The 2008 Ford Explorer is a four-door, midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV) with a traditional truck-type design. With innovative options like Ford's exclusive Sync (the voice-activated, hands-free, customizable media system); a spirited 292-horsepower, 4.6-liter engine; and seating for five, six or seven passengers, the Explorer is designed to fit into an active lifestyle.

The Ford Explorer comes in XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited trims. The base 4.0-liter, V-6 engine generates 210 horsepower. A 4.6-liter V-8 pumping out 292 horsepower of energy is optional on all models. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard with the V-6 engine, while the V-8 comes matched to a six-speed automatic. Both engines can be equipped with either a two-wheel drive or a four-wheel-drive system with a push-button transfer case.

The 2008 Ford Explorer XLT provides seating for five and comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, air conditioning, a CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input jack, and full power accessories. The Eddie Bauer models have two-tone paint, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, power driver seat, heated front seats, Ford Sync connectivity, faux wood interior trim, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Limited has all these features as well as monochromatic paint, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control (with a separate rear air conditioner), power-adjustable pedals, a manually folding third-row seat (for seven passenger capacity), a power front passenger seat, and seat memory for the driver. The Limited also has heated exterior mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and upgraded audio system with an in-dash CD changer and steering wheel-mounted controls.

Anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side air bags and first- and second-row side curtain air bags are standard on the 2008 Ford Explorer. The stability control system includes an important feature called roll stability control (RSC), which uses a gyro sensor to calculate the SUV's roll speed and angle. If RSC determines a rollover is imminent, it activates the regular stability control to help avoid it. A reverse parking sensor system is standard on the Limited and optional on other trims. The Explorer earned a perfect five stars in all frontal- and side-impact crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It also received the top rating of "Good" in the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety's frontal-offset crash testing.