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Ford improves 2002 Explorer
by David Chao
Although the Firestone tire fiasco badly tarnished the reputation and image of the Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle, it's still one of the best selling trucks in North America, and continues to play a significant role for Ford.
And with an all-new, completely revamped Explorer for 2002, Ford hopes to retain its position as a market leader in this segment.
The Explorer first arrived in North America in the early 1990s, and quickly climbed up the sales chart to become one of the best selling vehicles. Taking advantage of this, Ford launched other models using the Explorer name (such as the Ford Explorer Sport Trac and Explorer Sport). In fact, Ford even applied the Explorer's name style (starting with E or Ex) to new Ford SUV arrivals, as evident with the gigantic Excursion, the full-size Expedition and the smaller Escape.
The 2002 Explorer is completely new; key components were redesigned to improve the overall road feel and comfort and, at the same time, enhance the Explorer's handling regardless of the driving conditions. The previous Explorer suffered from poor handling and ho-hum performance, so the changes are definitely welcome. The new model handles, drives, and performs significantly better than any of its predecessors, thanks to new suspension and engine choices.
In terms of size, the 2002 model is actually slightly shorter than the 2001 version, but the width has been increased substantially by close to 50 mm or 2 inches. The wheelbase and the track are both up as well, which helps improve stability and road manners.
The Explorer is targeted at a wide range of buyers, from young, single professionals to active retirees and growing families.
There are many competitors in this market, but the key players are the Chevrolet TrailBlazer (also new this year), Grand Cherokee, GMC Envoy, Dodge Durango, Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, and soon-to-arrive Honda Pilot.
If potential buyers can forget about what happened with the Firestone tires, and focus on Explorer's positive attributes, they will find that the Explorer still offers excellent value and features for their money. This review focuses on the four-door Explorer and not the Sport or Sport Trac models.
The Explorer is built at plants in Louisville, Ky., and St. Louis, Mo., in the United States.
Body and design
For good or bad, Ford decided to retain the Explorer's basic styling. The result is a fairly conservative exterior and interior design that may age quickly. The paint quality and exterior fit-and-finish are about average for a vehicle in this class.
The interior is functional but once again, Ford decided not to do anything drastic here. Just a simple but effective design with above-average interior quality.
The Explorer comes in two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive versions, and is built as a body-on-frame vehicle (which is becoming more and more uncommon these days).
The chassis is 350 per cent more torsionally stiff than before, but the Cd (aerodynamic factor) is unimpressive at 0.41.
Performance
The base engine is a 4.0-litre V6, producing 210 horsepower at 5,250 r.p.m. and 255 ft.-lb. of torque at 3,750 r.p.m. This is an adequate engine for everyday driving but its horsepower and torque ratings fall behind competitors' V-6 engines.
An all-new, optional 4.6-litre 240-h.p., SOHC, V8 replaces the 2001's 5.0-litre, 215-h.p., pushrod, V8, engine. The 25-h.p. increase makes a huge difference on the road. The V-8 is quiet, smooth, and refined.
Handling is still the biggest liability despite improvements in design and engineering. At the front, the torsion bar suspension has been replaced by a coil spring mechanism, while at the rear, a new fully independent suspension replaces the old solid rear axle/leaf spring design. The steering feel and cornering capability, however, are no worse than others in the body-on-frame class. Directional stability on rough, hard surfaces is much improved over its predecessor.
Greater suspension compliance and lateral stability benefits off-road performance. Increased ground clearance and approach/ departure angles also helps, though most Explorer owners would likely never take the vehicle off-road.
A five-speed automatic is standard across the board; it features the latest design technology and offers faultless performance - smooth and quiet (plus more flexibility for loads/towing). The ControlTrac 4WD transfer case allows automatic AWD, 4-High and 4-Low modes.
The braking system consists of four-wheel discs, ABS, and electronic brake force distribution. Good feel under normal use.
Environment
Uncluttered dashboard has most frequently-used controls highest on the instrument panel. The reach to some of the controls, though, is a tad far for some of us who have "average length" arms. Otherwise, ergonomics are excellent, and various adjustments are possible (tilt/telescopic steering wheel, adjustable pedals).
A longer front seat track, and multi-adjustable seats assure a comfortable and safe driving position.
There is more room everywhere. The load floor is 20 mm (0.8 in.) lower than the previous model. A third-row seat is available for the first time that folds into the floor. The 40/20/40 second-row seat does not fold completely flat, but comes close. Rear leg and hip room have been increased compared to the 2001 model, but the third-seat space is tight for adults.
Comfort is a high priority in the new Explorer. Interior noise levels have been decreased by six decibels. Many other NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) refinements have been incorporated.
A two-way rear hatch (glass-only or entire hatch) is a new feature for 2002.
There is a handy centre console with a big storage bin, four cup holders, power points, and rear vents.
Approach lamps under side mirrors help you get in and out of the car in the dark.
Features and information
Models available are: XLS at $37,700; XLT at $39,480; Eddie Bauer at $45,175; and the Limited at $46,925.
Some of the standard features include ABS brakes, power rack-and-pinion steering, airbags, ControlTrac 4WD, five-speed automatic, air-conditioning, CD audio, and more.
Optional features are different depending on the model, but they include automatic temperature control, memory seats, premium audio, power seats, leather trims, trip computer, park distance control, side curtain air bags, and many others.
Thumbs up
Refinement, especially ride. Roomy and comfortable. Modern drivetrains. Value. Rugged body-on-frame design.
Thumbs down
Handling falls behind some competitors, especially those built on car-platforms. Resale value questionable because of the Firestone issue. Conservative and boring design.
Bottom line
Solid, well-built SUV with excellent towing capacity and strong chassis.
Competitors
Chevy TrailBlazer
The Ford Explorer has a more refined chassis, more cargo room and payload, much larger fuel tank and range.
Chevy's six-cylinder has more horses than Ford's V8, nearly the same torque. Not as clean an interior design.
The TrailBlazer definitely handles better and is more responsive.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Ford has better ride, more cargo capacity, better economy, and better NVH.
Jeep has much smaller interior, more off-road capability. The Grand Cherokee remains popular but it's become outdated against the competitors.
Toyota 4Runner
The Explorer is more roomy, powerful, and comfortable.
Toyota has traction control and stability control, but a less powerful engine and dated interior.
First class quality and reliability but like the Jeep, the 4Runner needs a new model real soon.
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