Overview & Reviews

Side curtain airbags are now standard on all Explorers, as is a capless fuel filling system (though availability is delayed until midyear on the latter). Also available on the Explorer for 2008 is Ford's new Sync system, the hands-free electronics integration technology co-developed with Microsoft. The optional navigation system includes voice activation this year. Kings of bling will be pleased to hear that they can option the Explorer with 20-inch wheels later in the '08 model year.

• Great ride and handling characteristics for a truck-based SUV, spacious and quiet interior with user-friendly layout, healthy tow rating, high safety content.

• Weak engines compared to competing SUVs, some low-grade interior materials, poor expected resale value.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 32.00

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  Third Explorer - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By J D - August 19 - 8:05 pm

  Each of my Explorers I have purchased new. 1994,2003,2008 and each have been much improved from the previous. I still own the 2003. The 08 is definitely a flagship, very comfortable, some cheap shortcuts though have me disappointed. The chrome clad wheels, I didnt realized till purchased but come on Ford this are very cheesy. Each one of my previous Explorers all top of the line have had solid chrome or aluminum wheels. If I would have realized this I probably would not have bought it. Another disappointment is the cheap interior. For 42000 it should be plush. But overall the ride is great and seats comfortable, plenty of power with the V8. I like the new one more everyday.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Chuck W - August 5 - 7:45 am

  This is my second SUV. I’ve owned it for 8 months now and had no problems with it. It’s fun to drive and has a great view. The cargo area is huge. The V8 has plenty of power, which I use to tow a boat. It has a truck like ride. It’s handles very predictably, and excellent in the snow. I really like all of the safety features.

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  Best one yet - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Ken B - June 27 - 11:42 am

  This is the third Explorer we have owned, beginning in 1993, and by far the best. The ride is great for an SUV and the third seat makes it possible to carry all the grandkids at once. This is the least expensive and best equipped Explorer we have owned. I do wish the gas mileage was better.

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  Thrilled to own second Explorer - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By wrwisconsinsnowbird - June 3 - 3:32 pm

  This is my second Explorer, I still own a 97 XLT with 100k on it with minimal major problems/repairs. The 07 does have an annoying rough idle clicking that its done since new. The 08 has the 292hp v8 which idles smoothly and has plenty of power when needed. The interior and exterior is flawless and amazingly quiet. Everyhing worked perfectly when we picked it up and ever since. Better gas mileage would help but I need the truck frame for towing and the v8 for power.

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  1st Ford - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By todd bennett - May 28 - 11:08 pm

  While I have been a GMC driver for the last 8 years my wife wanted me to test drive the Explorer. I was pleasantly surprised. The comfort of the ride, features and looks were great.

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  Must drive to understand - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By vkimber - May 6 - 10:54 pm

  I drove the 4 runner and Pilot and they are nice but Im very glad that I relooked at Ford they really steped up and I like the ride and feel of the Ford best, its fun to drive!

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  The SUV that has it all. - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Brad - April 7 - 8:08 pm

  This is my fourth Explorer and they just keep getting better! The features, versatility and the price cant be beat. The V-6 fuel ecomomy isnt great but, I get the same MPG that I got with my Acura MDX and I dont have to run premium fuel. The Sirius radio and Sync system are great. Towing two SEA- Doos GTXs takes a little effort, but the vehicles handles and stops well. The third row seats are great for kids under twelve and I love the power up and down feature. The second row seats recline but they do take a little effort to move up and out so people can get into the third row.

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  Best One Yet - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Jeff B. - March 16 - 5:32 pm

  I have owned 3 Explorers, starting with 1991, 2000 and now 2008. What an evolution this vehicle has had. The 2008 is superb, build quality, ride, handling, amenities are all excellent. It has performed superbly in the snow. I really like the Sync product and after taking 2 years to decide what my next SUV would be I couldnt be happier. Yes, it could get better mileage, but again, for the money I could not find a better buy.

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  Crazy car!! - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By dannyboy791 - November 28 - 11:58 pm

  I love this car! I got the Ironman edition with the Orange Frost color. Get comments on it every day mostly of people who like the orange! But this car is awsome! Drives really nice with low amount of road noise. Dont like the fuel economy so much. the v6 has enough power but nothing crazy. Has a lot of room with very comfortable seats front and back. Ironman p adds some cool bumpers and side pannels with a blacked out grille.

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  Engine makes too much noise. - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Charles E.Nichols - November 1 - 8:31 pm

  We just returned from a five day trip in our new Ford Explorer Limited. We are very happy with it except for the loud engine noise that it makes when you barely put on the gas to pass, going up an incline or just taking off. We gotta get something done about this problem. I have purchased a stream of Exploerers and this has to be by far the loudist of all which makes me think there is something wrong in the manifold/exaust area connections or that there is far too little insullation on the rear fire wall.