Driving Impressions

You can treat an Explorer like a compact family sedan. It is, as mentioned, easy to get in and out of it. Visibility all around is quite good in spite of the large B- and C- roof pillars. The driver enjoys that secure, command-of-the-road seating position that's helped to make sport-utilities and pickup trucks so popular. However, the Explorer doesn't really feel like a truck on the road. Well, maybe a little--but only a little. While the ride is far from bouncy and sharp, it is more springy than any sedan, and the reason has to be those antique leaf springs in the rear. It is not offensive, but you will notice it. The suspension does do a good job absorbing road irregularities, though, and that's how it differs from trucks. Firm but comfortable, with a strong sense of control. We were a little surprised at the level of wind noise in the 40-60 mph range in what otherwise is a solid, well-built vehicle. Also, the new V6 becomes noticeably audible under hard acceleration. That's common for sport-utility vehicles, however, and Ford's V6 engine is smooth and quiet in normal operation. We were pleasantly surprised by the straight-line performance those 205 horses provided. This is, we reminded ourselves, a 4,166-pound truck. Nevertheless, it launched with enthusiasm and maintained that enthusiasm to a degree that would calm any concerns about safe merging with traffic. Although the Explorer has racked up virtually all of its huge sales numbers with the standard overhead-valve engine, the overhead-cam version is a whole order of magnitude better. We recommend it strongly. At moderate speed on a favorite section of twisty bits, the Explorer was quite good: no lean in turns, the steering was exceptionally quick and precise, no wander in a straight line and on the narrow road did not give the impression it was about to shoulder oncoming traffic into the ditch. It simply does not drive large.

Final Word

The Explorer continues to be the best-selling sport-utility vehicle in the country. It isn't necessarily the best SUV in the country, at least if real off-road capability is a factor. Modest ground clearance and a long wheelbase limit its usefulness in rough country. What seems to keep the Explorer on top is its roominess, solid reputation for durability, quality engineering, good looks and its overall reputation as the leader. Those are the things that keep resale values up. The single overhead-cam V6 engine is a sweetheart, and unless you must have the extra torque provided by the V8 for serious trailering, we can't advise spending the extra money. The Explorer operates in a populous realm, against some very able competition. And it's not the least expensive, by any means. But for the kind of all-around uses most families find for their sport-utilities, the Explorer's formula is still tough to beat.