- See also Ford Explorer Sport Trac for the spinoff pickup truck SUV Crossover version
| Ford Explorer | |
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| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 1991–present |
| Assembly | Louisville, Kentucky St. Louis, Missouri |
| Predecessor | Ford Bronco II |
| Class | Mid-size SUV, wagon |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| First generation | |
|---|---|
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| Production | 1991–1994 |
| Body style(s) | 2-door SUV 4-door SUV |
| Engine(s) | 4. See also Ford Explorer for the SUV on which the Sport Trac is based The Ford Sport Trac is a Mid-size Sport utility vehicle The automotive industry is the industry involved in the design development manufacture marketing and sale of Motor vehicles In 2007 more than 73 million motor vehicles Ford Motor Company is an American Multinational corporation and the world's fourth largest automaker based on Worldwide vehicle sales, following The Ford Bronco II was a Compact SUV sold between 1984 and 1990 Car classification is subjective since many vehicles fall into multiple categories or do not fit well into any A sport utility vehicle ( SUV) is a generic marketing description for a rugged automotive vehicle similar to a Station wagon but built on a light-truck chassis A station wagon (or simply wagon) in American, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand usage and an estate car (or just estate In Automotive design layout specifies where on the car the Engine and Drive wheels are found A front-mounted engine describes the placement of an Automobile engine in front of the vehicle passenger compartment Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4x4 ("four by four" is a four-wheeled Vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four Wheels to Cars can come in a large variety of different body styles. Some are still in production while others are of historical interest only A sport utility vehicle ( SUV) is a generic marketing description for a rugged automotive vehicle similar to a Station wagon but built on a light-truck chassis A sport utility vehicle ( SUV) is a generic marketing description for a rugged automotive vehicle similar to a Station wagon but built on a light-truck chassis 0 L Cologne V6 |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed M5OD-R1 manual 4-speed A4LD automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2-Door: 102. The original Ford Cologne V6, also known as the Ford Taunus V6, 640L was a 60° Cast iron block V6 engine built by the Ford Motor Company A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the Crankcase in two banks of three cylinders The M5OD (Mazda 5-speed with Over Drive is a line of Manual transmissions produced by Mazda and used in Mazda and Ford cars and trucks An automatic transmission (commonly "AT" or "Auto" is an Automobile Gearbox that can change Gear ratios automatically as the vehicle In both road and rail Vehicles the wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels 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) |
| Fuel capacity | 19 US gallons (71. 9 L/15. 8 imp gal) |
| Related | Ford Ranger Mazda B-Series Mazda Navajo |
| Second generation | |
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| Production | 1995–2001 (1995-2003 for Sport) |
| Body style(s) | 2-door SUV 4-door SUV |
| Engine(s) | 4. Ford Ranger is a name used on two distinct compact Pickup truck lines by the Ford Motor Company and by a marketing arrangement with Mazda Mazda has sold two entirely different compact Pickup trucks under the B-Series name The Mazda Navajo was a 2-door SUV introduced in 1991 and Mazda's very first off-roader Cars can come in a large variety of different body styles. Some are still in production while others are of historical interest only A sport utility vehicle ( SUV) is a generic marketing description for a rugged automotive vehicle similar to a Station wagon but built on a light-truck chassis A sport utility vehicle ( SUV) is a generic marketing description for a rugged automotive vehicle similar to a Station wagon but built on a light-truck chassis 0 L Cologne V6 5. The original Ford Cologne V6, also known as the Ford Taunus V6, 640L was a 60° Cast iron block V6 engine built by the Ford Motor Company A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the Crankcase in two banks of three cylinders 0 L Windsor V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed M5OD-R1 manual 4-speed 4R55E automatic 4-speed 4R70W automatic 5-speed 5R55E automatic |
| Wheelbase | 1995-97 4-Door: 111. The Windsor engine is a 90-degree Small-block V8 from Ford Motor Company. A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the Crankcase in two banks of four cylinders in most cases set at a right angle to each other The M5OD (Mazda 5-speed with Over Drive is a line of Manual transmissions produced by Mazda and used in Mazda and Ford cars and trucks The AOD (for automatic overdrive was a four-speed Automatic transmission with Overdrive. In both road and rail Vehicles the wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels 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) |
