DRIVING IMPRESSION
2002 Ford Explorer - One Smooth Operator

By Vince Bodiford

We've heard the new mantra at Ford - "No Boundaries," and "Ford Outfitter's" that want us to believe an outdoorsy, mountain-man image in Ford's truck and SUV line-up. We found out that image holds true, and delivers some pleasant surprises, especially in the new Ford Explorer for 2002.

How best to describe driving the new Explorer? Smooth. But not mushy-smooth, it's just the right balance. That new smoothness is derived from a domestic SUV first - full independent suspension, front and rear. We found that smoothness to carry over into the whole driving experience, from operating the rear tailgate to it's speed-sensitive steering. It's a very nice package.

The new suspension gives the Explorer the best ride we have ever had in this class of SUV's. The suspension is far more than you'd expect - it changes the whole vehicle dynamics and improves everything from ride height, smoothness, to carrying capacity and even making possible the class-leading rear third-row seat with deep footwells.

Ford's obsession with the letter "E" - as in Explorer, Expedition, Excursion, etc. - could well be grounded in some superlatives that can be used to describe the new Explorer - excellent... engineered... exciting... energetic... etcetera.

Do not confuse the new Explorer's compliant ride with incompetence in such demanding driving as off-road, hauling or trailering. In fact, I was surprised to learn than Ford leads in towing and cargo capacities for the class. You will get both in this package - comfort and brawn.

Climb inside the new Explorer, and you begin to see what sets this new SUV apart. Even though ground clearance is increased, its ride height is not and climbing inside seems easier than you would expect. The seats are large and comfortable with plenty of adjustment. The middle-row seats easily move to open access to the third-row back seats. The large greenhouse affords great visibility from every seat, with factory deep-tint rear glass standard.

After a particularly hot Arizona test-drive, designers added 28 oz. bottle holders (eat your heart out, "cupholders")to the door trim beside both front seats and the Australian's demand for powerful headlights led to super-high headlight performance. Another nice feature is up to six CD's can be fed into the in-dash changer.

Ford calls much of this "customer driven" product "gorilla research," which led the designers and engineers into - of all places - the real world observing and talking with Explorer owners to find out what they really wanted in their next SUV. The result - a package that could just have well have been built by you or me. It is that philosophy that will ensure Ford captures a large segment of this much-contested SUV market.

Explorer comes in several flavors - with pricing to match. The base 4X2 Explorer XLS series starts at $24,620.; add the XLT Series package in 4X4 and the price is $30,345.; and the whole enchilada in the Eddie Bauer/Limited Edition in 4X4 with the big motor is $34,655.; (add $600 destination charges, plus taxes, dealer documentation and preparation, etc.).

Ford's pricing in this segment raises the question of comparable SUV's in the same class. Chevrolet Blazer is far less expensive, but does not have the third-row seat or independent suspension. Mercedes-Benz M-Class has independent suspension, no third-seat, and a much heftier sticker price. And Dodge offers neither for about the same price, but has an impressive Magnum V-8 engine option.

. Ford promises - and in the case of the new Explorer, delivers -- "No Boundaries," an image of limitless outdoor adventure, even if you are trapped in endless commuter traffic and never see the great outdoors beyond your armchair.

From the powerful new engine purring beneath the hood to the smooth road-hugging independent suspension, to the attention to detail (the fit and finish is beyond typical Ford), to the third-row seat; the Explorer seems designed for Explorer-types. Even if you have not been one before, you might think about it now - it is a surprising departure from some staid, boring SUV's crowding the road.

HIGHS: The best independent suspension in any domestic SUV (okay, the only one); powerful V-6 offers economy and power. Great attention to details inside, where you spend all your time - and very striking from the outside.

LOWS: Wheel style is too bland for such a striking body. Though the ride is smooth, the suspension could be stiffer to reduce body roll in turns.

THE VERDICT: I like the Explorer - a lot. It's the best SUV (for today) in its class. What a terrific ride. I just wanted to drive this thing for miles and miles, on and off-road.

2002 FORD EXPLORER XLT
4.0 liter SOHC V-6 engine (V-8 optional)
Front-engine, All-wheel Drive
Control-Trac/Advance-Trac 4X4 system
Four-door Sport Utility Vehicle
Independent Front and Rear Suspension
Four Wheel Anti-lock Brakes

Built at Ford's Louisville, Ky., and St. Louis, Mo. factories
ENJOY THE DRIVE...Remember, always buckle-up, drive safely, obey all highway laws and never drive impaired. Driving maneuvers, impressions, and statements of the author are that of a highly skilled, professional driver; do not ever attempt high-performance driving.

©2001, The Weekend Drive(r), All Rights Reserved.
Test vehicle, some specifications and information provided courtesy of Ford Motor Company. Used by permission.