Features Comparison: Ford Freestar vs. Ford Explorer
Model Year
2006
2006
2006
2006--2006-2006--2013-2013-
2006--2006-2006--2013-2013-
2006--2006-2006--2013-2013-
2006--2006-2006--2013-2013-
Model
Freestar
Freestar
Freestar
Explorer
Explorer
Explorer
Explorer
Trim
SE
SEL
Limited
XLS
XLT
Eddie Bauer
Limited
Engines
3.9L V6 OHV-2v 193 hp@4500 240 lb-ft@3750
4.2L V6 OHV-2v 201 hp@4250 263 lb-ft@3650
4.0L V6 OHC-2v 210 hp@5100 254 lb-ft@3700
4.6L V8 OHC-3v 292 hp@5750 300 lb-ft@3950
Transmissions
4-speed automatic
5-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
Drivetrains
FWD
RWD
4WD w/low range
Final Drive Ratios
3.73 axle ratio
Tires
225/60R16 tires
235/55R17 tires
235/60R16 tires
235/70R16 tires
245/65R17 tires
235/65R18 tires
Audio Systems
Unbranded, 4 speakers
Unbranded, 80W, 4 speakers
Unbranded, 190W, 7 speakers (with subwoofer)
Accessories
Ashtray and lighter (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Cruise control
Dual power sliding doorsBoth sliding doors can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob.
Both sliding doors can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob.
Keyless entry keypadUnlock the car by entering a code on a door-mounted keypad.
Unlock the car by entering a code on a door-mounted keypad.
Power flip-out rear side windows
Power front side windowsOften must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.
Power liftgateLiftgate can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob.
Liftgate can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob.
Power locks
Power rear side windows
Power-adjustable pedalsPedals adjust fore-and-aft to provide the optimal relationship with the steering wheel.
Pedals adjust fore-and-aft to provide the optimal relationship with the steering wheel.
Remote keyless entryUnlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.
Tilt steering wheel, manual
Universal garage door openerHomelink.
Homelink.
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety
4-wheel disc brakesRear disc brakes.
Rear disc brakes.
AlarmOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Antilock brakes (ABS)Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.
Brake assistWhen a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
Front airbagsMandatory, in all cars.
Mandatory, in all cars.
Front side airbagsTorso-level front row airbags, usually contained in the seats. Many also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.
Torso-level front row airbags, usually contained in the seats. Many also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.
Full-size spare tire
Obstacle detection, rearBeeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
Rollover sensorDeploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others.
Deploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others.
Side curtain airbagsAirbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.
Side curtain airbags, three rowsAirbags contained just above the window level. Cover all three rows.
Airbags contained just above the window level. Cover all three rows.
Stability controlSelectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).
Tire-pressure monitorTwo types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.
Tires, self-sealing
Traction controlWhen a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.
Cargo Management
Cargo cover
Cargo net
Cargo organizerAbove floor system for organizing cargo.
Above floor system for organizing cargo.
Class II trailer hitchHitch rated for up to 3,500 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower.
Hitch rated for up to 3,500 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower.
Class III trailer hitchHitch rated for up to 5,000 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower.
Hitch rated for up to 5,000 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower.
Console with shifter
Console without shifter
Overhead sunglass holderUsually part of an overhead console.
Usually part of an overhead console.
Roof rack crossbarsRequires roof rails. Together constitute a roof rack.
Requires roof rails. Together constitute a roof rack.
Roof railsNo crossbars.
No crossbars.
Second-row high consoleSecond-row center console that rises to armrest height, and usually includes storage.
Second-row center console that rises to armrest height, and usually includes storage.
Storage beneath cargo floorLarge storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized.
Large storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized.
Trailering equipment (4 wire)Includes four-wire harness, limited to relatively small trailers.
Includes four-wire harness, limited to relatively small trailers.
Trailering equipment (7 wire)Includes seven-wire harness, necessary for larger trailers.
Includes seven-wire harness, necessary for larger trailers.
Climate Control
Air conditioning
Automatic climate control, frontMaintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Dual-zone climate controlTemperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Interior air filterFilters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.
Rear air ventsVents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling.
Vents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling.
Rear air vents with automatic controlsMaintains set temperature in rear passenger area by providing heated or cooled air through vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Replaces and includes value of rear air vents with manual controls.
Maintains set temperature in rear passenger area by providing heated or cooled air through vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Replaces and includes value of rear air vents with manual controls.
Rear air vents with manual controlsFan speed and/or temperature can be manually set for vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Includes value of rear vents.
Fan speed and/or temperature can be manually set for vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Includes value of rear vents.
Rear defrost
Rear heat ductsDucts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.
Rear HVAC unitA second evaporator provides cool air to rear vents. Does not include the value of these vents. Includes rear heater.
A second evaporator provides cool air to rear vents. Does not include the value of these vents. Includes rear heater.
Rear wiper
Speed-sensitive wipersOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Variable intermittent wipersTime between wipes can be precisely adjusted.
Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted.
Engine / Motor
Additional engine coolingNo value because no way to compare across models.
No value because no way to compare across models.
Engine-block heaterPlugs into electrical outlet to warm up the engine. Facilitates starting in extreme cold.
