Ford Explorer

See also Ford Explorer Sport Trac for the spinoff pickup truck version

Ford Explorer
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1991–present
Assembly	Louisville, Kentucky St. Louis, Missouri
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford Bronco II

First generation
Overview
Production	1991–1994
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door SUV 4-door SUV
Related	Ford Ranger Mazda B-Series Mazda Navajo
Powertrain
Engine	4.0 L Cologne V6
Transmission	5-speed M5OD-R1 manual 4-speed A4LD automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2-Door: 102.1 in (2593 mm) 4-Door: 111.9 in (2842 mm)
Length	2-Door: 174.5 in (4419 mm) (2-door) 4-Door: 184.3 in (4673 mm)
Width	70.2 in (1778 mm)
Height	2-Door: 67.5 in (1714 mm) 4-Door: 67.3 in (1709 mm) Eddie Bauer 4-Door 4WD: 68.3 in (1735 mm)

Second generation
Overview
Production	1995–2001 (1995-2003 for Sport)
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door SUV 4-door SUV
Related	Ford Ranger Mazda B-Series Mercury Mountaineer Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Powertrain
Engine	4.0 L Cologne V6 5.0 L Windsor V8
Transmission	5-speed M5OD-R1 manual 4-speed 4R55E automatic 4-speed 4R70W automatic 5-speed 5R55E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	1995-97 4-Door: 111.5 in (2831 mm) 1998-2001 4-Door: 111.6 in (2834 mm) 1995-99 2-Door: 101.7 in (2565 mm) 2000-03 4-Door: 101.8 in (2568 mm)
Length	1998-2001 4-Door: 190.7 in (4826 mm) 1998-99 2-Door: 180.8 in (4572 mm) 1995-97 4-Door: 188.5 in (4788 mm) 1995-97 2-Door: 178.6 in (4536 mm) 2000-03 2-Door: 180.4 in (4562 mm)
Width	70.2 in (1778 mm)
Height	1995-97 4-Door: 67.6 in (1711 mm) 1998-2001 4-Door: 67.5 in (1714 mm) 1995-97 2-Door: 67.8 in (1722 mm) 1998-99 2-Door: 67 in (1702 mm) 2000-01 2-Door: 68.2 in (1732 mm) 2002-03 2-Door: 68.3 in (1735 mm)

Third generation
Overview
Production	2002–2005
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door SUV
Related	Lincoln Aviator Mercury Mountaineer
Powertrain
Engine	4.0 L Cologne V6 4.6 L Modular V8
Transmission	5-speed M5OD-R1HD manual 5-speed 5R55E automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2002-03: 113.7 in (2888 mm) 2004-05: 113.8 in (2890 mm)
Length	189.5 in (4800 mm)
Width	72.1 in (1828 mm)
Height	71.4  in (1803 mm)

Fourth generation
Overview
Production	2006–present
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door SUV
Related	Mercury Mountaineer Ford Explorer Sport Trac
Powertrain
Engine	4.0 L Cologne V6 4.6 L Modular V8
Transmission	5-speed 5R55E automatic 6-speed 6R automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	113.7 in (2870 mm)
Length	193.4 in (4902 mm)
Width	73.7 in (1854 mm)
Height	2006-07: 71.2 in (1803 mm) 2008-present: Template:Auto in

The Ford Explorer is a mid-size sport utility vehicle sold in North America and built by the Ford Motor Company since 1990. It's manufactured in Louisville, Kentucky (it was also assembled in Hazelwood, Missouri until the plant closed on March 10, 2006). It has been the best-selling mid-size SUV in the United States for fourteen consecutive years since its introduction, until 2006 when it lost the title to the Honda CRV. The Ford Explorer was one of the vehicles instrumental in turning the SUV from a special-interest vehicle into one of the most popular vehicle types on the road.

The Explorer has also been involved in controversy, after a spate of fatal rollover accidents involving Explorers fitted with Firestone tires. The Explorer competes with other traditional SUV's such as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner and Honda Pilot.

Both two-door Explorer Sport and four-door models of Explorer have been sold. Part-time four-wheel drive is an available option, and since 1995 this has been a 'shift on the fly' system with full protection against being engaged at high speed.

A specially modified Special Service Vehicle version is also available from Ford Fleet for law enforcement.

The Explorer was also a trim package offered on the Ford F-Series trucks from 1980 to 1986.

First generation (1991-1994)

The Ford Explorer was released in March 1990 as a 1991 model. It was equipped with a 4.0 L 155 hp (116 kW) V6 engine and 4-speed A4LD automatic transmission or 5-speed M5OD manual transmission. Like the Ford Bronco II it replaced, it was an SUV derivative of the Ford Ranger Pickup, but larger. Following the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer, it came in both 2-door and 4-door bodystyles. It was available with rear or four-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive versions came with a Borg Warner 1354 transfer case. All Explorers came with the 8.8" Ford rear axle in either a limited slip or open version with a variety of available gear ratios. Explorers came in 4 trim levels: base XL, XLT, Sport (only available on the two-door version), and the upscale Eddie Bauer Edition. 15 hp (11 kW) was added for 1993 for a total of 170 hp (119 kW). The Limited edition, added for 1993, was available only in the 4-door style and was even more upscale than the Eddie Bauer version. It featured automatic headlights, foglamps, an automatic transmission as standard equipment, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, a center roof console with compass and outside thermometer, special wheels, and a special grille.

