To be perfectly honest, although Ford's Explorer model has been a great seller for the company in the past, the SUV market is now shrinking in size quite rapidly, particularly for vehicles such as the larger-size Explorer, which, like several others, is not exactly famous for its outstanding fuel economy figures.

Of course, the Explorer range went through a substantial makeover last year, and so coupled with the above, perhaps it is the reason behind the company's decision to make but minimal changes to the vehicle for the 07 model year.

So, what do we actually have new for this year?

Well, this year's Explorer benefits from a slight redesign to the front-end styling, and a few additional interior/exterior options.

However, before we get to those, let me tell you of the main improvement over the 06 model, that being the addition of an optional power upgrade in the form of a 4.6L SOHC 24 valve V8. This ups the available horsepower from 210hp for the base 4.0L V6, to 292hp for the new V8.

Now whilst that may appear to some as if Ford is shooting itself in the foot as far as gas prices and fuel economy goes, as I have said before, there are always alternative ways to look at things.

Obviously, with the high cost of fuel today, many SUV owners are now downsizing to smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles such as the new breed of crossover SUV's.

Ford has some very good products to offer in that segment already, and so why not keep the faithful Explorer customers happy at the same time. After all, a few slight modifications here and there are not going to break the bank. They have probably recouped the development investment already, and there will always be someone waiting in line to purchase a larger than most, mid-sized traditional built SUV.

After all, the new breed of crossover vehicles might well save you a few bucks at the pumps, but for those who haul boat trailers etc, there is no alternative for size and power. That is one thing which the manufacturers need to remember as they continue to downsize and lighten vehicles in the name of fuel economy.

The 07 Explorer has also benefited from a few modifications designed to make the vehicle more enjoyable, like the fact that all 07 models now come with an input jack for MP3 players, and that the rear third row seating now carries a rather nice power-fold option.