Shifting into the midsize SUV size class, the Explorer is far larger than the Bronco II. Four-wheel-drive front axles were the TTB (" Twin Traction Beam") Dana 35 with some Dana 44-spec components 4x2 models shared Twin I-Beam components with the Ranger. Īll Explorers were equipped with the Ford 8.8 axle in either a limited-slip differential or open version multiple rear-axle ratios could be specified. As an option, the Explorer was also offered with a manual-shift transfer case (the option was paired with manual-locking hubs). The "Touch Drive" electric-shift transfer case was standard (shared with the Ranger and the previous Bronco II) it allowed the vehicle to be shifted from two-wheel drive into high-range 4x4 drive (at any speed) and into low-range 4x4 (when stopped). For 1993, the engine output was increased to 160 hp (119 kW).Īlong with the standard rear-wheel drive powertrain, at its launch, the Explorer was also offered with various configurations of part-time four-wheel drive, powered by a Borg Warner 13–54 transfer case. A Mazda M5OD 5-speed manual was the standard transmission offering, with the option of the Ford 4-speed A4LD overdrive automatic transmission. The Explorer was introduced with a 155 hp 4.0 L Cologne V6, replacing the 2.9L V6 of the Bronco II the engine was shared with the Ford Aerostar and the Ranger. The three-door version uses a 102.1-inch wheelbase (8.1 inches longer than the Bronco II) the five-door uses a 111.9 wheelbase (17.9 inches longer). Similar to the Ford Taurus station wagon, the rear liftgate was fitted with a flip-up rear window.Īs with the Bronco II, the first-generation Explorer (design code UN46) shares its chassis underpinnings with the 1983-1992 Ford Ranger. To optimize cargo space, the traditional swing-away spare tire carrier was deleted in favor of an underfloor location. To further attract family buyers, Ford aerodynamically optimized the passenger compartment of the Explorer, adopting flush-mounted glass and wraparound doors a wider body allowed for three-across rear seating. In a significant design change, a five-door body style joined the model line, competing against the Jeep Cherokee and Chevrolet S-10 Blazer (the Explorer and five-door S-10 Blazer were introduced within a month of each other). While again sharing a visual commonality with the Ford Ranger, the Explorer differed significantly from its Bronco II predecessor, becoming a family-oriented vehicle with off-road capability. The first-generation Ford Explorer was introduced in March 1990 as a 1991 model-year vehicle. Venezuela: Valencia, Carabobo ( Valencia Assembly)įront engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive United States: Louisville, Kentucky ( Louisville Assembly Plant) St. In 2020, CNBC reported the Ford Explorer range as the best-selling SUV of all time in America. Louis Assembly Plant ( Hazelwood, Missouri) the model line is currently produced at Chicago Assembly ( Chicago, Illinois). Through rebranding, Mazda, Mercury, and Lincoln have sold versions of the Explorer Lincoln currently markets the sixth-generation model line as the Lincoln Aviator.įor the North American market, the first four generations of the Explorer were produced by Ford at its Louisville Assembly Plant ( Louisville, Kentucky) and at its now-closed St. For police use, the Ford Police Interceptor Utility has been derived from the fifth and sixth-generation Explorer to replace Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (and the later Taurus-based Police Interceptor Sedan). The fifth generation was repackaged as a crossover SUV, adopting a variant of the Ford Taurus chassis architecture (developed and modified for SUV use).Īlongside the five-door Explorer wagon, a three-door Explorer wagon was offered from 1991 to 2003, officially referred to as the Explorer Sport after 1999, serving as the direct replacement of the Bronco II the 2001-2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac was a crew-cab pickup derived from the model line. The first two generations were directly derived from the Ford Ranger, switching to a model-specific chassis for the third and fourth generations. The Explorer has been offered in multiple chassis and powertrain layouts. As with the Ford Ranger, the Explorer derives its name from a trim package previously offered on the Ford F-Series pickup trucks. Within the current Ford SUV range in North America, the Explorer is slotted between the Ford Edge and Ford Expedition. As the first four-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer was introduced as a replacement for the two-door Bronco II. The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year.
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