DecodedCars2006 Ford Explorer
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD Xls/Xlt/Eddie Bauer/Limi
- Engines
- 4.0L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 19 hwy
- Length
- 193.7 in
- Curb weight
- 4,630 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 16 MPG combined, 13% below the 2006 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Ford Explorer is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (4.0L 6-cyl and 4.6L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 194 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,630 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 19 highway), 13% worse than the 2006 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 105 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2006
- New body dimensions: 4.3 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Explorer →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD Xls/Xlt/Eddie Bauer/Limi | 193.7 in | 73.6 in | 72.8 in | 113.8 in | 60.6 / 61.8 in | 4,630 lb | 52/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -13% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Explorer 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -18% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Explorer 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -12% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Explorer 4WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -12% | $4,450 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Ford Explorer under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Ford Explorer (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2006 Toyota Highlander | 27 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 17 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 GMC Yukon | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Ford Explorer.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Ford Explorer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Ford Explorer buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Power Train — 57 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 21 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 118,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Ford Explorer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Explorer years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Explorer | 23 | – | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2026 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 15 | 42 |
| 2025 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 22 | 109 |
| 2024 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 21 |
| 2023 Explorer | 27 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 15 | 113 |
| 2022 Explorer | 27 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 25 | 273 |
| 2021 Explorer | 27 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 27 | 456 |
| 2020 Explorer | 28 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 35 | 1,249 |
| 2019 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 300 |
| 2018 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 737 |
| 2017 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 14 | 1,713 |
| 2016 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 14 | 2,484 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →