08 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer By ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net Recently, I’ve been driving a new Ford Explorer as a test vehicle for my regular weekly column.  The Explorer is not a new model and has been in the Ford stable for a number of years as a Best Seller.  Ford continues to upgrade and improve the Explorer each year, but there are no new surprises for 2008

The Explorer is a mid-sized SUV, fitting nicely into a category that is overloaded with other manufacturers.  The mid-sized SUV is a very desired size range because it is not too small and not too large.  My test drive model was the 2008 Eddie Bauer edition 4x4.  Other models are the XLT and the Limited, along with a variety of options.  The Eddie Bauer edition provided a little more upscale amenities, such as adjustable foot pedals and a lot of attractive polished wood accents.  For height-challenged drivers like myself, these are great.  A simple touch of a button and the foot pedals move in or out, so as allow you comfortable foot controls.  This is great, rather than stretching your toes trying to operate the pedals or the option of pulling your seat so close that the steering wheel is in the way of your stomach. 

The 08 Ford Explorer is powered by a 4.6 liter V8 engine that is capable and proven.  It is matched to a five speed automatic transmission with overdrive.  The engine is powerful, yet quiet.  Passing on the highway is no problem.    The standard model engine is a 4.0 V6, but I certainly liked this larger V8, with the extra power, even though it reduced gas mileage.  The insignia at the rear of my test model said 4x4, so I knew it was a four-wheel drive.  But don’t look for a switch or dial to change from 2-wheel mode to 4-wheel mode.  This 4x4 is considered a permanent drive, not like the All Wheel Drives on some vehicles, but the four wheel drive mode is constantly in the “on” position and there’s no option for a low range in challenging off-road conditions.

The exterior is attractive, but not extreme so as to cause heads to jerk with envy.  It had a nice chrome grill on the front, two-tone bumpers, and accent wheel lip moldings.  The liftgate even had one of those options that allowed the glass portion to flip open for easy access without having to raise the whole tailgate. 

Inside, the Eddie Bauer Explorer was clean, functional, and roomy.  My test model had the optional third row seat that was noticeably roomy enough to carry adults.  Of course, the third row seat took away much of the rear cargo space since this is not a large sized SUV.  The seats were leather and the overall appearance of the interior was above average.

The new Ford SYNC system by Microsoft was part of this test model and I really like SYNC.  Judy and I were driving down the highway and I was going to match up my cell phone with the vehicle.  After striking out in our attempts and Judy punching buttons, she got the instruction manual out of the glove box.  Ford does not allow you to work all those buttons and such unless the vehicle is standing still.  So we pulled over to the side of the room, shifted into park, and it only took a couple of minutes.  Viola!  My cell phone was now paired and I had hands-free and voice-activated usage over the vehicle’s sound system.  My phone stayed out of sight.  The rest of the week, whenever I would get in the car, a small notice would come on the navigation screen, reminding me that my cell phone was recognized and available on the SYNC system.  I only had to pair it up that one time.  The SYNC system also recognizes ipod and MP3 music devices.  Ford will continue to expand the number and model of vehicles that offer the SYNC system.

The Eddie Bauer Explorer is a fun and easy-to-drive SUV.   I had the power moonroof, powered running boards, a towing package, and a rear seat DVD entertainment system all added on to make driving an enjoyable time for the whole family.  There were a couple of things that I didn’t like and wish that the Ford engineers would improve.  The door handles are still a problem for me.  They look really slick, integrated into the top of the padded arm rest, but I continually have to look for them when I get out of the SUV.  Possibly with time as an owner, I would become more familiar with that unusual design for the pull handles. 

The other bothersome thing I noticed during my test drive was the navigation system.  Possibly it is a change or maybe I have never noticed it in previous models, but away from the large cities, and out on remote country roads, it is slightly difficult to use.  The system does not provide small towns and county roads on the maps unless you have zoomed in so close as to see all the streets.  

The 2008 Eddie Bauer Explorer is a solid, reliable, family-friendly mid-sized SUV.  Gas mileage runs about 13 for the city and 19 on the highway, mostly due to that permanent Four Wheel Drive.  I wasn’t able to go quite as far on my rural road trip as I wanted without stopping at a filling station.  The base MSRP is $32,065.  My test model had a lot of options and extras, bringing the bottom sticker price to $42,945. 

The 2008 Ford Explorer.  It holds the road well, handles easily, and is highly capable in almost any situation.  Check it out at your Ford dealership yourself.