2006–2010 Ford Explorer Review: Should You Buy It?

This score covers 2006–2010 only. The model guide scores the Explorer across all generations.

This generation launched in 2006: Body-on-frame, revised suspension, refined V6/V8 options. Powertrain and core hardware carry over across the span, which is exactly why we cover the whole generation on one page instead of splitting near-identical years apart.

Across 2006–2010, reliability tracks the generation as a whole rather than any one model year. Early-build cars (2006–2007) carry the usual first-run risk, and late-run cars have had years of TSB and running fixes applied. The issues that actually decide whether a car is worth buying: Timing chain issues on 4.0L SOHC (rare but expensive); 5R55 transmission failures on higher-mileage cars; Rear differential seal leaks.

• ✓Timing chain issues on 4.0L SOHC (rare but expensive)
• ✓5R55 transmission failures on higher-mileage cars
• ✓Rear differential seal leaks

Expect Explorer maintenance costs typical of the 4th gen generation. Engines: 4.0L SOHC V6 / 4.6L 3V V8. Transmissions: 5-speed automatic / 6-speed automatic (V8). Budget for the usual service intervals (oil, brakes, cooling, transmission fluid) plus preventative work on the known-weak items above. Parts for a 2010 Ford Explorer are cheap and widely available.

Within 2006–2010, condition and maintenance history beat model year almost every time. Later cars in the span are typically the most sorted; earlier cars are the cheapest way into the generation. If a 2006–2010 Ford Explorer passes a pre-purchase inspection with the known weak points checked, it's a defensible used buy. Strengths in this generation: Tows well, Simple mechanicals.

Best for: Buyers cross-shopping the whole 4th gen generation of the Ford Explorer rather than one specific model year.

The 2011–2019 generation brings newer powertrains and driver assistance at a higher price.