Anyone want to chime in the reliability? Honda>Ford I know. BUT 4.6 litre Explorers are supposed to be quite good. And Honda has had transmission issues, and the timing belt in the 3.5 is slightly worrisome. What say you?
The V8 explorer is the better choice in this case.
@mrrangerzr1
thanks - I am considering now a 2006 Eddie Bauer Explorer 4.6 litre with 144,000 miles. Very good condition, approx US$3600. The 2008's are Limiteds which have some type of air ride system I am not crazy about
I would pick Hondas over fords all day. But that particular model is known for its reliability and I wouldn't second guess either decision. But the back of my mind says... they didn't call them exploders for no reason... haha. Really though either car can last longer than I will but it depends in if it was properly maintained and not beaten to death while being driven.
Well I did some research and talked to a local mechanic. Bottom line is STAY AWAY from the 4.6 litre 3V version which was introduced to Explorers starting in 2006. The 4.6 2V is very reliable, but 3V is a totally different animal. Perhaps the Town Cars and Grand Marquis are all 4.6L 2V. I don't want to go back as far as 2005 though. So back to looking at that 2008 Pilot, but I don't like the VCM nor the transmission issues.