Second generation (1995-2001)

The Explorer saw significant exterior, interior and suspension updates in 1995. The former "Twin Traction Beam" (TTB) front suspension was replaced with a more carlike independent front suspension. The Explorer lineup now consisted of two models: 2-door Explorer Sport and the 4-door Explorer. The Limited was a higher end 4-door. A 210 hp (157 kW) 5.0 L Windsor V8 engine and heavy-duty 4-speed 4R70W transmission were added for 1996, along with a "full time" all-wheel drive system on the Eddie Bauer and Limited in 1997. A more-powerful SOHC 205 hp (153 kW) engine came as an option in 1997 along with an optional 5-speed automatic. A Mercury twin, the Mountaineer, was added in 1997 as well. In 1998, the 5.0 L V8 received new cylinder heads (GT-40P series), which upped power to 215 hp (160 kw). The 5.0 L V8 powered Explorer has become favored in the high performance SUV crowd, with many performance parts available. This is due to the fact that many aftermarket 5.0L Ford Mustang parts are interchangeable with the Explorer variant. Also, the Explorer has aftermarket parts available for it including superchargers, nitrous kits, and headers.

The 1995 Explorer was the first production vehicle to use a neon center high mount stop lamp. This was replaced with a more conventional lamp when the liftgate was refreshed in 1998. A front end facelift came in 1999, at which time the XLS name replaced XL as the base model.

2001 saw the introduction of the Explorer Sport Trac, which put a small pickup bed behind the four normal SUV doors.

Third generation (2002-2005)

The 4-door Explorer and companion Mercury Mountaineer were redesigned entirely in 2002, losing all design similarity with the Ranger and the still in production, second generation inspired Explorer Sport Trac. Engines were either the SOHC 4.0 L V6 with 210 hp (157 kW) and 254 ft·lbf of torque or a 4.6 L 239 hp (178 kW) V8, with the 203 hp (151 kW) 4.0 L still available on the Explorer Sport. A third-row seat became available for the first time, bringing total passenger capacity to seven. Both manual and automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive were available (with 2002 being the last year of being able to order a 4-door and manual transmission). Trim lines were the base Sport Value, Sport Choice, XLS, Sport Premium, XLT, Eddie Bauer, and top Limited. AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ were standard for 2005.

All three SUVs use code U6 (for rear-wheel drive), U7 (for four-wheel drive), and U8 (for all-wheel drive) in the 5th, 6th, and 7th positions of the VIN.

Fourth generation (2006-present)

The Explorer and Mountaineer were updated for 2006 on a new frame, produced by Magna International rather than Tower Automotive. It was upsized, because the new Ford Freestyle slotted between it and the Escape. Along with this new, stronger base were a new interior, redesigned rear suspension, and power-folding third-row seats. A tire-pressure monitoring system and electronic stability control are standard. Power running boards (like those on the Lincoln Navigator) that lower to allow easier to access for someone entering the vehicle and then later retract upon door closure are available on the Explorer's sister vehicle, the Mercury Mountaineer. Unlike previous Explorers, there will be no right-hand drive version. Ford Australia has a capable local equivalent instead, being the Australian designed and developed Ford Territory. The new Explorer is marketed in Japan in a left-hand drive configuration, as LHD vehicles are considered prestigious there.

A 210 hp (157 kW) 4.0 L V6 is the base engine, with the 292 hp (218 kW) 24-valve V8 taken from the Mustang as the top choice. A six-speed automatic transmission is available with this engine as well.

The Explorer was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2006.

A new Sport Trac was added to the Explorer line in early 2006 for the 2007 model year. Unlike its predecessor it sold through 2005, it will feature the V8 engine as an option, and will be based on the new, larger Explorer platform. AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ will be standard in the Sport Trac.

A special 2007 SVT model called the Sport Trac Adrenalin was to use a supercharged version of the 4.6 L Modular V8, with 390 hp (291 kW) and featuring 21-inch wheels. It was to be a successor to the F-Series Lightning pickup . However, it was cancelled in a cost-cutting move, as part of The Way Forward. [1] [2]

Fifth generation (2010)

Template:Future automobile In December 2006 reports surfaced [3] [4] that facing the declining popularity of traditional body-on-frame SUV's the management started planning the next generation Explorer to be a Crossover SUV. Dubbed "ORE" (On Road Explorer), the project aims to develop a radically new generation of the venerable SUV, but this time on a unit body construction, likely the Ford D3 platform underpinning (among others) the Ford Taurus. The new car is to go on sale in North American market in 2010. Still others point to the fact that Ford has plenty of crossovers in the market now, and that the Explorer may be repositioned as a traditional off-road SUV (losing its "family hauler" presona in the process), similar to the Jeep Wrangler and the Toyota FJ Cruiser.

