2010 Ford Explorer
Ford’s 2010 Ford Explorer from Bozard Ford Lincoln Mercury in St. Augustine, FL can trace its roots back to the original Bronco that first saw the light of day during the 1966 model year. The initial Bronco was decidedly compact (92-inch wheelbase) and it proved popular for both off-roading as well as specific commercial applications. Eventually, the Bronco morphed into a full-size vehicle based upon the F-Series pickup; but, then in 1984, it reemerged as the Bronco II, one of the first compact sport-utility vehicles as we know them today. In 1990, the Bronco II became the Ford Explorer—literally igniting the modern SUV market.
Making History
Loosely based upon Ford’s Ranger pickup series, the new Explorer proved confident on- and off-road (much like its Bronco ancestors), but the big difference was its list of considerable passenger amenities. Here was an off roader that was just as comfortable cruising to the local shopping mall as it was slogging it out on mud-filled back roads. Other vehicle manufacturers scrambled to emulate Ford’s new benchmark. Few managed to come close to the Explorer when it came to popularity.
Fast forward to today: While the market is without a doubt filled with passenger car-based crossover utilities, Ford’s 2010 Ford Explorer from Bozard Ford Lincoln Mercury in St. Augustine, FL remains true to its pickup truck roots. And that’s not a bad thing: The Explorer is still capable off-road, and it has the necessary beef to tow considerable loads (as much as 7115 pounds, in 4x4 with V-8 engine mode). The Explorer’s standard drivetrain consists of a 210 horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 backed by a five-speed automatic. Optionally available is a 292 horsepower 4.6-liter V-8 engine mated to a six speed automatic transmission on select models.
New for 2010
For the 2010 model year, the Ford Explorer from Bozard Ford Lincoln Mercury in St. Augustine, FL is available with the familiar base XLT, XLT Sport, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trim levels. Included in the 2010 Ford Explorer Limited package from Bozard Ford Lincoln Mercury in St. Augustine, FL is an impressive array of standard equipment: monochromatic paint, 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control with an auxiliary rear climate control, 6-way power front passenger seat and 10-way power memory seat for the driver, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals with memory, heated exterior mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio/cruise controls, and a premium sound system with a in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
It may sound like any number of well equipped SUVs, but once you climb behind the heel of the 2010 Ford Explorer at Bozard Ford Lincoln Mercury in St. Augustine, FL and take it for a test ride, you’ll discover this is one truck-based SUV that drives much like a well-equipped modern passenger car. With a fully independent suspension system (front and rear), the ride is decidedly supple while the handling is precise, particularly over rough pavement. The steering is much more responsive than you may have expected too. Braking performance is equally strong. Factor in Ford’s standard AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability 2 Control)and you’ll soon discover the 2010 Ford Explorer from Bozard Ford Lincoln Mercury in St. Augustine, FL is one off-road capable SUV that is more than willing to knock down hundreds of miles of paved thoroughfare without a hitch. And it can do so without wearing you out.
Inviting Interior
Making a long haul road trip even more appealing is the inviting cabin space. The 2010 Ford Explorer Limited from Bozard Ford Lincoln Mercury in St. Augustine, FL is fitted with black leather-trimmed seats and, as pointed out above, the front buckets are full-featured (heated, full power, power lumbar, memory on the driver side). Back seating consisted of a 60-40 split folding second row bench seat with recline and PowerFold third-row seat. The instrument cluster center stack includes the controls for the Dual Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control along with the Premium Sound System/CDx6, as well as the optional Voice-Activated DVD Navigation System (single CD when equipped with Navigation),integrated SIRIUS Travel Link service, and a 10GB hard Music Jukebox. Satellite radio from the folks at SIRIUS® is also included. Using the standard Ford SYNC system proves effortless, particular when it comes to hands free cell phone use.
Make no mistake: Even though the 2010 Ford Explorer from Bozard Ford Lincoln Mercury in St. Augustine, FL can coddle you, it is definitely load-and-trailer capable. For example, the lift-over height to the back bed floor is 31.4-inches. With the second-and third-row seats folded behind the front row, there’s 83.7 cubic feet of cargo volume (85.8 cubic feet in the 5-passenger vehicle). Behind the second row seat, there are 43.9 (45.1 cubic feet of cargo room in the 5-passenger vehicle). And compared to the load floor found on other truck based SUVs, the area behind the seats proves much more useable, simply because it’s more or less flat.
Power and Pull
The 2010 Ford Explorer Limited from Bozard Ford Lincoln Mercury in St. Augustine, FL comes equipped with Ford’s 4.6-liter three-valve-per-cylinder V8. As mentioned earlier, the modular engine produces 292 horsepower. More important to trailer towers is the torque: The V8 cranks out 315 foot pounds of torque. If you’re planning on towing a boat or small travel trailer, you’ll definitely appreciate the extra grunt the V8 offers when compared to the smaller 210 horsepower, 254 foot pounds of torque V6. Adding the V8 increases trailing capacity by almost 50 percent, depending upon the drive system and the hitch configuration. Backing the V8 is a technologically advanced 6-speed automatic that, according to sources within Ford, can provide improved fuel economy compared with typical 4- and 5-speed gearboxes, as well as better acceleration and a quiet and refined driving experience.
A big plus, as far as trailer towing is concerned, is Ford’s new “Trailer Sway Control,” standard on every 2010 Ford Explorer model from Bozard Ford Lincoln Mercury in St. Augustine, FL. It functions in conjunction with the AdvanceTrac with RSC. Combined, they monitor the yaw motion of the vehicle to determine if the trailer is swaying. If it is, the control takes charge: It can reduce engine torque or precisely apply the brakes to bring the Explorer and the trailer under control. It’s an exclusive arrangement and, for anyone pulling a trailer under not-so- perfect conditions, it can prove to be a major tension reducer.
In normal, day-to-day use, the 2010 Ford Explorer from Bozard Ford Lincoln Mercury in St. Augustine, FL still shines brilliantly for the very same reasons it has in the past: The view from the driver’s seat is commanding. Steering, and braking are car-like. Ditto with the creature comforts, but the capabilities, both on- and off-road are definitely truck like. Unlike some Johnny-come-lately cute-utes, the 2010 Ford Explorer from Bozard Ford Lincoln Mercury in St. Augustine, FL is an SUV for all seasons and conditions.
Plus, every new Ford vehicle purchased from Bozard Ford Lincoln Mercury in St. Augustine, FL comes fully backed by Ford’s warranties. This protection program does not require special enrollment – anyone who purchases a new vehicle from Bozard Ford Lincoln Mercury in St. Augustine, FL will automatically receive a comprehensive 3 year/36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty, 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty, 5 year/60,000 mile Roadside Assistance package, and more.
For details or to schedule a test drive of the 2010 Ford Explorer, contact Bozard Ford Lincoln Mercury in St. Augustine, FL today and discover why Bozard Ford Lincoln Mercury continues to be the leader in new car and used car sales serving St. Augustine, Orange Park, Daytona, Palatka and the greater Jacksonville, Florida area.
Source: [FordVehicles.com]
http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/reviews/review-details/?id=202