2004 V8 Explorer gets LOUSY mileage

hertfordnc wrote:
My wife just bough a 2004 fully loaded Explorer with 4wd and the 4.6 V8. On the first couple tanks, driving on mostly flat two-lane roads she got 14MPG

Our loaded expediton with the 5.6 gets better mileage, likewise, my 98 F250 with the same 4.6 and a cronic misfire got better mileage.

The truck has 140,000 miles and runs great. It could be more zippy, I'm expecting it to launch about the same as the heavier but more powerful Expedition.

THanks

I have the first year of the redesign. '02 Explorer V8 4x4 and 3.73 gears. EPA fuel economy sticker shows 14 city, 19 highway if I remember correctly. Does hers have the HD tow package? If so, it also has 3.73 gears instead of the 3.55's.

Mine is reasonably zippy, and I average 15.0 MPG. 80% in town driving, and a bit of trailer towing mixed in. I've done as well as 22 on 100% highway, but I don't enjoy driving 52 MPH behind a 18 wheeler to get it.

On the plus side it handles my 5K camper really well, and has held up pulling that weight more than 10K miles over the last 6 years. It's been a great truck (bought it new as a demo with about 8K miles) and is by far the longest I've owned any vehicle.