The 2013 Ford Explorer: A Comprehensive Guide

The 2013 Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that offers a blend of capability, comfort, and style. Available in five trim levels—Base, XLT, Limited, Sport, and Platinum—the Explorer can be tailored to meet a variety of needs and budgets.

Performance and Capability

The 2013 Explorer offers a choice of two powerful engines:

• A 3.5-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque
• A 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with 365 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque

Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is available on all trim levels except the Base. When properly equipped, the Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy for the 2013 Explorer varies depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. The most fuel-efficient model is the Base trim with the 3.5-liter V6 and rear-wheel drive, which achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The least fuel-efficient model is the Platinum trim with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and all-wheel drive, which achieves an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Features and Technology

The 2013 Explorer comes standard with a variety of features, including:

• Power windows and locks
• Cruise control
• Air conditioning
• A six-speaker sound system
• Bluetooth connectivity

Higher trim levels add features such as:

• Leather upholstery
• Heated and cooled seats
• A sunroof
• A navigation system
• A rear-seat entertainment system

Safety

The 2013 Explorer received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also earned a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features include:

• Anti-lock brakes
• Traction control
• Stability control
• Airbags

Pricing and Availability

The 2013 Ford Explorer is available at a starting price of $30,385 for the Base trim. The XLT trim starts at $32,685, the Limited trim starts at $37,110, the Sport trim starts at $39,985, and the Platinum trim starts at $44,985. The Explorer is available at Ford dealerships nationwide.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: A family of five purchased a 2013 Explorer XLT and used it to take a cross-country road trip. They were impressed with the Explorer's spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engine. They also appreciated the fuel economy, which averaged 25 mpg on their trip.

Lesson Learned: The Explorer is a great choice for families who need a spacious and comfortable SUV that can handle long road trips.

Story 2: A construction worker purchased a 2013 Explorer Sport and used it to haul tools and equipment to job sites. He was impressed with the Explorer's towing capacity, off-road capabilities, and durable construction. He also appreciated the fact that the Explorer was easy to clean after a long day of work.

Lesson Learned: The Explorer is a good choice for people who need a versatile SUV that can handle both work and play.

Story 3: A couple purchased a 2013 Explorer Limited and used it for daily commutes and weekend getaways. They were impressed with the Explorer's luxurious interior, quiet ride, and user-friendly technology. They also appreciated the fact that the Explorer was available with all-wheel drive for added safety in inclement weather.

Lesson Learned: The Explorer is a good choice for people who want a luxurious and capable SUV for everyday use.

Effective Strategies

If you're considering purchasing a 2013 Ford Explorer, there are a few strategies you can use to get the best possible deal:

• Shop around and compare prices from multiple dealerships.
• Negotiate with the dealer on the price, financing, and trade-in value (if applicable).
• Consider purchasing a certified pre-owned Explorer, which comes with a warranty and has been inspected by a Ford technician.
• Look for special offers and incentives from Ford or your local dealership.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when purchasing a 2013 Ford Explorer:

• Buying without doing your research. Before you visit a dealership, take some time to research the Explorer and its competitors. This will help you make an informed decision and avoid getting talked into a vehicle that's not right for you.
• Not negotiating the price. Dealerships are often willing to negotiate on the price of a vehicle, so don't be afraid to ask for a lower price or a better deal on financing.
• Ignoring the cost of ownership. When considering the cost of a vehicle, be sure to factor in the cost of insurance, maintenance, and repairs.
• Buying a vehicle that's not right for your needs. The Explorer is a versatile SUV, but it's not the right choice for everyone. If you don't need a vehicle with as much space or towing capacity, you may be better off with a smaller or less expensive SUV.

Why the 2013 Ford Explorer Matters

The 2013 Ford Explorer is a well-rounded SUV that offers a blend of capability, comfort, style, and technology. It's a good choice for families, construction workers, and anyone else who needs a versatile and capable SUV.

Benefits of Owning a 2013 Ford Explorer

There are many benefits to owning a 2013 Ford Explorer, including:

• Spacious and comfortable interior. The Explorer has a roomy interior with plenty of space for passengers and cargo.
• Powerful and efficient engines. The Explorer's engines offer plenty of power for towing and off-roading, but they're also fuel-efficient.
• Versatile. The Explorer is a versatile SUV that can handle a variety of tasks, from hauling tools to taking the family on a road trip.
• Safe and reliable. The Explorer has a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the IIHS. It's also built with high-quality materials and components.

Figures from Authoritative Organizations

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2013 Ford Explorer received a five-star overall safety rating.
• According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2013 Ford Explorer earned a "Top Safety Pick" designation.
• According to J.D. Power and Associates, the 2013 Ford Explorer has a predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Tables

Table 1: Engine Specifications

Table 2: Fuel Economy (EPA Estimates)

Table 3: Safety Features