2007 Ford Explorer XLT 4X4
During our fourth weekend snowstorm of the season, I was able to put the 2007 Ford Explorer Ironman 4X4 ($39,325) to the test on our snowy and icy roads.
The new Ironman version did extremely well on the snow covered roads near Evergreen. Ford's best-selling mid-size SUV was substantially updated in 2006. For 2007, the Explorer is slimmed down to a simplified lineup of base XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited, in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, with a new Ironman Package that I test drove available on XLT models. This package includes 18-inch aluminum wheels, Bodyside and bumper cladding, roof rail cross bars, Iron Man floor mats and an exclusive Orange Frost color.
Also new for 2007: side air curtains are standard on Eddie Bauer and Limited models, iPod jacks are included with all audio systems, there are redesigned front door pulls for all models and new options have been added, including a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with larger, eight-inch screen, available heated windshield on all models and the availability of DVD navigation on all trim lines. Three new exterior colors have been added, too - Carbon Clearcoat Metallic, Orange Frost Clearcoat Metallic, and White Sand Tri-Coat Clearcoat Metallic. A 210-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 is standard, while I tested the 4.6-liter V-8 powerplant that provides 292 horsepower and comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The big V8 has plenty of power to pull whatever winter toys you may have and ready to get you up I-70 for a day of skiing. A must have for Colorado is Ford's ControlTrac four-wheel drive that came on the Explorer that I tested. As Ford says in their advertising, Rain? Mud? Snow? Sand? No problem. You can choose from 4x4 High, 4x4 Low or 4x4 Auto settings to handle a variety of driving conditions. I was able to change the setting to 4X4 Low to get through 2 feet of snow on our unplowed driveway and then switch to 4X4 High after getting onto plowed roads. Overall, the 2007 Ford Explorer is a good choice for the varied Colorado driving conditions we encounter.
Denis and his wife Jeanie live in Evergreen and own the Mountain Man Nut & Fruit store in Bergen Park.