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2006 Ford Explorer consumer reviews

$26,530–$28,755 MSRP range
side view of 2006 Explorer Ford
(85 reviews)
81% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.5
  • Interior 4.3
  • Performance 4.2
  • Value 4.3
  • Exterior 4.4
  • Reliability 4.1
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I got my 2006 ford explorer eddie bauer Ltd.

I got my 2006 ford explorer eddie bauer Ltd. In 2008 used. I love it. It's 2024 I has the oil changes regularly (it's tells me) which is wonderful. Yes I needed tires obviously. But the only repairs it needed since I have it was the gear shift. The front axle got changed last year. And now the rear axle needs changing and they say some pieces are rusting. Now I did have an issue with it stopping when I would go over a speed bump. So took it to a repair shop close to work. BIG mistake. First they said it was a silinod (spelled wrong) Replaced Then they said it was the fuel tank. Replaced Then they said take it to Ford. They didn't know but gave me a list of things that will need done eventually. Spare plugs, etc. Finally after a month I got angry and took it up to Trump motors (repair shop) where my dad deals. And it ends up that in my ford explorer I have a emergency shut off. So on the passenger side front panel area. There is a pump button. If it happens just wait 2 minutes give it 2 or 3 pumps and start it up. They did/showed me that for free. So expensive lesson. But I absolutely love my Ford explorer. Wish I could keep it forever. But I realize it is older and now rear axle and rusted pieces, driver leather seat needs replaced and liner coming down. So I'm thinking I need to update. Hoping to get something similar. Oh yeah I'm also 5'2" and love sitting high and seeing everything.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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bad tranmission.

I am tired of replacing transmissions. 3 now. I heard that year 2006 they all have a problem with trannys. But I bought a 2006 in 2010 for 13000 . That was cheap. I owned it for 6 months and the transmission blew.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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So far very good to me

I bought my 2006 Ford Explorer XLT bout year & a half ago The person i got it from didnt do any repairs just drove it till he blew out the donut on Exhaust he had 4 miss matched tires on it I put 4 brand new tires i got a deal cheap $$$ for them on never been on a car no serious issues with the truck 4x4 works great runs and drives great I did put some work into it normal We're & tear like I had to change the donut gasket on Exhaust $20 half hour fix I put new breaks and rotors all around for $135 I changed the plugs need to do wires there is a dead spot in them next that's all I have done to it oh changed the oil and added 12 ounces 134 refrigerant to A/C Condenser now very cold put frost on windows other then that short change spent so far been good to me motor and trans no problems just noticed it does need an upper A frame bushing drivers side so I found a 10 piece front end kit for $135 includs 2 upper A frames with bushings already installed 2 upper ball joints installed & also 2 lower ball joints not installed 2 iner and 2 outer tire rod ends & 2 Stabilizer links I can do the install myself it rides like a brand new SUV smooth no rattles or any Noise you can't even hear any interior noice its Tight i do take good care of my vehicles I bought it for $300 i got about $800 into it I did all labor I'm sure I could get more then $2.500ish 3grand for it soon I do the front end but not for sale ill drive it till it rots out or blows up I do stand by the explorer had nothen but good bout it

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
16 people out of 16 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Broke down within a month.

There's a lot of great things about this vehicle, and it was a good price. Unfortunately, they sold it to me with both cigarette lighters broken, so I can't charge my phone in the car. Within a month of the purchase, a pipe broke and leaked all my transmission fluid, leaving me stranded. I had driven the vehicle a lot since purchase, but was disappointed that this happened so soon.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
49 people out of 55 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Went through 3 rebuilt trannys

Worst year ever made I've gone through 3 Transmissions. Heater wouldn't turn over. The car was great then it wasn't. Now I am buying a Silverado

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
17 people out of 19 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great clean reliable and low miles

The Vehicle is everrhing we looked for. Not to excitwd about beimg a white car but overall there are no words to express my satisfaction with our car and especially Cars dot com!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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As Expected for a used Explorer

Transmission issues as expected which are always expensive to repair I think. I paid almost as much to replace the reverse band as I did for the car. Even with no visible rust, open the doors and that's where you will find it if any.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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I own a 2006 Explorer.. Don’t Buy

I loved this..til I had to replace 2 radiator s& back hatch wouldn’t open..,lumbar went first week,& now full of water!!! & leaking!!! NO RECALLS on the LEAKING FORD WON’T PAY FOR IT!!! & my family retired from GM in Cleveland, Ohio, only bought USA 🇺🇸 made!!! BAD DESIGN!!! I called Ford!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 2.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
6 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Most reliable car I've ever owned.

I owned this car for 13 years, and I never had to take it in for any issues. Superior comfort. Reliable. Large trunk with maximum space for moving large furniture.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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very dependable!

this vehicle does good in any weather its good on gas and very roomy.It has never let me down and continues to be a good family vehicle .

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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