Used Car Owner

Explorer

Ford Explorer

Okay, so they had some problems a few years ago. Ford has fixed the roll over issues, and now introduces a vehicle that is safer, stronger, and more fuel efficient. The Ford Explorer is a mid sized sports utility vehicle (SUV) made by the Ford Motor Company. It has been manufactured since 1990 in Louisville, KT. It played a large role in moving the SUV from a weekend mudder into a vehicle that gained so much prominence that (along with the minivan) it almost destroyed the station wagon.

The Ford Explorer has seen a few design modifications and innovations since it was introduced. They started with two and four door models and 4 or six cylinder engines. As the brand became better known and more in demand, the Explorer was changed to a larger SUV and came with an upgrade to a V8 if that option was wanted. Ford also introduced the Sport Trac version in 2001 which featured the four SUV doors with a short pickup bed.

A new Explorer was introduced in 2006 and the redesign was complete. It was upgraded to a new longer chassis. Because of the new Ford Taurus X it moved up a size. The standard engine remained the V6, but it is also available with a powerful V8 that is the stock engine in the Mustang. The new Ford Explorer also has power folding rear seats, a tire pressure monitoring system, a brand new interior, and electronic stability control. All of these last four features are standard on all Explorers. It can also come equipped with power running boards which lower for easier entrance into the vehicle, but raise after the door is closed to allow a more aerodynamic profile.

The newly redesigned Ford Explorer Sport Trac was introduced for the 2007 model year. The significant upgrades that it received were the new wider base of the regular Explorer, roll stability control through the new Advance Trac capability, and an optional V8.

The Ford Explorer will see more upgrades in the future which signal greater fuel economy. It is scheduled to go to a new unibody design which reduce weight. The new engines for the Ford Explorer will include the new EcoBoost concept which allows 20% to 30% greater fuel economy over previous models with its direct injection style. The Explorer is going to a new car based frame in the 2011 or 2012 model year to reduce production costs.