| Fuel capacity | 21 US gallons (79. 5 L/17. 5 imp gal) |
| Related | Ford Ranger Mazda B-Series Mercury Mountaineer Ford Explorer Sport Trac |
| Third generation | |
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| Production | 2002–2005 |
| Body style(s) | 4-door SUV |
| Engine(s) | 4. Ford Ranger is a name used on two distinct compact Pickup truck lines by the Ford Motor Company and by a marketing arrangement with Mazda Mazda has sold two entirely different compact Pickup trucks under the B-Series name The Mercury Mountaineer is a midsize Sport utility vehicle (SUV manufactured by the Mercury brand name and owned by the Ford Motor Company. See also Ford Explorer for the SUV on which the Sport Trac is based The Ford Sport Trac is a Mid-size Sport utility vehicle Cars can come in a large variety of different body styles. Some are still in production while others are of historical interest only A sport utility vehicle ( SUV) is a generic marketing description for a rugged automotive vehicle similar to a Station wagon but built on a light-truck chassis 0 L Cologne V6 4. The original Ford Cologne V6, also known as the Ford Taunus V6, 640L was a 60° Cast iron block V6 engine built by the Ford Motor Company A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the Crankcase in two banks of three cylinders 6 L 16-valve Modular V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed M5OD-R1HD manual 5-speed 5R55E automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2002-03: 113. The Modular engine is Ford Motor Company 's current high volume Overhead camshaft (OHC V8 and V10 gasoline engine family A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the Crankcase in two banks of four cylinders in most cases set at a right angle to each other The M5OD (Mazda 5-speed with Over Drive is a line of Manual transmissions produced by Mazda and used in Mazda and Ford cars and trucks A manual transmission (also known as a stick shift or just 'stick' 'straight drive' or standard transmission) is a type of transmission used in An automatic transmission (commonly "AT" or "Auto" is an Automobile Gearbox that can change Gear ratios automatically as the vehicle In both road and rail Vehicles the wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels 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) |
| Fuel capacity | 22. 5 US gallons (85. 2 L/18. 7 imp gal) |
| Related | Lincoln Aviator Mercury Mountaineer |
| Fourth generation | |
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| Production | 2006–present |
| Body style(s) | 4-door SUV |
| Engine(s) | 4. The Lincoln Aviator was a Mid-size Sport utility vehicle (SUV produced by the Ford Motor Company 's Lincoln luxury division The Mercury Mountaineer is a midsize Sport utility vehicle (SUV manufactured by the Mercury brand name and owned by the Ford Motor Company. Cars can come in a large variety of different body styles. Some are still in production while others are of historical interest only A sport utility vehicle ( SUV) is a generic marketing description for a rugged automotive vehicle similar to a Station wagon but built on a light-truck chassis 0 L Cologne V6 4. The original Ford Cologne V6, also known as the Ford Taunus V6, 640L was a 60° Cast iron block V6 engine built by the Ford Motor Company A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the Crankcase in two banks of three cylinders 6 L 24-valve Modular V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed 5R55E automatic 6-speed 6R automatic |
| Wheelbase | 113. The Modular engine is Ford Motor Company 's current high volume Overhead camshaft (OHC V8 and V10 gasoline engine family A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the Crankcase in two banks of four cylinders in most cases set at a right angle to each other An automatic transmission (commonly "AT" or "Auto" is an Automobile Gearbox that can change Gear ratios automatically as the vehicle The 6R is a 6-speed Automatic transmission for Longitudinal engine placement in Rear wheel drive vehicles An automatic transmission (commonly "AT" or "Auto" is an Automobile Gearbox that can change Gear ratios automatically as the vehicle In both road and rail Vehicles the wheelbase is the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels 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: 72. 8 in (1849 mm) |
| Fuel capacity | 22. 5 US gallons (85. 2 L/18. 7 imp gal) |
| Related | Mercury Mountaineer Ford Explorer Sport Trac |
