real nice drive not too smooth does ride like a truck

The car is perfect but is more suited to a younger individual.

Bought the Ironman 4X4 for an out the door price including tax, license, doc fees etc for 30K flat. Options included the third row seats, rear air, class III/IV trailer tow package, XLT comfort group, Sirius Satellite Radio and the 3:73 axle. This is my fourth Explorer (Three XLT's and one Sport) and this handles better than any of the previous models. I didn't go for the V-8 simply because none was available in stock except in Orange Frost, which I didn't want, (Mine is Red Fire) and the V-8's were loaded up with navigation, and all sort of up packages that was bringing the MSRP's to about 39-40K for things I just didn't need or want. It's hard to justify thousands for a navigation package when a TomTom One does just about as well, can be taken with you when you change vehicles, and you don't have to pay through the nose for map upgrades.

A suggestion is that unless you are a real audiophile, to forego the upgraded stereo. The stock stereo with MP3 and single CD is awesome, and the 80 watts is plenty to fill the cabin with sound. The jack for your iPod is handy and lets you connect to the stereo with a simple connection. One gripe is the lack of a 12 volt power connection on the dash, or under the dash...there are only two available, one on the front of the console next to the iPod jack and another on the rear of the console for the rear seat passengers. That means plugging anything in virtually infringes into the shifter and cupholder area. A better move would have been to place the iPod jack and the power outlet IN the console as was done on the Edge and other vehicles.

The vehicle has auto 4 wheel drive. Meaning it decides when 4 wheel drive is needed, normally being in rear 2 wheel drive mode and switching to 4 wheel drive when traction is needed on the front wheels as well. You also have the choice of manually selecting 4 wheel drive high or 4 wheel drive low for off roading, snow or sand. The low is the typical "grunt" gear, and similar to that found on the earlier edition Explorers which had the option of turning off the 4 wheel drive completely. I don't know at this point whether there is any disadvantage to the auto 4WD system over the old switch it yourself; it could prove invaluable in improved stability in emergency maneuvers and the ability to automatically have traction on unstable ground without switching over. My 1996 was the first Explorer AWD and had no transmission or transfer case problems, nor did it eat tires any faster than standard 4WD's, so I rather doubt this Ironman will be any different in that area.  

The Ironman also has Traction Control, Rollover Stability Control, Anti-Lock Brakes, front and side air bags and intelligent safety systems for seat belt tensioning as standard. It's a far cry from the old Explorers and I'd like to say, my 2003 Explorer was struck broadside by a loaded 1 ton van traveling at 55 MPH (I was moving at 5 mph) and I'm here writing this, so I can attest to the structural integrity of the Explorer firsthand.

The full frame exhibits no squirm or creaks and the body is tight. Steering is centered and tight, but not as tight as I might like, but then again, I'm used to driving sports cars and other high performance vehicles, so the Explorer isn't expected to steer like them anyway. Throttle response is adequate and it has no problem merging with Freeway traffic at normal speeds. The 5 speed automatic shifts crisply, although there can be a lag at lower speeds below 20 mph; I attribute that to the 4 wheel automatic drive perhaps hunting on turns in slow speed through city streets. It exhibits none of that on the highway.

Leather front and second row seats are comfortable, and both front and the rear seats recline, something unusual for Explorers of the past. The heated front seats are a single temperature, but pleasant so you're not likely to have a poultry burn nor feel too cold. Just about right from what we can tell, although it is still summer. Drivers seat is 10 way power and passenger is manual; both do have lumbar support although passenger is also manual like the seat. Air conditioning will freeze you out front and rear. The third row seats are about useless unless you know some little people you plan on taking on a trip, or have enemies to torture along the way. Cramped and too small for humans in my book and difficult to access. But they are there. I find anything about them way overrated and I wish they had not already been part of the installed package; $895 for this option was wasted in my opinion. Don't bother. Plus, it's not even leather!! (On Eddie Bauer models, they hammer you further for power fold leather 3rd row seats...that's even more insulting since the seats drop at the touch of a button, but you still have to pull them up manually. And, that adds even more to the cost and they're no more usable or comfortable.)

Ride is smooth and not choppy. It's still a truck though and you'll not be getting a Lexus ride in any event. But better than most. The 18" wheels are nicely done and add to the ride quality. Standard tires on my vehicle are Michelin M&S rated, meaning we can go to the snow without chains most of the time.

Note there are NO real skid plates under this vehicle. The Ironman skid plate is faus or fake, so if you're a serious off-roader, you'll need a real skid plate package before you tackle the wild outdoors. Just a word of caution!

All in all, a great vehicle for a great price. We looked at others but the build quality, features and pricing brought us back to the Explorer.  

I love my vehicle, lots of room, fun to drive, lots of power