Gen 4 Explorers not very popular?

[Machine090767]

I purchased my 07 Gen 4 Explorer and I love it!
But, it seems that not many here have them (compared to other Generations)
I was wondering why this is?
Is it due to the 06-10's being slightly smaller?
It can't be power or issues with 4x4, because mine went thru deep snow with no problems.

I checked before I purchased if this gen was a "Lemon" (so to speak) and nothing extremely bad was mentioned.

 

[Rick]

It's not an easy platform to lift. The independent rear suspension made suspension lifts all but impossible. Body lifts, and coil spacers are available. I have seen some pretty radical 3rd and 4th gens though. They were modified for racing with coil over shocks front and rear. Not much suspension travel, but what it had was well controlled.

 

[Rick]

Be sure to check out this thread in the Modified 4th gen forum...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/4th-gen-pictures.274859/

 

[Machine090767]

Thanks for the reply, Rick!

 

[michael loibl]

Is it due to the 06-10's being slightly smaller?

What is smaller about a 06-10 explorer?

 

[Machine090767]

The width is the smallest of all of the Generations.

 

[MNgopher]

Couple of things that led to it being sold in lower numbers. In many senses, this generation is more a refresh on the 3rd generation more than anything. The SUV market was changing and had evolved significantly from the earlier generations, yet the Explorer had not - in a general sense it was still a traditional body on frame SUV, and rode and handled like one - one of the better ones like it, but there were a ton of crossover type SUV's coming on the market. To some of us, the truck like ride and handling was fine, while to others it was not, and their needs were better served by other platforms - either in the Ford family or by other nameplates. Examples include the Edge and the Escape - more car based platforms that typically rode better and gave better fuel mileage. On top of that, gas prices went through the roof during this period (I can remember when going over 2.00 a gallon was a huge deal...). The economy went south, car sales dropped, etc...

Add all that up, and the platform was a bit long in the teeth compared to its competition and needed more than just a refreshing - leading us to the current generation - and the significant bump in sales it received.

And I don't think the width is the smallest of all the generations - Gen 2 was 70.2 inches, Gen 3 was 72.1 inches, gen 4 is 73.7 inches.

 

[Machine090767]

MN Gopher, your right about the dimensions. I guess my added weight made it seem smaller.
Nice seeing another MN Gen 4 member.

 

[thebrakeman]

The previous generation Explorer/Mounty (like the previous gen Durango) were the last of a dead breed of mid-sized, frame-based SUVs. All mid-sized SUVs are not unibody based, and nearly all have no more than 5000 lbs max tow ratings. The exception is the Durango. While also being unibody, they made it strong enough to retain the full 7400 lbs tow rating, with the HEMI and HD towing package.

Most people needing that kind of towing will just go for a pickup truck. If they need more seating, they get an Expedition, or one of the 3-row full size options from GM. For me, we want something that will still fit in the garage. If the Mounty goes someday, it will be replace by a 2010 Explorer/Mounty. If I can't find that, probably go with a Durango.

 

[ronwc]

By 06 or so gas prices were going straight up to around $4/gallon, and Explorers had a reputation of bad gas mileage, usually in the 14mpg range average. So many people bought the smaller SUV's, mostly foreign. By 2012, the Explorers were getting 20mpg and sales picked back up.

 

[NissanTy]

I see 4th gen explorers everywhere in my area, most are the 4.0 v6 models though. Not many younger guys (age 20-30) drive them but I get a lot of compliments on mine all the time. When I looked for mine it HAD to be the 3 valve 4.6 and the 6 speed auto. This SUV is a lot better than the failblazer (trailblazer) I had before my explorer

 

[seth21]

We have an 08 as our primary vehicle and just love it. My brother has the newer gen and we think the newer one is a downgrade. Its really not a downgrade because a comparison is like comparing apples and oranges.

Like others said, 4th gen just had bad timing with the gas prices.

Have you seen the Ford Everest? I found it when researching Bronco stuff, its a frame on body SUV based on the over seas ranger platform. I wish this had been the 5th gen explorer.

 

[Machine090767]

I love my Gen 4 Explorer!
I don't see many where I live, so I guess I'm Unique!
as for fuel ratings, I'm getting 18.5, which is better than my Ranger, which was getting around 15.

 

[wharriso]

I bought my 2006 Explorer back in 2006. This is the longest I have ever owned a vehicle. That is partially because of my kid going into his 3rd year of college, preventing me from scratching my new car itch, but mainly because this is by far the most reliable car I have ever owned. This car goes to the shop for inspections and tires, that's it, yeah, I do my own repairs. Years ago I had to replace the radiator under warranty and I was in an accident where the repairs gave me some problems but besides that, there were no problems.

If this generation is unpopular, my guess would be due to gas mileage. I am getting like 14 MPG in the city and around 21 MPG on the highway. I think it was actually worse for the first 40k miles or so.

Hey, just my opinion, I have no complaints.