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size sport utility vehicle sold in North America and built by the Ford Motor Company since 1990. The Mercury Mountaineer is a midsize Sport utility vehicle (SUV manufactured by the Mercury brand name and owned by the Ford Motor Company. See also Ford Explorer for the SUV on which the Sport Trac is based The Ford Sport Trac is a Mid-size Sport utility vehicle A sport utility vehicle ( SUV) is a generic marketing description for a rugged automotive vehicle similar to a Station wagon but built on a light-truck chassis Ford Motor Company is an American Multinational corporation and the world's fourth largest automaker based on Worldwide vehicle sales, following It's manufactured in Louisville, Kentucky (it was also assembled in Hazelwood, Missouri until the plant closed on March 10, 2006). Hazelwood is a city in St Louis County, Missouri, United States. Events 241 BC - First Punic War: Battle of the Aegates Islands - The Romans sink the Carthaginian fleet bringing Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. The Ford Explorer was 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 Firestone Tire and Rubber Company was founded by Harvey Firestone in 1900 to supply pneumatic tires for wagons buggies and other forms of wheeled transportation This article is about tires used on road Vehicles including pneumatic tires and solid tires.
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. Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4x4 ("four by four" is a four-wheeled Vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four Wheels to
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. For the 1999-present F-250 and higher models see Ford Super Duty.
Explorer Sport variation
The Ford Explorer Sport was a 2-door version of the Ford Explorer, designed to take the place of the Bronco II in Ford's model line, and was produced from 1991 to 2003. Ford Motor Company is an American Multinational corporation and the world's fourth largest automaker based on Worldwide vehicle sales, following 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.
 1st-gen Explorer 2-door |
 1998-2000 Explorer Sport |
 2001-2003 Explorer Sport |
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. A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the Crankcase in two banks of three cylinders An automatic transmission (commonly "AT" or "Auto" is an Automobile Gearbox that can change Gear ratios automatically as the vehicle A manual transmission (also known as a stick shift or just 'stick' 'straight drive' or standard transmission) is a type of transmission used in 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. See also Chevrolet Blazer (disambiguation The Chevrolet Blazer (4WD model T-10 and the similar GMC S-15 Jimmy 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. An automatic transmission (commonly "AT" or "Auto" is an Automobile Gearbox that can change Gear ratios automatically as the vehicle A grille (French word from Latin craticula, small grill is an opening of several slits side by side in a wall or metal
Technically similar to the original Ford Explorer, the Explorer Sport came in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive variants. Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4x4 ("four by four" is a four-wheeled Vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four Wheels to It replaced the 2-door Ford Bronco II, and was larger than the Bronco II. The Ford Bronco II was a Compact SUV sold between 1984 and 1990 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. ( is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Hiroshima, Japan. The Mazda Navajo was a 2-door SUV introduced in 1991 and Mazda's very first off-roader
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. The Windsor engine is a 90-degree Small-block V8 from Ford Motor Company. A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the Crankcase in two banks of four cylinders in most cases set at a right angle to each other Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4x4 ("four by four" is a four-wheeled Vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four Wheels to A more-powerful SOHC 205 hp (153 kW) engine came as an option in 1997 along with an optional 5-speed automatic. Overhead camshaft, commonly abbreviated to OHC, Valvetrain configurations place the engine Camshaft within the Cylinder heads above the A Mercury twin, the Mountaineer, was added in 1997 as well. Mercury is an Automobile Marque of the Ford Motor Company founded in 1939 by Edsel Ford, son of Henry Ford, to market entry-level-luxury The Mercury Mountaineer is a midsize Sport utility vehicle (SUV manufactured by the Mercury brand name and owned by the Ford Motor Company. In 1998, the 5. 0 L V8 received new cylinder heads (GT-40P series), which upped power to 215 hp (160 kw). The watt (symbol W) is the SI derived unit of power, equal to one Joule of energy per Second. 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.
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 Ford Expedition is a Full-size SUV built by the Ford Motor Company. The rear was given a face lift for 1998.
