Retaining nearly the same proportions as the first two generations, the third-generation Explorer was an inch shorter in length and two inches wider, gaining two inches in wheelbase. A five-speed manual transmission was offered for 2002 before its discontinuation; as of the 2020 model year, it is the final year a Ford Explorer was available with a manual transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive offered as an option. Explorer rollover rates, at the time of the controversy, were higher than any of its competitors. The Explorer is available in either front-wheel drive or full-time all-wheel drive. It has rugged body-on-frame construction, plenty of ground clearance, … The powertrain packages in the concept vehicle include a two-liter four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection EcoBoost gas engine with 275 hp (205 kW) and 280 ft⋅lbf (380 N⋅m) of torque, and a 3.5L V6 version EcoBoost with 340 hp (254 kW) and up to 340 ft⋅lbf (461 N⋅m) of torque. [43] The power take off (PTO) unit includes a heavy-duty dedicated cooling system to allow the four-wheel drive system to supply continuous non-stop torque delivery to all four wheels indefinitely, without overheating. [44] A "4WD" badge is advertised on the rear liftgate on the all-wheel drive models. For 1998, the exterior of the Ford Explorer was given a mid-cycle update. At its launch, the Ford Explorer followed the Aerostar, Bronco, Econoline, F-Series, and Ranger in model trim. 2007", "1995 Explorer first production vehicle to use a neon stop lamp", "Ford Explorer project leader aimed at a global standard", "Explorer Model Raises Doubts About Safety", "Ford to build new Escape in Kentucky, adding 1,800 jobs", "Death Row: Ford Pulls Plug on GT Supercar, Lincoln LS and Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin", "Ford to reveal new fuel-saving concept in Detroit", "Ford to equip half a million vehicles with EcoBoost engine technology for up to 20% better fuel economy", "Ford's Chicago plant gets a $1 billion upgrade", "Chicago Assembly Plant will shut down for entire month of March as it switches to new Explorer model", "Ford Sollers Joint Venture Starts Work Today in Russia; Announces Ford Explorer SUV to be Built in Tatarstan", "Why Ford's Blue Oval is missing from the 2016 Explorer", "Ford Police Interceptor Utility is California Highway Patrol's Next Cruiser", "2016 Ford Explorer SUV - Specifications- Ford.com", "2011 Ford Explorer, View Exterior Specifications", "2011 Ford Explorer reportedly to be built in Chicago on Taurus X platform", "2021 Ford® Bronco SUV | The Legend Returns by Popular Demand", "Jim Holland: Bringing Luxury Levels Of Content, Craftsmanship To Reinvigorated Ford Explorer, Ford Motor Company Newsroom", "All-new 2011 Ford Explorer Begins Production in Chicago - Auto News", "FORD TO BRING NEXT-GENERATION FORD EXPLORER, 1,200 JOBS TO CHICAGO MANUFACTURING FACILITIES", "Report: Ford Explorer orders nearly double expectations", "Ford – Cars, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers, Ford Vehicles, The Official Site of Ford Vehicles", "2011 Ford Explorer, View Full Engine Specifications", "2011 Ford Explorer puts four-cylinder EcoBoost engine above V6 in pecking order – Autoblog", "2011 Ford Explorer Revealed – Kelley Blue Book", "2010 Ford Explorer, View Towing Specifications", "2011 Ford Explorer Will Offer Inflatable Seatbelts to Rear Seat Passengers – Automotive News & Car Rumors at Automobile Magazine", "Ford recalling 1.2 million Explorers over suspension issue", "2011 & Newer – Search Results: Ford Explorer – Safercar – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)", "New 2011 Ford Explorer: North American Truck of the Year", "Ford's Rear Inflatable Seat Belt Wins '2011 Best New Technology' Award", "New Ford Explorer Sport: Fuel-Efficient, High-Performance SUV Features Inspired Design Cues, EcoBoost V6 Engine", "2013 Ford Explorer Sport presages running changes for entire range", "2013 Chevy Traverse debuts with new face, minor tweaks", "2017 Ford Explorer SUV | Features Designed for Comfort and Style", "The 2020 Ford Explorer Undergoes Its Biggest Changes in a Decade", "Ford=Lincoln Trucks (Build out Final order Star up dates)", "Does China's 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum Look Better Than Ours? In a major shift from its predecessors, the third-generation Explorer adopted a four-wheel independent suspension configuration, never before used on a Ford truck (on American-produced SUVs, fully independent suspension was previously exclusive to the Hummer H1). The water pumps on these engines are internally mounted and driven by the timing chain. We may earn money from the links on this page. For the 2007 model year, the Ford Special Vehicle Team built the Sport Trac Adrenalin concept with a supercharged version of the 4.6 L Modular V-8, with 390 hp (291 kW), and featuring 21-inch (533 mm) wheels. The XL was distinguished by a black grille (chrome optional) with steel wheels, while the XLT offered a chrome grille and alloy wheels; the Eddie Bauer offered alloy wheels and two-tone paintwork. In