Used 2006 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews
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2006 V8 Insta Trac RSC Explorer XLT
Zero, 12/05/2018
2006 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Acquired for $1200. 100k miles. NO body rust. Leather. Up graded wheels, steering wheel to EB and the tires to 17" 245 70's. I tore the top end of the engine down chasing the broken exhaust manifold bolts. I replaced all gaskets, I had a shop plane the heads, I installed high end head bolts. I tested all the sensors and replaced the MAF, and the TPS. The rusted out dipstick tube was causing a small vacuum leak code 0171 and 0174. THAT was a PITA to replace. There is no room to work on the sides of the motor, given the full frame and the shock towers. I inspected the timing chain guides, pulleys, fan, radiator, and rebuilt the AC system. I went through the master cylinder, brakes, ball joints and wheel hubs. The fuel mileage is 15.5 country driving, with a lot of hills and aggressive acceleration. I took it on a 2200 mile round trip and got 17.5 @ 80 mph. This is the last of the FULL FRAME v8 Ford SUVs. The 4.6 3 valve modular motor can last 3-4-500k miles. Just ask NYC cabbies and limo drivers. The Insta Trac is not full time 4x4, but kicks in when needed. The 6 speed Auto is solid. I put a lot of miles on newer SUVs including Escalades, Denali, Suburban, Lincolns, MKX and Mercedes. This run of Explorer, between 2006 and 2010 is an exception to the auto industry. I highly recommend this vehicle on the used market. The full frame and vehicle weight makes for a superb isolated ride.
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Value
Solid Ride and Lots of Comforts
NewRider, 04/30/2007
2006 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Quiet, comfortable, powerful, and solid. Surprised at the great handling on curves, and the tight turning radius. Competes well with our Acura MDX! Engine runs smooth and quiet. Can barely feel the tranny shift, even when kicking in the on-the- fly full-time 4-wheel drive system. Comfortable steering wheel with redundant audio, HVAC, and speed controls keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road!
2006 Ford Explorer for sale near you
3 of 82 listings
- Eddie Bauer 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,99914 mi away
- XLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,89573 mi away
- XLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,390256 mi away
See all 82 listings
Got me through the 2010/2011 ice storms with style
Robert , 05/07/2021
2006 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I’ve owned mine since April of 2010. Great vehicle. Besides the usual the only things needed were a new radiator, an a/c fan, and a new starter. When you put the 4wd into low you can get out of anything. Just a super and my best vehicle ever. Still drives great at 144,300. Has the heavier frame too.
Technical Service Bulletin
cold, 01/06/2010
2006 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this for my wife last year with 50,xxx. Two weeks later had radiator leak. Lucky the dealership replaced radiator at no charge. Here it is less then a year later and radiator is leaking once again. Again lucky the radiator that got replaced had a 1yr warranty. Turns out 2006/2007 4.0L explorers have a tech service bulletin for a PCM (Power Train Module) update calibration. If you have a 2006 Explorer, Mountaineer or 2007 Sport Trac I would get this updated before you have to replace a radiator if you haven't already. This TS bulletin was released 5/4/2009 so just a heads up to anyone having trouble with radiators leaking. $100 for software update or $$$$ for a new radiator.
2006 Explorer V8
Dennis Barrett, 06/11/2007
2006 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4dr SUV (4.6L 8cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I now have 18,000 miles and here comes the transmission clunk (at slow speeds) everyone is talking about. Not sure what to do as it sounds like everyone is getting the big blow off from Ford. This is my third Explorer and yes it is quiet. The glare from the dash however is life threatening and I hope Ford's attorneys are prepared. The only help has been to put on one of those white-trash dash covers....really classy! It's no secret about the door handles and gas mileage. Ride was very nice at first, now after a year feeling each bump! Also if quality is job one, then how about a five or seven year warranty?