[Anti_Rice_Guy]

06 Explorer is the first year of the 5 spd auto vs. 4 spd IIRC.

I've had my 06 4.0 XLT 4x4 since fall of 06 (Got it with 16k miles) and am now at 120k. I've had zero issues outside of half my speedo lights dying. I have a gas mileage spreadsheet since the day we got it, and in the past 104k miles, I've averaged 17.5 mpg. Keep in mind that I live on a mountain, and rarely see straight, 65 mph highway uninterrupted by traffic. I've had a CAI on it since 75k miles and saw a slight bump in mpg (as well as a cool intake whistle!). It's towed several smaller trailers, and has been stuffed to the gills for a camping trip while towing the jet ski in 98 degree heat for 5 hours straight through the hills of upstate NY with no issue this past summer. It's a nice balance between useable space versus overall size of the vehicle, and the plus side is that the 3rd row seats only 2, but 2 real adults can fit comfortably back there.

Other factors affecting mileage are the fact that I run 18" wheels on a 255/55/18 tire for most of the year (March/April-November), vs the stock 16" wheel on a 235/75/16. My best tank was 23 mpg straight highway at 65 mph with no traffic, with frequent forays in the 20-21 range in light-moderate traffic with a high highway concentration. On a regular basis now, I get between 17-20 mixed commuting on Rt 80/280 in fairly heavy traffic (plus my drive from the boonies to the highway).



If you have any other specific questions let me know.