another major change, the third-generation Explorer was developed solely as a five-door vehicle. For 1997, a third-row seat was introduced as an option; expanding seating to seven passengers, the design was only offered in export markets. Available features on the fifth generation Explorer include intelligent access with push button start, remote engine start, power liftgate, power adjustable pedals with memory, premium leather trimmed seating, heated and cooled front seats, dual headrest DVD entertainment system, adaptive cruise control, active park assist, SIRIUS Travel Link, MyFord Touch, Ford SYNC by Microsoft, Sony audio system with HD radio and Apple iTunes tagging, in-dash advanced navigation system, SoundScreen laminated acoustic and solar tinted windshield with rain-sensing wipers, 20-inch polished V-spoke aluminium wheels, and High-intensity discharge headlamps (HID) and LED tail lamps. [42] Conventional front and rear differentials are used with 3.39:1 gearing. Every Expedition boasts 15 cupholders and, apart from the base two-row-only XL STX model, a power-folding third-row seat. Distinguished by black-colored wheel wells and rocker panels, Sport was slotted between XL and XLT. Off-road geometry figures for approach, departure and ramp breakover angles are 21°, 21° and 16° respectively. Sharing the frame and wheelbase of the Ranger SuperCab, the Sport Trac combined the front fascia of the Explorer Sport with a crew cab derived from the four-door Explorer; the pickup bed (designed for the model line) shared its tailgate with the F-150 SuperCrew. The cargo floor was lowered several inches, adding nearly 10 cubic feet of total cargo room. The Police Interceptor Utility comes with an all-wheel drive powertrain standard. However, in comparison to the Bronco II, the Explorer is far larger, with the two-door Explorer Sport gaining 12.6 inches in length and 2.2 inches of width; a four-door is 22.4 in (569 mm) longer[2] and 730 lb (331 kg) heavier. The grille features Ford's corporate three-bar design with upper and lower perforated mesh work, similar to that of the sixth-generation Ford Taurus. The 2001-2005 Sport Trac was the final version of the Explorer derived from the Ranger. Both the regular-length Expedition and the longer Expedition Max delivered 20 mpg on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route. The Expedition's interior has a square dashboard sporting large air vents and materials that improve with the trim level. [81] When a tire blew, the vehicle would experience a sudden sharp jerk, and many drivers reacted by counter-steering in an attempt to regain control. Moving to a monocoque body usually has a negative impact on towing capacity. It has all the latest driver-assistance tech, including standard automated emergency braking. The Expedition is an infotainment sanctuary, with numerous connectivity options and lots of available features. [30] Minimum running ground clearance is 7.6 inches (193 mm). The V8 models came equipped with a different full-time AWD system, without the 4x4 High-Range/Low-Range feature. The fifth generation Explorer features blacked-out A, B, and D-pillars to produce a floating roof effect similar to Land Rover's floating roof design used on its sport utility vehicles; a design which Ford previously used on the Ford Flex. Along with more compact packaging of front suspension components, the design allowed for improved on-road handling/feel. [12] Along with tuning the Explorer for higher-speed European driving, the Explorer was benchmarked to lead against the Lexus RX300 and the then-in-development Volkswagen Touareg.[12]. Standing ¼-mile: 14.6 sec @ 94 mph [14], On December 22, 2003, U-Haul, the largest American equipment rental company, announced it would prohibit its outlets from renting trailers to persons planning to tow behind Ford Explorers due to liability concerns, with no published data to substantiate the claim. The third-generation Ford Explorer went on sale in January 2001 (as an early 2002 model). From 1990 to 1994,[6] Mazda marketed the two-door Ford Explorer as the Mazda Navajo; the model was awarded the 1991 Motor Trend Truck of the Year award. As of 2014, the Explorer is also available in Ukraine and Belarus. Also, the optional satellite navigation system was also upgraded with voice control. All Expeditions employ an independent rear suspension that provides better ride and handling than the live-axle setups on Chevrolet and GMC alternatives. XLT Desert Copper and Limited Luxury package. Unlike the Explorer America concept vehicle which only seats five occupants, the production Explorer holds two rows of seating with available PowerFold fold flat third row seating (like the previous generation) and accommodates up to seven occupants.