2001 also saw the introduction of the Explorer Sport Trac, which put a small pickup bed behind the four normal SUV doors. See also Ford Explorer for the SUV on which the Sport Trac is based The Ford Sport Trac is a Mid-size Sport utility vehicle A pickup truck is a light Motor vehicle with an open-top rear cargo area which is almost always separated from the cab to allow for chassis flex when carrying or pulling
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. Ford Ranger is a name used on two distinct compact Pickup truck lines by the Ford Motor Company and by a marketing arrangement with Mazda Engines were either the 210 hp (157 kW) SOHC 4. 0L V6 with 254 ft·lbf (344 N·m) of torque or a 239 hp (178 kW) 4. 6 L 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 (2-door and Sport Trac only) and automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive were available (with 2001 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 but an option from 2002 and on.
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.
When the Explorer was redesigned for 2002, the Explorer Sport continued unchanged for 1 more year. Due to the decline of 2-door SUVs, the 2-door Explorer Sport was discontinued in 2003.
Intake Manifold Defect
Certain 2002 V8 Explorers, using an all-composite intake manifold, are subject to coolant leaks. Late in 2005 Ford settled a class action lawsuit. See Intake Manifold Defect for details. The Modular engine is Ford Motor Company 's current high volume Overhead camshaft (OHC V8 and V10 gasoline engine family
Fourth generation (2006-present)
The Explorer and Mountaineer were updated for 2006 on a new frame, produced by Magna International rather than Tower Automotive. Magna International Inc ( is a Canadian company based in Aurora Ontario. Tower Automotive LLC is a global designer and producer of structural components and assemblies used by virtually every major automotive vehicle manufacturer It was upsized, because the Ford Freestyle (now called Ford Taurus X), slotted between it and the Escape. The Ford Taurus X is a 6 to 7-passenger mid-size Crossover SUV produced by Ford in the United States The Ford Escape (designated U204) is a Crossover (automobile sold by the Automaker Ford Motor Company introduced in 2000 as a 2001 model year 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. Electronic stability control ( ESC) is a computerized technology that improves the safety of a vehicle's handling by detecting and preventing skids 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. The Lincoln Navigator is a Full-size luxury SUV produced by Ford Motor Company for its luxury division Lincoln. Unlike previous Explorers, there will be no right-hand drive version. Right-hand traffic and left-hand traffic mean regulations requiring all traffic to keep either to the left or the right side of the Road. Ford Australia has a capable local equivalent instead, being the Australian designed and developed Ford Territory. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. The Ford Territory is a Crossover SUV built by Ford Australia and based on the EA169 platform of the Ford BA Falcon. The new Explorer is marketed in Japan in a left-hand drive configuration, as LHD vehicles are considered prestigious there. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Right-hand traffic and left-hand traffic mean regulations requiring all traffic to keep either to the left or the right side of the Road.
