Ford knows it’s hard to mess with a successful formula, but it had to update the Explorer eventually. The 2006 model is more refined and more useful than any Explorer before it.

The 2006 Ford Explorer has been given an overhaul that has improved on nearly every aspect of its performance and styling. The new sport-utility has updated steering, revamped suspension, and new brakes. The result is a vehicle that has a better ride, less interior noise, and more responsive performance than the SUV that preceded it.

The Ford Explorer is aimed at new car buyers that likely want to tow but also want the added creature comforts afforded by an SUV over a pickup truck. It competes against other sport utility vehicles, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Land Rover LR3, Nissan Pathfinder, and Chevrolet Trailblazer.