2008 Ford Explorer
The 2008 Explorer has been redesigned by Ford where this vehicle is more maneuverable in tight spaces; and to add to the power of this car, Ford has offered the Explorer with a V-8 engine for the very first time. This version of the ’08 Ford Explorer is better on fuel consumption if we compare it with its predecessors, who were equipped with the standard V-6 engine.
Overview of the car
When we do the overview of the Ford Explorer, we find some notable good qualities of the vehicle, which include; improved ride quality, six-speed automatic transmission, maneuverability despite its big size; the seats are smartly designed and can be folded, the cabin is quiet, the vehicle comes in both V-8 and V-6 engine options. Some more notable features of the car include RSC, which provides a stability system, heated windshield options, and power-adjustable pedals options.
The ’08 Explorer comes in two different trim versions, which are:
- The 2008 Ford Explorer XLT, whose price is $25,400
- The 2008 Ford Explorer Limited edition, whose price is $27,500
Performance and Fuel Economy
The engine specifications of the 2008 Explorer include a 4.0-liter V6 engine that can produce around 210 horsepower with a torque of 254 pound-feet. The transmission of this vehicle is a five-speed automatic. The V8 variant of the Explorer has a 4.6-liter V8 engine with 292 horsepower and a torque of 300 pound-feet. The transmission of the V-8 variant is a six-speed automatic. Both of these trim levels of the 2008 Ford Explorer include an option of rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive system. When the car is put into 4×4 High mode, it generates a 50/50 power split among the rear and front wheels of the vehicle, which makes the vehicle very efficient in severe winter or off-road conditions.
The power of both V8 and V6 engines is said to be almost the same. The car is said to perform 0 to 60 mph in about 8.1 seconds. The towing capacity of the Explorer is around 6,600 pounds.
Now, if we talk about the fuel efficiency of the Explorer, the V6 variant gives out 14 miles per gallon in the city and about 20 miles per gallon on the highway. Whereas the V8 engine is not that different, it provides 14 per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon on the road.
Quiet interior, ample power, handsome styling
Just like any other SUV, the Explorer has a Sport Trac look. The front grille of the vehicle is made up of a big V-shaped chrome which enhances the face of the front bumper of the Explorer. Some car analysts compare the front look of the Explorer with the Volkswagen Passat.
If we discuss the drive quality of the 2008 Ford Explorer, the car is equipped with fully independent suspension, well-tuned springs, and dampers, which provide admirable road isolation. The steering system of the Explorer is also very responsive, which makes the vehicle a pleasure to ride in and drive. The stability control system of the car enhances the handling when performing any aggressive cornering.
The inside cabin of the Ford Explorer is made very handsome and the solid built quality alongside the simple controls are the main highlights of the vehicle. The rear seat of the SUV can be split 60/40, which makes extra room for the cargo.
The cabin of the SUV is also equipped with three power points. Also, a cargo box is fitted in the car, which is made from corrosion-free materials.
Safety features of the ’08 Ford Explorer
The car’s safety features include a five-star rating in the government crash testing, on both sides- and frontal-impact test.
Other major safety features of the vehicle include:
- Stability control
- Antilock disc brakes
- Front-seat side airbags
- Side curtain airbags.
Specification
- Height: 72.5 in.
- Length: 210.2 in.
- Width: 78.8 in
- Curb weight: 4,579 lbs
- Passenger volume: 110 ft3
- Trunk volume: 12.8
Engine type: Gas V8, 5.4L
Vehicle type: rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, 4-door sedan, 5-passenger, front-engine
Fuel Capacity / Gas Tank Size: 22.5 gals.
C/D TEST RESULTS:
- Zero to 60 mph: Less than 8.1 seconds.
2008 Ford Explorer Repair Manual
The ’08 Ford Explorer Repair Manual contains all the information and details about the maintenance and repair of the vehicle. This repair manual explains the details and complications of all the body parts and vehicle systems, making it very easy to perform any maintenance or repairs on the vehicle.
The contents included in the 2008 Ford Explorer factory service manual include:
- Engine specification for V6 and V8
- Automatic and manual transmission
- Air filter
- Diagnostic procedure
- Transfer case
- Engine oil
- Air conditioning system
- Engine overhauling
- Compressor
- Speedo meter maintenance
- Front and rear axle maintenance
- Navigation system
- Quarter glass installation
- Seat cover maintenance
- Electrical system
- Wiring diagrams
- Blades and wipers
- Quarter glass installation
- Wheels and tires
Owner’s Manual
The Owner’s manual of the 2008 Ford Explorer is published for the use of the owners to get all the relevant information about the vehicle and understand how to use the different features of the car.
The main contents of this Ford Explorer Owner’s manual include the following:
- Introduction to the Owner’s manual
- Instrument cluster
- Entertainment systems
- Climate controls
- Lights
- Driver controls
- Locks and Security
- Seating and Safety Restraints
- Tires, wheels, and loading
- Driving
- Roadside Emergencies
- Customer Assistance
- Cleaning
- Maintenance and Specifications
- Accessories