A 210 hp (157 kW) 4. 0 L V6 is the base engine, with the 292 hp (218 kW) 24-valve V8, similar to the Mustang engine, as the top choice. In Automotive engineering, an engine is referred to as multi-valve (or multivalve) when each cylinder has more than two valves. The Ford Mustang sports coupe, manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, was initially based on the Ford Falcon 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. The North American Car of the Year is an Automobile award voted annually in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
A new Sport Trac was added to the Explorer line in early 2006 for the 2007 model year. See also Ford Explorer for the SUV on which the Sport Trac is based The Ford Sport Trac is a Mid-size Sport utility vehicle The model year of a product is a number used to describe approximately when a product was produced 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. See also Special Vehicle Operations Special Vehicles Team, also known as SVT, is an arm of Ford Motor Company responsible for A supercharger is an air compressor used for Forced induction of an Internal combustion engine. 6 L Modular V8, with 390 hp (291 kW) and featuring 21-inch (530 mm) wheels. The Modular engine is Ford Motor Company 's current high volume Overhead camshaft (OHC V8 and V10 gasoline engine family A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the Crankcase in two banks of four cylinders in most cases set at a right angle to each other It was to be a successor to the F-Series Lightning pickup . For the 1999-present F-250 and higher models see Ford Super Duty. However, it was cancelled in a cost-cutting move, as part of The Way Forward. Ford Motor Company 's restructuring plan made public in 2006 is known as The Way Forward. [1] [2]
Fifth generation concept
Ford has revealed in media press releases, along with a gallery of photographs[1], a new Explorer America concept vehicle, scheduled for public unveiling at the 2008 North American International Auto Show[2]. The North American International Auto Show (previously called the Detroit Auto Show and often abbreviated NAIAS) is an annual Auto show held in The concept represents a new design direction for a future, more fuel efficient Explorer[3]. The Explorer America concept is built on a unibody platform to reduce weight and improve driveability, migrating from the body-on-frame platform of the current Explorer. It is designed for up to six passengers, and can tow 3,500 pounds, while improving fuel economy by 20 to 30 percent relative to the current V6 Explorer. The powertrain packages in the concept vehicle include a two-liter four cylinder turbocharged direct injection EcoBoost gas engine with 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 280 ft·lbf (380 N·m) of torque, and a 3. For the UK engine manufacturer see Powertrain Ltd. In a Motor vehicle, the term drivetrain, powertrain or powerplant 5 liter V6 version EcoBoost with 340 horsepower (250 kW) and up to 340 ft·lbf (460 N·m) of torque[4]. The EcoBoost engine is scheduled for initial installation in the Lincoln MKS sedan in 2009, followed by the Ford Flex and other vehicles, and is expected to power a half-million Ford vehicles each year by 2013[5]. The Lincoln MKS is a premium Full-size luxury sedan produced by the Lincoln division of the Ford Motor Company The Ford Flex is a full-size "people-mover" Crossover SUV built by Ford that replaces the discontinued Freestar Minivan and the Ford is also looking into using lighter weight chassis components with materials such as aluminum and magnesium, and electric power steering to reduce weight, along with improved aerodynamics, to improve fuel economy in the Explorer and other vehicles.
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 throughout 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. Radio is the transmission of signals by Modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible Light. Emergency vehicle lighting refers to any of several visual warning devices which may be known as light bars or beacons fitted to a vehicle and used when the driver wishes to convey to In Greek mythology, the Sirens ( Greek singular Seirēn; Greek plural Seirēnes) were three dangerous bird-women 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 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located The Ford Taurus is an Automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in the United States. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island 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. Land Rover is an all-terrain vehicle and Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV manufacturer based in Solihull, England, now operated as part of the Jaguar Jeep is an Automobile Marque (and registered trademark of Chrysler. After the Firestone tire problems (see below), Ford withdrew the Explorer from the UK market.
As of 2008, the Explorer is exported to Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Russia, the Middle East, and certain countries in South America and Africa.
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. Johnson Controls Inc is an United States company based in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Magna International Inc ( is a Canadian company based in Aurora Ontario. Lear Corporation ( headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, USA is a Fortune 500 company engaged in the business of manufacturing and distribution Dana Holding Corporation ( is an Auto parts and systems company recently emerged from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Visteon is an Automotive parts company spun off from the Ford Motor Company in 2000.
Controversies
Rollover and Firestone Tire 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). Rollover is a type of vehicle accident, where a vehicle turns over on its side or roof The Firestone and Ford tire controversy was a period of unusually high tire failures on some Ford vehicles resulting in numerous accidents The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA, often pronounced "nit-suh" is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company was founded by Harvey Firestone in 1900 to supply pneumatic tires for wagons buggies and other forms of wheeled transportation The Mercury Mountaineer is a midsize Sport utility vehicle (SUV manufactured by the Mercury brand name and owned by the Ford Motor Company. The Mazda Navajo was a 2-door SUV introduced in 1991 and Mazda's very first off-roader 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. Decatur is the largest city and the county seat of Macon County in the U
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. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company was founded in 1898 by Frank Seiberling. Rollover is a type of vehicle accident, where a vehicle turns over on its side or roof 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. Although the Explorer having a manufacturer recommended inflation of only 26 PSI likely contributed to the tread separation problem by causing the tires to operate at higher than normal temperatures.