Explorer Sport

The Ford Explorer Sport was a 2-door version of the Ford Explorer, and was produced from 1991 to 2003. The Sport began as a trim level of the Ford Explorer, but it eventually became its own model. It rode on a 10" shorter wheelbase. There was only one Sport, but there were several other trim levels of the Explorer that were available with 2 doors(edmunds trim levels), such as the XL (1991-1997), the Eddie Bauer (1991-1994), and the Expedition (1995). In 1998 the Explorer Sport became the only 2-door trim level of the Explorer, and in 2001 it became its own model, as the second generation Explorer moved on to a 4-door-only 3rd generation.

First generation (1991-1994)

Technically similar to the original Ford Explorer, the Explorer Sport came in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive variants. It replaced the 2-door Ford Bronco II, and was larger than the Bronco II. A variant of the Explorer Sport was sold by Mazda as the Navajo, which won Motor Trend's Truck of the Year award but was discontinued in 1994.

Second generation (1995-2003)

Like the basic Explorer, the Explorer Sport was significantly updated in 1995. The Eddie Bauer trim level was replaced with Expedition on 2-door Explorers (1995 only, the name would be reused on the 1997 Ford Expedition). The rear was given a face lift for 1998. When the Explorer was redesigned for 2002, the Explorer Sport continued for 1 more year. Due to the decline of 2-door SUVs, the 2-door Explorer Sport was discontinued for 2003.

• 
  1991-1994 Explorer Sport
• 
  1995-2000 Explorer Sport
• 
  2001-2003 Explorer Sport

Explorer Special Service Package

To compete with other police SUVs, Ford has offered an Explorer Special Service Package. The Explorer Special Service Package is a special model of the Explorer that is only available to police and fire departments through out the North America. The only differences between the standard Explorer and the Special Service Package are provisions for emergency services related equipment such as radios, lightbars and sirens. There are also options designated fleet only (such as custom 2 tone paint arrangements) that are available to Explorer SSP.

Mixed export sales success

With the introduction of the second generation Explorer in 1995, Ford attempted to market the Explorer in the UK, similar to the Taurus Ghia, Ford's attempt to market the Taurus in Australia and New Zealand. The Explorer was poorly received in the UK, apparently in large part because it was designed for comfortable city cruising, rather than off road capability. Many UK buyers only bought SUVs if they needed cargo flexibility or off-road capability, and they viewed large SUVs as less of a family car, as opposed to station wagons, which are more traditional British family haulers. That meant that UK SUV buyers largely stuck with Land Rovers or Jeeps. After the Firestone tire problems (see below), Ford withdrew the Explorer from the UK market.

Suppliers

A large number of companies are suppliers for materials and parts that make the Ford Explorer. Suppliers include Johnson Controls, Magna International, Lear Corporation, Dana Corporation, and Visteon.

Controversies

Rollover and Firestone Tire Controversy

Main article: Firestone vs Ford Motor Company controversy

In May 2000, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) contacted Ford and Firestone about a higher than normal incidence of tire failures on Ford Explorers, Mercury Mountaineers, and Mazda Navajos fitted with Firestone tires (later including Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series pickup trucks). The failures all involved tread separation— in which the outer tread carcass would delaminate and cause a rapid loss of tire pressure. Ford investigated and found that several models of 15 in (381 mm) Firestone tires (ATX, ATX II, and Wilderness AT) had higher failure rates, especially those made at Firestone's Decatur, Illinois plant.

Ford argued that Firestone was at fault. Ford's argument noted that its SUVs and pickups equipped with Firestone-competitor Goodyear tires experienced no rollover issues, even at low psi levels. Since most Explorer, Mountaineer, Ranger, B-Series, and Navajo tires have been replaced, the rollover reports have subsided, further lending credit to Ford's position that the design of its vehicles were not at fault.

Part of the rollover issue was poor driver reaction to the tire blowout. When a tire blew, the driver experienced a large jerk and many drivers reacted by jerking the wheel in an attempt to regain control. This action causes a shift of the vehicle's weight, which results in the roll-over of the vehicle, especially when this occurs at higher speeds (many reports of roll-overs were of vehicles being driven at speeds of 70 MPH and above). Larry Webster, a test-driver for Car & Driver magazine was able, in a test simulating dozens of tire blowouts, repeatedly able to bring a 1994 Explorer to a stop without a single rollover, even at speeds of 70 MPH. According to Forbes magazine, car experts and NHTSA claim that the vast majority of crash accidents and deaths are caused not by the vehicle, but by the driver, by road conditions or some combination of the two.

U-Haul trailers

On December 22, 2003, U-Haul, the largest North American equipment rental company, announced that they would forbid their outlets from renting trailers to persons planning to tow behind Ford Explorers due to liability concerns.[5]

See also

• Mercury Mountaineer
• Lincoln Aviator
• Saleen XP6
• Saleen XP8

External links

• Ford Explorer official websites: U.S.A. | Canada