Ford Explorer IV 4.0 i V6 12V Sport Trac (208 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 3.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Ford Explorer:

The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by the Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. The first five-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer, was introduced as a replacement for the three-door Bronco II. As with the Ford Ranger, the model line derives its name from a trim package previously offered on Ford F-Series pickup trucks. In 2020, the Explorer became the best-selling SUV in the American market.
Currently in its sixth generation, the Explorer has featured a five-door wagon body style since its 1991 introduction. During the first two generations, the model line included a three-door wagon. The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a crew-cab mid-size pickup truck derived from the second-generation Explorer. The fifth and sixth generations of the Explorer have been produced as the Ford Police Interceptor Utility....(Read more on Wikipedia)

IV Overview:

Ford Explorer (IV). With 328 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1925 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 170 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Ford Explorer IV was primarily designed for the North American market and was not tested by Euro NCAP. It received good ratings from NHTSA and IIHS in the US for its time.

4.0 i V6 12V Sport Trac (208 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers basic performance for a utility vehicle, suitable for lighter loads and urban driving, but lacks enthusiasm.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy remains a weak point, though potentially marginally better than its 4WD counterpart.

Best Use Case: Light utility, urban driving, those needing a small truck bed without 4WD complexity.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Spacious and comfortable interior with optional third-row seating
  • • Strong towing capabilities, especially with the 4.6L V8 engine
  • • Available 4WD system provides good all-weather and light off-road capability
  • • Smooth ride quality for a body-on-frame SUV
  • • Good cargo capacity with rear seats folded

Cons:

  • • Poor fuel economy across all engine options
  • • Known reliability issues with the 4.0L SOHC V6 (timing chain guides)
  • • Interior design can feel dated compared to competitors by end of production
  • • Large turning radius makes city maneuvering challenging
  • • Some V8 models had spark plug issues

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 2003 - 2005).

General:
Brand:Ford
Model:Explorer
Generation:IV
Modification (Engine):4.0 i V6 12V Sport Trac (208 Hp)
Start of production:2006
End of production:2010
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:208 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:52.1 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:328 Nm @ 3000 rpm.
Engine displacement:3990
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:4.7 l
Coolant:11.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:100.33 mm mm
Piston Stroke:84.3 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.7:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:14.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:11.2 l/100 km
Maximum speed:170 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.3 kg/Hp, 108.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.9 kg/Nm, 170.4 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1925
Max. weight:2567
Max load:642
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:2492 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:391 l
Fuel tank capacity:85 l
Size:
Length:4813 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1832 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1814 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2890 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1547 mm
Rear (Back) track:1555 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Tires size235/70 R16
Front suspensionTorsion
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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