Plugs into electrical outlet to warm up the engine. Facilitates starting in extreme cold.
Exterior
Bodyside claddingProtective cladding extending partly onto the doors.
Protective cladding extending partly onto the doors.
Bodyside cladding (gray/black)Protective cladding extending partly onto the doors.
Protective cladding extending partly onto the doors.
Bodyside moldingsMoldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots.
Moldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots.
Deep-tinted rear windows
Paint, special white
Rear spoilerCan be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.
Running boards
Special exterior trimOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Sunroof
Tubular side steps
Tubular side steps, bright finish
Wheel-lip moldingsExtensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective.
Extensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective.
Infotainment
Audio controls on steering wheel
Cassette player
CD changer, in-dashIncludes CD player.
Includes CD player.
CD player
Entertainment system, ceiling-mountedA DVD player and ceiling-mounted screen. Often includes a pair of wireless headphones.
A DVD player and ceiling-mounted screen. Often includes a pair of wireless headphones.
MP3-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.
Navigation systemScreen-based navigation system.
Screen-based navigation system.
Rear seat audio controlsAudio controls for rear seat passengers, usually to control output through headphone jacks.
Audio controls for rear seat passengers, usually to control output through headphone jacks.
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors
Analog clock
Auto-dimming rearview mirrorInterior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Automatic headlightsHeadlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.
CompassWe haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.
Conversation mirrorEnables driver to view rear passenger compartment without turning around.
Enables driver to view rear passenger compartment without turning around.
Cornering lightsLights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned.
Lights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned.
Fog lightsLight wide area close in front of the vehicle.
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle.
Heated mirrorsClears ice and fog from mirrors.
Clears ice and fog from mirrors.
Illuminated visor mirror, driverIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Illuminated visor mirror, passengerIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Map lightsFront row reading lights.
Front row reading lights.
Outside temperature display
Perimeter approach lightingArea around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.
Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.
Power mirrorsIncludes value of manual remote mirrors.
Includes value of manual remote mirrors.
TachometerReports engine speed.
Reports engine speed.
Trip computerReports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.
Turn signals on or near mirrors
Visor mirror, driver
Visor mirror, passenger
Seats and Interior Trim
Front buckets
Second-row 2-person bench
Second-row buckets
Second-row 2-section 3-person split bench
Second-row 3-section 3-person split bench
Third-row 2-section 2-person split bench
Third-row 3-person bench
Center armrest(s), front row
Center armrest(s), second row
Floor mats
Floor mats, third row (optional)Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Folding second row seatsSeat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Folding third row seatsSeat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Heated front seats
Leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Manual fore-aft adjuster, second row seatsSeat adjusts back and forth to vary the split between the second row and the third row or cargo area.
Seat adjusts back and forth to vary the split between the second row and the third row or cargo area.
Manual lumbar adjuster, driver seatManually adjustable lower back support.
Manually adjustable lower back support.
Manual lumbar adjuster, passenger seatManually adjustable lower back support.
Manually adjustable lower back support.
Manual recliner, second row seats
Memory system, driver seat
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat
Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat
Power height adjuster, driver seat
Power height adjuster, passenger seat
Power lumbar adjuster, driver seatPower-adjustable lower back support.
Power-adjustable lower back support.
Power recliner, driver seat
Power tilt adjuster, driver seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power-folding third row seatsSeat powers flat to enlarge cargo area. Also powers back upright. Replaces manual folding seat, and includes the value of that feature.
Seat powers flat to enlarge cargo area. Also powers back upright. Replaces manual folding seat, and includes the value of that feature.
Removable second row seatsSeat must be removed for maximum cargo capacity and a flat load floor.
Seat must be removed for maximum cargo capacity and a flat load floor.
Stowable third row seatsSeat stows in a well completely beneath the floor level.
Seat stows in a well completely beneath the floor level.
Synthetic suede inserts in leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede.
Seating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede.
Tailgating position, third row seatsThird-row seat can be flipped over to face out the rear of the vehicle, for use with the tailgate open.
Third-row seat can be flipped over to face out the rear of the vehicle, for use with the tailgate open.
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheelReal wood comprises part of the steering wheel rim.
Real wood comprises part of the steering wheel rim.
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires
All-terrain tiresOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Alloy wheels
Machined alloy wheelsOuter surface of alloy wheels machines to yield a bright finish. Replace and include value of reqular alloy wheels.
Outer surface of alloy wheels machines to yield a bright finish. Replace and include value of reqular alloy wheels.
Polished alloy wheelsAlloy wheels highly polished to yield an almost chrome-like finish. In the past valued more highly than regular alloy wheels. But the term is used so broadly lately, often meaning that only some of the wheel face is machined, that they have the same defau
Alloy wheels highly polished to yield an almost chrome-like finish. In the past valued more highly than regular alloy wheels. But the term is used so broadly lately, often meaning that only some of the wheel face is machined, that they have the same defau
White-letter tiresThe letters on the tire sidewalls are white rather than black.
The letters on the tire sidewalls are white rather than black.
Transmission
Transmission coolerOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range
Heated memory seats, flat load floor, easy fold seats in second and third row. Audiophile radio with Satellite is great! Everything still works after 2+ years.
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What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2006--2006-2006--2013-2013- Ford Explorer
5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range
6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range