by Gary Chan

Introduction

Having always had or grown up with small cars, I was curious to see what the driving experience would be like of a modern, large SUV. Would advances in technology and design make a large SUV as easy to drive as smaller cars? Would I be able to easily park it? Would it be comfortable? I was pleasantly surprised by this truck, and invite anyone looking for a large SUV to seriously consider the Explorer.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent turning radius
• Quiet interior
• Intuitive touch screen/navigation

Cons:

• Gas mileage
• Funky door handle release inside
• Ironman fender flares (although some friends thought they were cool)

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With the Ford Explorer there are no shortage of choices. The 2008 Ford Explorer line-up includes 12 trim levels with your choice of either a 210 hp V6 or the industrial strength version capable of hauling that 35 foot boot using a 292 hp V8 engine.

Even with the addition of new safety and convenience features for 2008, the Explorer still uses a truck-type chassis and the interior design has an “industrial” look to it. But lots of features abound, such as the 3rd row passenger seating, capless fuel system, and voice-activated navigation system, are sure to retain the Ford faithful and gain some new fans. With almost 5.5 million units sold since it’s debut in 1990, this veteran is the best-selling SUV in America.