[39]. While the XL remained the base model (largely for fleets), most examples were produced under a single Sport trim level. Ford argued that Firestone was at fault, noting that the tires made by Firestone were very defective. [86] The subsequent introduction and proliferation of electronic stability control systems have essentially addressed and mitigated this shortcoming. The 2020 Ford® Escape SEL offers a 1.5 Liter Ecoboost with Auto Start-Stop Technology, Reverse Sensing System, Power Liftgate & more. For the V6 models, in place of Touch Drive from the previous generation, ControlTrac was an electronically controlled full-time four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case, with software controlling a multi-disc clutch (in place of a center differential). Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 6.8 sec As a result, when they fail, antifreeze is dumped directly into the crankcase; mixing with engine oil and potentially damaging the head gaskets and connecting rod bearings. The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. [87] In mid-2013, U-Haul began allowing Ford Explorers of model year 2011 and newer to tow their trailers. ", "Right Hand Drive JDM Imports – RightDrive – Est. Slotted below the XLS were two major trim packages, Sport Value, Sport Choice, with Sport Premium between XLS and XLT. Carried over from the previous generation, the base engine for the third-generation Explorer was a 210 hp (157 kW) 4.0 L SOHC V6. The four-wheel drive system was redesigned for the 1995 Explorer. [87] Unofficial reports from employees indicated that it was due to the rear bumper separating from the vehicle, including the tow hook assembly. Similar to the Platinum editions of the F150 and Ford Super Duty trucks, the Platinum trim features front and rear cameras, enhanced active park assist with perpendicular park assist, park-out assist and semi-automatic parallel parking, hands-free liftgate from the Ford Escape, an exclusive 500-watt Sony surround sound system, and a heated steering-wheel. [37] Like the Escape, the Explorer will continue to be marketed as an "SUV" rather than a "crossover SUV". Holland also worked on the Ford Expedition (U324) during its initial development.[34]. Offered only with four-wheel drive at its launch, a rear-wheel drive version of the Navajo was introduced for 1992. The model was planned by Ford SVT to be the successor to the F-150 Lightning sports pickup truck. The Explorer was longer and wider than the compact Bronco II, placing it in a higher size class.[2]. Motivating the Expedition is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 and responsive 10-speed automatic transmission that pair with rear- or all-wheel drive. The I-4 engine is not available with the optional 6-speed 6F SelectShift automatic, and will only be available in front-wheel drive.[40][41]. Offering black lower bodywork and grille and alloy wheels, the Sport was intended as a replacement for the Bronco II. Terrain Management includes four selectable modes. In a test simulating dozens of tire blowouts, Larry Webster, a test-driver for Car & Driver magazine, was repeatedly able to bring a 1994 Explorer to a stop without incident from speeds of 70 mph (113 km/h). Ford's Co-Pilot360 Assist—a bundle of advanced driver-assistance features—is now available as an option on the XLT model for 2021. Learn more about the 2010 Ford Edge. [45][46] Explorer's overall off-road crawl ratio is 15.19:1 with high range – no low range – gearing only. Through its production run, variants of the Explorer have been sold by Mercury, Lincoln, and Mazda; Lincoln currently markets the model line as the Lincoln Aviator. Our Platinum test vehicle featured niceties not available on lesser trims, including the multicontour front seats with a massage function, leather door-trim accents, real wood on the center console, and a steering wheel wrapped in premium leather. This problem can occur as early as 45,000 mi (72,000 km) in some vehicles. Only models sold in Continental Europe and the British Isles are shown, overseas territories often have different offerings. Similar to the layout used on the Ford MN12-chassis cars (1989-1998 Thunderbird/Cougar and Lincoln Mark VIII), each rear wheel was connected to the rear-axle differential with two half-shafts. U-Haul did not alter its policies regarding the renting of trailers to persons planning to tow behind the Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo or earlier versions of the Lincoln Aviator, which are all mechanically identical to the Ford Explorer. 16-inch wheels replaced 15-inch wheels (shared with the Ranger). From 2003 to 2005, the Lincoln Aviator was marketed as a counterpart of the third-generation Explorer. While the 420-hp Yukon Denali fell short of its EPA estimate, too, it matched the Ford's real-world results. Air vents and USB ports abound. Retaining the previous-generation chassis architecture, the three-door Explorer Sport continued production through the 2003 model year; the Explorer Sport Trac four-door pickup truck continued through 2005. This class of hefty haulers certainly doesn't help preserve fossil fuels. It's available in both standard-length and long-wheelbase Expedition Max body styles and is powered by a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. [14] The previous Bronco II had already been cited by Consumer Reports for rollover tendencies in turns.