Part of the rollover issue was poor driver reaction to the tire blowout. [6] 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. Car and Driver is an American automotive enthusiast Magazine. [6][7] 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. [8]
In response to Firestone's allegations of Explorer's design defects, NHTSA undertook a preliminary investigation and reported that further action was not required. Its conclusion was that Explorer was no more prone to rollover than other SUVs given their high center of gravity. [9] The subsequent introduction and proliferation of electronic stability control systems have essentially addressed and mitigated this shortcoming. Electronic stability control ( ESC) is a computerized technology that improves the safety of a vehicle's handling by detecting and preventing skids
In January, 2001, Ford Motor Co. and Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. settled a lawsuit with a Texas woman, Donna Bailey, who was left paralyzed after a tire-related crash in an Explorer, averting a courtroom drama that would have focused attention on one of the nation's most serious highway safety investigations. Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. The exact amount of the settlement was not disclosed, but sources close to the case said Ford and Firestone agreed to pay Donna Bailey, 44, a sum between 20 and $35 million. Hours before the settlement was announced, three senior Ford lawyers took the unusual step of visiting Bailey in her room at a Houston rehabilitation center in order to apologize. The case demonstrated Ford's heavy involvement in the deaths and injuries associated with the Ford Explorer and Firestone tire accidents, including the vehicle's role in causing accidents to occur. Bailey's attorneys, including Tab Turner, also reported as part of the settlement discussions with attorneys about expanding Firestone's recall of 6. 5 million Firestone tires, since the tire involved in Bailey's accident was not one of those recalled. Consistent with the result, federal regulators in the fall of 2001 ordered a recall of the remaining Firestone tires. (Grimaldi, Washington Post, "Firestone, Ford Settle Tire Lawsuit", January 9, 2001)
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. Events 475 - Byzantine Emperor Zeno is forced to flee his capital at Constantinople. Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. Events 1790 - The Turkish fortress of Izmail is stormed and captured by Suvorov and his Russian armies Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. U-Haul International Inc is a North American equipment Rental company, based in Phoenix Arizona, that has been in operation since 1945 [3] This however was completely baseless by that time as the problem had been corrected with the tire recall, and the corrected inflation recommendation. Further, U-Haul did not alter their policies regarding the renting of trailers to persons planning to tow behind the Mercury Mountaineer, which is mechanically identical to the Ford Explorer. The Mercury Mountaineer is a midsize Sport utility vehicle (SUV manufactured by the Mercury brand name and owned by the Ford Motor Company.
See also
References
- ^ Autospies.com - "Tags: 2010 Explorer" - 6 January 2008
- ^ Media.ford.com - FORD TO REVEAL NEW FUEL-SAVING CONCEPT IN DETROIT - 6 January 2008
- ^ News.Yahoo.com (via Associated Press / Dee-Ann Durbin) Ford hints at new Explorer with concept - 6 January 2008
- ^ Media.ford.com - FORD TO EQUIP HALF A MILLION VEHICLES WITH ECOBOOST ENGINE TECHNOLOGY FOR UP TO 20% BETTER FUEL ECONOMY - 6 January 2008
- ^ Ford's EcoBoost Engine Excites Marketer - Biz.yahoo.com (Dee-Ann Durbin / Associated Press) 6 January 2008
- ^ a b "Bad Drivers, Good Credibility - car makers face uphill struggle against public perception", Ward's Auto World, April 2001
- ^ Doron Levin column, Detroit Free Press, October 27, 2000
- ^ Dan Ackman, "Ford, Firestone Face Off", Forbes, June 19, 2001
- ^ http://www.dot.gov/affairs/nhtsa01102.htm
External links
- Ford Explorer official websites: U.S.A. | Canada
- Ford Explorer America Concept SUV at Ford Auto Shows
- Ford Explorer America Concept SUV On Ford and the Environment SMPR
- History of the 1st Ford Explorer
- Serious Explorations - Ford Explorer Enthusiast Website
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