2003 FORD EXPLORER - a real "NO BOUNDARIES" SUV.

By Tom O’Connor
West Coast Automotive Editor

MISSION VIEJO, California - Ford Motor Company uses the phrase "No Boundaries" to describe the new 2003 Explorer Sport Utility Vehicle, which for the last eleven years has remained a top seller in the highly competitive sport utility vehicle market. After having test driven the two-wheel drive 2003 Eddie Bauer, I support that claim wholeheartedly.

Over the years, I have driven and ridden in many sport utility vehicles. In my experience, each vehicle has its own unique features. Some are clearly better than others and occasionally one stands out from the rest, surpassing my expectations as to style, comfort, performance and safety. Although I expected certain creature comforts in the line-topping Eddie Bauer edition, I didn’t expect that I would enjoy it so much that I would be volunteering to go back to the store for a forgotten item or happily agreeing to drive five miles down the road to get the kids frozen yogurt. This is a great SUV. Here’s why.

STYLE: The Explorer’s exterior, defined by smooth, clean lines, a refined two-tone paint scheme complete with traditional Arizona beige front and rear bumpers; wide running boards placed in such a way as to camouflage their appearance; oversize door handles; remote keyless entry system; 17"" satin-nickel cast aluminum wheels and the satin nickel grille convey that this is a solidly built well designed vehicle.

COMFORT: Open the door and you immediately notice the attention to detail that characterizes the Explorer’s interior. In fact, the leather and wood-trimmed-interior of this vehicle leaves little you wanting for little. This model has evolved into a very well appointed luxury SUV that is loaded with convenience features. The automatic drivers-seat adjustments make easy your entry and exit from the passenger cabin. The power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals with memory provide comfortable pedal access to drivers of all sizes. The center console is large and deep and made a perfect armrest - an absolute must in my book. The stereo and climate control centers are conveniently placed and easily accessible while driving. The dual zone air conditioning and seat heaters for driver and front passenger allow the driver and passenger to individually set temperatures.

In addition, the Eddie Bauer model comes equipped with a 290-watt, 6-disc premium stereo system; power windows; power door locks with child safety features; tilt steering wheel; steering mounted climate; stereo and cruise controls; 6-way power leather seats and standard driver and passenger second generation dual front airbags.

Not standard equipment, but definitely worth consideration as an option is the rear seat entertainment system with a DVD player and separate earphone jacks. This system made a big hit with my daughter and her friends and an even bigger hit with me. Noiseless entertainment for the children - what a concept?

As far as cargo room is concerned, he Explorer has all the room you would expect in a midsize sport utility vehicle and then some - especially with the rear seats folded down.

PERFORMANCE: Equally impressive to the Explorer´’s creature comforts is the way this mid-size utility vehicle performs and the feeling of maneuverability and stability that it imparts to the driver - due in large part we think to ample power from the motor, and exquisite rear independent suspension to dampen that typical and awkward SUV body roll and forward pitch.

The Explorer’s 240-horsepower, fuel injected V8 engine with 5-speed automatic overdrive transmission effortlessly delivered an abundance of acceleration on the freeways and provided all the power I needed to maintain a steady pace through the coastal hills of south Orange County. The deep throaty sound of power coming from the motor accentuated the smooth acceleration of the Explorer as I tested for power. No problem with power here.

Included as standard equipment is a Class II Trailer tow package for those who need to tow bikes, boats, jet ski’s and other toys.

The independent front and rear suspension and cabin soundproofing provide an extremely comfortable and quiet ride. The Explorer handled bumps and curves with the ease of a sedan. Road noise was almost non-existent.

SAFETY: The Explorer comes standard with front driver and passenger airbags. Side impact airbags are available as options. Other standard safety equipment and features includes four wheel disc brakes with ABS; automatic headlamps, approach lamps, fog lights; speed sensitive front wipers and rear wiper/washer/defroster; automatic keyless entry and Securi-Lock® anti-theft feature; side intrusion door beams. One of my favorite options is the sonar reverse sensing system to alert the driver to danger when backing up.

Most notably and in contrast to its competitors, the 2003 Ford Explorer earned a “Best Pick” safety rating from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). The Explorer also ranked at the top in the 2002 NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) crash test ratings.

OTHER: In this particular model we had the option of a third seat, which folded down for extra rear cargo space. With the headrests removed from the third seat, it stows completely flat when not in use. Otherwise, there is a slight slant when folded down. The tailgate is split allowing one to either open the entire tailgate or just the glass hatch, which swings up for convenience. One word of caution - be careful when opening the tailgate. I had some groceries that shifted and fell to the ground when I opened the hatch.

CONCLUSION: This is an impressive vehicle. It delivers style, comfort, performance and safety. If you’re looking for an SUV, make sure you include the 2003 Explorer in your test drives. With this one, there really are "No Boundaries"

COMPARISION VEHICLES: Chevy Trailblazer EX, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee; Nissan Pathfinder; Toyota 4Runner, Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

HIGHS: Interior fit & finish and convenience features; Overall solid vehicle performance; “Best Pick” Safety Rating. Ranked at the top in the 2002 NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) crash test ratings.

LOWS: Gas mileage. However, the benefits of this SUV outweigh the gas mileage in my book. Rear seats have a slant when folded down and headrests left in place.

VEHICLE PRICING: On the standard equipped vehicle the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP): $33,700. As tested with optional safety canopy; Advance-Trac; rear auxiliary climate control; roof rail crossbars; reverse sensing system; third row seat package and DVD entertainment system: MSRP $37,930.

FUEL ECONOMY: As equipped with the 4.6 Liter V8 engine: Estimated 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. These results reported vary with options, driving conditions, and condition of the vehicle. As tested, our vehicle averaged 13.8 MPG in the city and 20.1 on the freeway.

For more information visit the Ford website or Call Toll Free: 1-800-392-3673(FORD); TDD for the hearing impaired: 1-800-232-5952, Monday - Friday 7 AM - 11 PM EST, Saturday 8 AM - 6 PM EST.

LIFE’S A TRIP - Enjoy the drive. Be a safe and courteous driver, obey all highway laws, never drive impaired, and buckle everyone up. Copyright ©© 2003 The Weekend Drive, All Rights Reserved.