Leader of the Pack
Louisville-made Explorer perched at the top of the SUV mountain

This is Ford country. There’s no doubt that Ford, with its prominence in the Kentucky area, has a strong following. At the top of the list squarely sits the Louisville made Explorer, year in and year out purchased by more SUV buyers than any other vehicle of its type in this country. Lately, the domestic competition have begun to step up the chase for number one with more refined and better looking SUV’s aiming to overtake Dearborn’s finest.

To counter this, Ford has unveiled the most improved Explorer in its history. Its improvements begin with the development of a brand new chassis. Gone from the previous limitations of the Ranger-based platform, the new frame has been computer-modeled to erase a big Explorer weakness – vibration. The results bring over three times more chassis stiffness while adding over two inches to the width and length.

Gone too are the live rear axle and leaf springs. In their place is a sophisticated unequal-length-control arm rear suspension. Not only does the new system provide better cornering and stability (great when towing a trailer up to 7300 pounds), it gives the designers enough room in the cargo bed to fit an optional third bench seat.

Ford’s external design has built on the previous body and added a greater sense of sophistication while retaining a purposeful sense of strength. The stout side panels and flared fenders are positive design features that help give space on the inside.

Added inches on the interior give occupants a less claustrophobic feeling than before. The design overall is more user-friendly, from the countered plush seats to lower lift-in height. Adjustable pedals and steering wheel further showcase the thoughtful design improvements.

The Explorer driver’s seating position gives an excellent vantage point to things both inside and out. Larger windows offer good visibility and controls are straight forward and intelligently designed with large buttons and knobs. Many luxury appointments are also available, including leather seating and hi-fi stereo.

Ford is trying to move beyond the whole Firestone debacle by stressing safety. An optional curtain-style airbag system offers protection to the front and middle seat passengers in side and rollover accidents. Standard conveniences include a four wheel, anti-lock braking system, driver and passenger air bags, a passive anti-theft system, and a remote keyless entry. Side impact door beams round out the safety features.

The Explorer comes standard with a V-6 engine (210 bhp and 250 lb-ft torque) that boasts efficiency improvements from the previous design. Still, if performance is your thing, go for the optional V-8, which shaves over a second and a half off 0-60 times and generally helps to haul the bigger and heavier Explorer on and off road with more purpose and conviction.

The Ford engineers outdid themselves with the updates, innovations and overall recasting of the Explorer from its earlier slow-witted but capable self to an all-around charmer that is extremely competitive with the best of the best. The new Explorer has the stuff to help keep it at the top if its class for years to come.

Chris Taylor is a contributing writer to The Lane Report and an auto enthusiast.

Back to Automotive Index

Back to October Issue

Copyright 1996-2001, by Kentucky Business Online.  All rights reserved.

Editorial content is copyright 2001, Lane Communications Group
All editorial material is fully protected and must not be reproduced in any manner without prior permission.

The Lane Report is a trademark of Lane Communications Group.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.