Ford Explorer reviews

1996 Ford Explorer Walkaround

For 1995, the Explorer is a virtually all-new vehicle, with significant changes made to every area separate from its body-shell shape. The powertrain remains the 4.0-liter V6, with either a standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic overdrive.

Engine cooling has been upgraded. A new electronic automatic overdrive transmission with full electronic control of shifting and converter lockup - the A4LDE - is standard on most models and includes a brake/shift interlock system.

The entire nose-end of the Explorer is new, including bumper, hood, fenders and oversize wraparound front lamps, all highlighted by an aggressive, large-grid grille. The extremely popular 4-door version has a chrome grille and bumper treatment, and the more off-road oriented, 2-door version uses body color on the grille and black on the bumper. Fender flares on both are much more prominent than on the ?94.

New safety features are in abundance for 1995, including 4-wheel disc brakes with standard anti-lock brakes (ABS), a standard dual airbag system, non-motorized adjustable-height shoulder belts, rear-seat head restraints, and a center high-mounted stoplight.

The ?95 Explorer comes in several versions: 2-door XL, Sport and Expedition, and 4-door XL, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited. All models are available in 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive.

The sporty 2-door Expedition model replaces the 2-door Eddie Bauer. Its special equipment package consists of 16-in. chromed steel wheels and P255 tires as standard equipment, along with wheel-lip moldings, integrated fog lamps and standard step bars.

For 1995, a short-and-long-arm (SLA) fully independent front suspension takes the place of the Twin I-Beam. Our test Explorer XLT gave greatly improved ride and handling on-road, with better bounce, pitch and harshness control - all without creating clearance problems when we went off-road. Rack-and-pinion steering has replaced the former recirculating-ball power steering system.

The Explorer offers push-button control of 4WD, and for 1995 there is an optional 4WD system called ControlTrac 4WD that can be operated in 2WD, automatic 4WD or 4WD low range. In automatic 4WD, additional torque is transferred to the front wheels as required by driving conditions.

The Explorer has 15-in. wheels and tires as standard equipment, with a larger, 16-in. P255 tire standard for the Eddie Bauer and Expedition models.

All Explorer hoods have been fitted with pneumatic hood-lift assist struts in place of prop rods. The windshield wipers have been upgraded for improved wipe quality and reduced noise, and there?s an optional interval rear-wiper system for the tailgate glass. A battery-saver feature has also been added to shut down headlamps after 10 minutes if they have inadvertently been left on.

An Automatic Ride Control system is standard on Explorer Limited 4x4 models. A 4-wheel, variable-damping air-shock system developed by Ford Truck and Ford Electronics, in cooperation with the Monroe shock-absorber folks, constantly senses suspension movement, steering, braking and acceleration motions. It automatically compensates, producing a flatter, more controlled ride quality.

The system also provides load-leveling for towing and cargo hauling, lowers ride-height at highway speeds for improved fuel economy, and manually raises the vehicle for additional off-road clearance.