safety targets, the 2007 Explorer offers the following advanced safety technology as standard equipment:

For 2007, Explorer adds to the class-leading list of advanced safety equipment that it adopted in 2006 wîth the inclusion of the Safety Canopy side curtain air bags as standard equipment on Eddie Bauer and Limited models. The air curtains, which are optional on XLT, feature 'roll fold' technology. If an occupant is resting his or her head against a window, the Safety Canopy is designed to slide between the glass and occupant as it inflates. A front 'sail panel' of fabric attached to the A-pillar also helps position the Safety Canopy.

In addition, Explorer's armrests and door trim have been designed to help cushion the abdomen and lower torso during a side impact. And a 4-inch-thick foam block installed between the exterior and interior front-door panels further helps manage side-impact forces on the occupant's hips.

As a result, Explorer earned the best possible impact protection rating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2006 model-year New Car Assessment Program, earning five stars for:

The driver in a frontal impact
The passenger in a frontal impact
Front-seat occupants in a side impact
Rear-seat occupants in a side impact
Explorer also is designed to meet all known federal frontal- and side-impact crash requirements through 2010.

Major Features and Options

XLT includes: Fog lamps; frame hider (not available on units wîth running boards or step bars); privacy glass; chrome four-bar grille; one-piece liftgate wîth flip-open rear window; fold-away electric remote exterior mirrors; black roof side rails; 16-inch, painted aluminum wheels wîth P235/70R 16 all-season tires; black wheel lip moldings; power windows wîth one-touch-down driver window; air conditioning; AM/FM audio system wîth MP3-capable, single-CD player and audio input jack; cargo management system; carpeted floor mats; center console wîth floor shifter; front grab handle; dual rear grab handles; two 12-volt power points; load-floor tie-down hooks; two-line message center wîth outside-temperature readout; cloth low-back bucket seats wîth manual driver lumbar adjustment; 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat wîth back-rest recline; covered visor vanity mirrors; AdvanceTrac wîth Roll Stability Control; adaptive energy-absorbing §teering column; second-generation driver and front-passenger front air bags; seat-mounted side air bags; Beltminder™; 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; and tire pressure monitoring system.

Eddie Bauer adds: automatic headlights; two-tone front bumper, wîth rear bumper in accent color; chrome three-bar grille wîth nostrils; body-color exterior mirrors wîth approach lights; silver roof rails wîth black end caps; Pueblo Gold running boards; 17-inch, painted aluminum wheels wîth all-season tires; accent-color wheel lip moldings; second-row dome lights; wood-grain interior accents; overhead console; four-line message center; electrochromic rearview mirror; leather-trimmed, 10-way, power, low-back driver sport bucket seat; leather-trimmed, manual passenger seat; illuminated visor vanity mirrors; keyless entry wîth keypad; and Safety Canopy.

Limited adds: Body-color front and rear bumpers; chrome four-bar grille; chrome heated, power exterior mirrors; chrome roof rails wîth black end caps; body-color running boards; 18-inch, machined-aluminum wheels wîth all-season tires; body-color wheel lip moldings; unique interior wood-grain accents; dual-zone electronic climate control; Audiophile AM/FM audio system wîth 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 §teering wheel wîth cruise and audio controls; and third-row manual seats.

Options include: SIRIÚS satellite radio; navigation system; rear-seat DVD entertainment system; quad bucket seating; power-fold, third-row seat; trailer tow package; ultimate convenience group; heated windshield; power moonroof; and power adjustable pedals wîth memory.