[14]. The first two generations were directly derived from the Ford Ranger, switching to a model-specific chassis for the third and fourth generations. Along with fleet-specific options such as steel wheels and provisions for user-specific paint schemes (such as contrasting doors), the Utility comes with provisions for fitting emergency equipment such as radios, lightbars and sirens. Four-wheel-drive front axles were the TTB ("Twin Traction Beam") Dana 35 with some Dana 44-spec components. 4-speed automatic (Ford 4R55E); 1995-1996, 5-speed automatic (Ford 5R55E); 1997-2000, Borg Warner 13-54 Electric Shift; 2001-2003 Explorer Sport. As with its predecessor, the second generation was sold in both three-door and five-door configurations. At first only one engine was available: the 290 hp (216 kW) (255 lb⋅ft (346 N⋅m) of torque) 3.5 liter TiVCT (Twin independent Variable Camshaft Timing) V-6 attached to either the 6-speed 6F automatic or 6-speed 6F SelectShift automatic. Given all its interior space, the Expedition is reasonably comfortable, but it fails to deliver a luxury experience that many buyers would expect from an SUV with such a high starting price; it's more posh cousin, the Lincoln Navigator, may be worth a look for those who appreciate the finer things. The Ford Explorer was introduced in March 1990 for the 1991 model year. [73] In total, the hybrid system increased the combined fuel economy of the Utility from 19 MPG to 24 MPG,[73] a 26% increase. For 2014, Ford added the 365 hp (272 kW) 3.5 L EcoBoost V6 (shared with the Police Interceptor Sedan and Ford Taurus SHO). The Explorer Sport Trac was produced through the 2005 model year (until it was redesigned for 2007). Rollover risk is inherently higher in truck-based vehicles, like the Explorer, than in ordinary passenger cars, as modification for bulky 4-wheel-drive hardware requires increases in height to avoid compromising ground clearance (raising the center of gravity), while a short wheelbase further reduces stability. To better compete against the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer and Jeep Cherokee mid-size sport-utility vehicles, Ford sought to replace the Bronco II with a vehicle sized closer to its competitors. The development of the fifth generation Explorer was led by chief engineer Jim Holland from February 2008 to October 2010, who was also a chief engineer for Land Rover; heading development of the Land Rover Range Rover (L322) 2005 facelift from December 2001 to December 2004. For 1998, the Explorer Sport became the sole version of the three-door; following the introduction of the third-generation Explorer, the Explorer Sport became a distinct model through the 2003 model year. It also came standard with 20" polished aluminum wheels, and the fender flares that came on the Explorer and standard Sport Trac were deleted. The 4.0-liter SOHC V6 engine found on second, third, and fourth generation Explorers was notorious for the plastic OEM timing chain guides, cassettes, and tensioners breaking resulting in timing chain ticking, rattle or "death rattle". Air bags are sewn into the inside of the seat belts, and inflate with cold air to prevent burns. To make the Explorer more competitive, Ford shifted away from typical SUV design, abandoning the use of the Ford Ranger chassis architecture in favor of designing a purpose-built platform. [75] The latest generation Explorer was made available in Japan the Fall of 2015.[76]. Ford's AdvanceTrac RSC (Roll Stability Control) system became available as a standard feature on the Explorer for the 2005 model year. [72], For the 2020 model year, Ford has created a second-generation Police Interceptor Utility, derived from the sixth-generation Explorer. The center multi-disc differential controls the front-to-rear torque split, biasing as much as 100 percent of torque to either the front or rear wheels. A rear-seat entertainment system is available but only on the Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum trims. Enjoy standard heated seats & Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist standard with the 2021 Ford® Expedition Platinum MAX SUV. For 2007, The Explorer received a few minor updates including standard AUX input on all stereos and optional power running boards, heated windshield, Ironman Package, XLT Appearance Package, and heated leather seat package. Following the shift from the D4 to the CD6 architecture, the Police Interceptor Utility gains cargo space (even with hybrid batteries onboard) over its predecessor. An 8.0-inch Sync 3 touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a 4G LTE mobile hotspot comes standard. The base Explorer will be sold mainly to fleet buyers, and will not be available for retail sale. [28] In May 2014, statisticians R.L. For 2020, the Lincoln Aviator was revived (after a 14-year hiatus) as a mid-size SUV; as before, the model line is a Lincoln counterpart of the Ford Explorer (now the sixth generation) and the Lincoln Navigator. The fifth-generation Explorer was the first-ever vehicle to be equipped with dual rear inflatable safety belts. 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