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Ford Explorer The Ford Explorer started America's infatuation with the SUV. Ford's midsize vehicle was perfectly timed for the SUV boom that began in the early 1990s. There were SUVs before the Explorer, but they were mostly work horses by nature. The Explorer was the first SUV for everyone. The Ford Explorer delivers flexibility, comfort, affordability and, importantly, attractiveness. During the '90s, Ford consistently sold more than 400,000 Explorers a year. At the turn of the century the Explorer became enmeshed in hullabaloo. Models suited with specific Firestone tires were found to have higher than average tire failures and rollover crashes caused by the failures. Ford was largely exonerated in the following examination but the Explorer never fully improved its image or loss of sales, (despite a ground-up redesign for 2002). The current Ford Explorer is the best one to date. Compared with previous models, it's quieter, more powerful, more attractive, better outfitted and safer. A midsize SUV built on an advanced ladder-frame chassis with an independent rear suspension, the four-door Explorer can seat up to seven people or carry a maximum of 85 cubic-feet of cargo. Ford Explorer-Current The Explorer is in its third generation, which dates back to the 2002. In 2008, Ford's Sync system came on board, allowing voice activation of cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players. Two years before that, a significant update took place that included an enhanced frame, improved safety systems and a more dominant V8. Previous Explorers did not differ much in terms of features or performance, but 2004 and newer models have more available safety features. Ford offers four main trim levels: XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited. Of course, going up the list gives you more standard equipment and luxury features. Many add-ons: rear-seat DVD, navigation and side curtain airbags, are available. Antilock brakes, stability control come standard. The Explorer can come with a 210-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 or a 4.6-liter V8 ( 292 horsepower). Two- or four-wheel drive is available with bothr engines. Ford Explorer- Past Previously there were two Explorer generations. Model years 1995-2001. Not as refined as the current model and not as powerful, this group is still a highly regarded choice for an SUV. For most of this generation, three engines were available: a standard 160-hp V6, an optional 210-hp V6 ('97 and later) and a 210-hp 5.0-liter V8. The familiar XL, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited were the available trims, and there was a two-door Explorer known as the Sport. Editorial reviews of the time noted that the Explorer had a comfortable cabin and decent utility but fared poorly in terms of road handling and off-road ability. The original Ford Explorer debuted in 1990 as a 1991 model, and it replaced the Bronco II.It was an instant success. Based on the Ford Ranger pickup, the original Explorer had the combination of size, style and utility that people wanted in an SUV. It came as a four-door or the less popular two-door. At first, just the XLS, XLT and Eddie Bauer trim levels were available, but a Limited model came available in 1993. These Explorers had a 155-hp V6. Output went up slightly to 160 hp in 1993; this was also the year Ford made antilock brakes standard equipment
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