This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Review our Privacy and Cookie Notice for more details. What Changed for 2008:Side curtain air bags become standard on all modelsAvailable navigation system adds voice activationLimited model gets power adjustable pedals and a universal garage door openerFord Sync communications and entertainment system newly offeredNew capless fueling system20-inch wheels newly optionalOne-touch up/down driver's window now standardOverviewThe Ford Explorer continues to be one of the best-selling SUVs in America. Originally introduced in 1990 as a replacement for the Bronco II, the Explorer underwent a major redesign in 2002 and a lesser revamping in 2006. The Explorer maintains its truck-type, body-on-frame chassis, which contributes to its 1520-pound payload capability and 7310-pound maximum towing capacity. It is the same platform found underneath its Mercury Mountaineer counterpart. V-6 and V-8 power are offered, each with a choice of rear- or four-wheel drive (RWD or 4WD).
The midsize Explorer can seat up to 7 passengers with the addition of an available third-row seat, which can be ordered with a power-fold feature. With the rear seats down, the Explorer has 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space.Model LineupThe 2008 Ford Explorer is available in XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited trim levels, each with RWD or 4WD. Standard equipment on the XLT includes air conditioning; 6-way power driver's seat with lumbar adjustment; second-row split folding seat; rear cargo management system; AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input jack; power windows, locks and mirrors; Class II trailer towing hitch; and P235/70R16 tires on alloy wheels. Eddie Bauer models add leather upholstery; 10-way power adjustable driver's seat; Ford Sync communications and entertainment system; The top-line Limited model has rear park assist; memory for the driver's seat and pedals; 6-way power adjustable front passenger seat; third-row split folding seat; dual-zone automatic climate control; 290-watt Audiophile sound system with 6-disc CD changer;
steering wheel audio controls; Options include a navigation system with voice activation; universal garage door opener; rear DVD entertainment system; PowertrainThe 2008 Ford Explorer is a truck-type SUV with body-on-frame construction. It comes with two engine choices. Standard is a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that produces 210 hp at 5100 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. of torque at 3700 rpm. It is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Properly equipped, V-6 models can tow up to 5390 pounds. The other engine is a dual overhead cam 4.6-liter V-8 with 3 valves per cylinder. It makes 292 hp at 5750 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of torque at 3950 rpm. The V-8 engine is coupeed to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The available 4WD system can be left engaged on dry pavement and has low-range gearing. EPA fuel economy ratings are 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway for the V-6 engine with 2WD; 13 mpg city/20 mpg highway for the V-8 engine with 4WD; and 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway for the V-6 or V-8 engine with 4WD.SafetyThe 2008 Ford Explorer's standard safety equipment list consists of dual front air bags;
torso-protecting front side air bags; first- and second-row head-protecting curtain side air bags with rollover deployment; and electronic stability control with rollover mitigation. Rear park assist is standard on Limited and optional otherwise. In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2008 Ford Explorer earned 5 (out of a possible 5) stars for the driver and front passenger in the front-impact test and 5 stars for front- and rear-seat passengers in the side-impact test. In rollover tests, the Explorer received 3 stars.TechnologyDeveloped with Microsoft, Ford Sync provides a hands-free link to cell phones and MP3 players through a series of voice commands. It recognizes your cell phone's phonebook. It can read incoming text messages through the stereo system and allows occupants to respond with one of 15 predetermined messages. When an MP3 player is plugged in, Sync charges it and has access to the complete playlist. Occupants can tell Sync to play a specific song, artist, or genre of music.
Sync will also stream songs wirelessly from a source like a phone/MP3 player enabled with Bluetooth technology. J.D. Power RatingsBody & Interior Quality - Mechanical?Overall Quality - Design?Body & Interior Quality - Design?Overall Quality - Mechanical?Powertrain Quality - Design?Features & Accessories Quality - Design?Powertrain Quality - Mechanical?Features & Accessories Quality - Mechanical?View All Midsize Multi Activity Vehicle RatingsPerformance?Overall Performance and Design?Features and Instrument Panel?View All Midsize Multi Activity Vehicle RatingsFeature and Accessory Dependability?Body and Interior Dependability?View All Midsize Crossover SUV Ratings The Latest New Car Previews, Buyer's guides, Articles and more from J.D. Power:Used and Wrecked Ford, Chevy and Dodge Pickup Click on Photo to View For a complete checklist of all our engines and parts, please select the "Search our Inventory" link listed on the left of this page.Skip the auto shop - Our mechanics make house calls
How do I turn off the passenger airbag sensor when using a child restraint? If possible, children in child restraints should be seated in the rear seats. However, a child restraint system can be used in the front seat as long as the airbag is turned off. The passenger airbag sensor should not detect a child restraint system, so the airbag should be turned off. If, however, the passenger airbag sensor on the overhead console says that the airbag is on, here’s what to do: 1. Turn off your car. 2. Remove the child restraint system from the vehicle. 3. Remove anything else that is sitting on the passenger seat. 4. Reinstall the child restraint system in the passenger seat. Be careful to follow the instructions provided with the restraint system. 5. Turn on the vehicle. If the passenger airbag sensor says the airbag is still on, do the following: 1. Turn off the vehicle. 2. Recline the passenger seat and adjust the tilt of the seat, so that the child restraint is not digging into the seat bottom.
3. Check to make sure that the child restraint system is not stuck until the vehicle head restraint. 4. Turn on the vehicle. If the passenger airbag sensor says the airbag is still on, do not drive the vehicle. Was this answer helpful? Need advice from certified mechanic? The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Have a car question? Get free advice from our top-rated mechanics. Get an instant quote for your car Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing MakeAcuraAudiBMWBuickCadillacChevroletChryslerDodgeFiatFordGMCGeoHondaHummerHyundaiInfinitiIsuzuJaguarJeepKiaLand RoverLexusLincolnMazdaMercedes-BenzMercuryMiniMitsubishiNissanOldsmobilePlymouthPontiacPorscheRamSaabSaturnScionSmartSubaruSuzukiToyotaVolkswagenVolvoI don't knowYear20182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990198919881987198619851984198319821981198019791978197719761975197419731972197119701969196819671966196519641963196219611960I don't knowModelTrim