Summary & Specs
reviewed by
The Explorer continues to be the best-selling sport-utility vehicle in the country. It isn't necessarily the best
SUV in the country, at least if real off-road capability is a factor. Modest ground clearance and a long wheelbase
limit its usefulness in rough country. What seems to keep the Explorer on top is its roominess, solid reputation
for durability, quality engineering, good looks and its overall reputation as the leader. Those are the things that
keep resale values up.
The single overhead-cam V6 engine is a sweetheart, and unless you must have the extra torque provided by the V8
for serious trailering, we can't advise spending the extra money.
The Explorer operates in a populous realm, against some very able competition. And it's not the least expensive,
by any means. But for the kind of all-around uses most families find for their sport-utilities, the Explorer's formula is still tough to beat.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor |
Mike Knepper |
| Model Lineup |
|
| Engines (standard) |
4.0-liter sohc V6 |
| Engines (optional) |
160-hp 4.0-liter ohv V6, 215-hp ohv V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
5-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) |
5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic (with V8) |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
Dual airbags |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
|
| Basic Warranty |
3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
St. Louis, MO; Louisville, KY |
| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-392-3673 |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.ford.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$22,010 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
XLT 4-door 4X4 |
| Standard Equipment |
ABS, sohc V6 engine, air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette stereo, power windows, power mirrors, power locks, privacy glass, bright bumpers, color-keyed body side molding, retractable cargo cover, cargo dome lamp, liftgate power lock, accessory delay, aluminum alloy wheels |
| Destination Charge |
|
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
Premium AM/FM/cassette stereo, keyless remote entry, luggage rack, overhead console, fog lamps |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Layout |
|
| Price as Tested |
$29,585 |
| Horse Power |
205 @ 5000 |
| Torque |
250 @ 3000 |
| Fuel Economy |
18/23 |
| Wheelbase |
111.5 |
| Length/Width/Height |
188.5/70.2/66.8 |
| Track Front/Rear |
58.8/58.6 |
| Turning Radius |
37.3 |
| Seating Capacity |
5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
39.8/51.9/42.4 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
39.3/51.7/37.7 |
| Trunk Volume |
81.6 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
4600 |
| Front Suspension |
Independent |
| Rear Suspension |
Live axle |
| Ground Clearance |
|
| Curb Weight |
4166 |
| Stock Tires |
P235/75R-15 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
disc/disc |
| Fuel Capacity |
21.0 |