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2007 Ford Explorer
2007 Highlights
• Safety Canopy™ side air curtain system standard on Eddie Bauer and Limited
• New Ironman Package available on XLT models, with bold new exterior appearance
• Front doors feature redesigned door-pull cup
• Simplified series strategy now features XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited
• Audio input jack standard with all radios
• Available rear-seat DVD entertainment system with new larger, 8-inch screen
• Heated windshield available on all series
• Navigation available on all series
• Power running boards now available on Eddie Bauer and Limited
• Three new exterior colors: Carbon Clearcoat Metallic, Orange Frost Clearcoat
Metallic and White Sand Tri-Coat Clearcoat Metallic
Overview
The 2007 Ford Explorer continues with a simplified series strategy and increased
availability of appearance and component packages will help consumers better
configure an Explorer that perfectly meets their needs and desires.
Explorer’s new three-series strategy encompasses XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited
trims in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations.
A new Ironman Package celebrates Ford’s sponsorship of the Ironman World
Championship. Available on XLT models, the package provides a bold Ironman look,
complete with Ironman logos; 18-inch, machined-aluminum wheels; unique 10-way,
leather trimmed, heated front seats; and an exclusive Orange Frost color.
For 2007, Eddie Bauer and Limited models are equipped with Safety Canopy side
air curtains as standard, and now offer new available power running boards. All
2007 Explorer models are also offer an available heated windshield and DVD-based
navigation system.
In addition, the standard equipment on Limited models has increased for 2007 to
include auxiliary air conditioning, Reverse Sensing System™, and 18-inch,
machined-aluminum wheels.
These changes are an extension of the simple formula for the successful
Explorer: Put people first. Explorer continues to do that in a market that now
puts greater emphasis on sport utilities as functional vehicles rather than
fashion statements. The Ford Explorer serves those who have the need for the
passenger room, cargo space, and load and towing capacity that only a
traditional sport utility can provide.
Explorer is produced in Louisville, Ky.
Design and Equipment
Explorer features solid proportions and a planted stance, and projects a large
presence — most noticeably in the front end. The grilles, with two distinct
styles wrapping the large, 7-inch Ford blue oval, make the strongest statement.
On the interior, Explorer is available with sophisticated details such as
Preferred Suede™ seat inserts and contrasting stitching paired with strong,
vertical lines and wood trim. In addition, the center stack houses Explorer’s
available DVD navigation system, which is the first system in its segment to
“speak” the names of upcoming streets as part of the text-to-speech programming.
While the navigation system speaks, the rest of the interior whispers. It
features advanced materials that dampen vibrations and lessen noise. These
insulation materials have been used along the headliner, door panels and floor
of the passenger compartment to help provide outstanding interior quietness.
Significantly, the Explorer is not only quieter in the first row, but also the
third row is quieter than the second row of many competitors at highway speeds.
In fact, the Explorer’s third row is just as quiet as some competitors’ front
row.
Explorer’s second row is available in three configurations: a 60/40 (no
reclining) split, a reclining 60/40 split that allows access to the third row,
and bucket seats separated by a center console. Large head restraints provide
enhanced safety and allow improved rear visibility when the seat is unoccupied.
The available third-row seats sit high, providing good visibility for children
while still affording comfortable headroom for taller occupants. A 50/50
seat-back split allows great versatility to accommodate varying loads of people
and cargo. With the available Powerfold™ feature, the third-row seats fold flat
at the touch of a button.
Among the functional changes for 2007 are new interior door-pull cups for the
front doors and a standard audio input jack with all radios. In addition, the
available DVD entertainment system features a large 8 inch screen.
XLT models are available with an expanded list of features and packages,
including leather seating surfaces with heated front seats, a Powerfold
third-row seat and a navigation system.
Also, three colors have been added to the Explorer palette: Carbon Clearcoat
Metallic, Orange Frost Clearcoat Metallic (available only with the Ironman
Package) and White Sand Tri-Coat Clearcoat Metallic (exclusive to Limited).
Powertrain and Chassis
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 segment, with 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 with 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 Ultra Low
Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV 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 with excellent
road feel, crisp handling and outstanding steering 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.
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