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24/11/2008
By EWAN KENNEDY
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Ford Explorer is a large American 4WD from the old school. A huge seller in its home market it did moderately well in the sales race in Australia, until the arrival of the Ford Territory in 2004. The local design was much more to the tastes of the Australia buyers, particularly in the way it handled and rode.
Whereas the Explorer was soft and almost sloppy in its on-road traits, Territory was a real driving machine in its class. However, Explorer received some Australia revisions to the suspension in 1998, then was imported in a significantly updated format from November 2001.
 There is one major difference between the two Ford SUVs, the Territory doesn’t pretend to be a serious off-road vehicle, while the Explorer features a more rugged build and has the torque multiplication advantages of a two-speed transfer case. So if you want a blue-oval badge and plan to push through some real rough stuff in the bush, Explorer will prove better than the softer Territory.
Explorer is distinctively American in its looks, with a bold front grille that comes with varying amounts of chrome depending on the model.
All Explorers are spacious four-door station wagons, initially they only had five seats but an Australian-made ‘third-row’ seat was an option and a fair few use it.
The standard motor in the older lower-cost Explorers is an old-fashioned pushrod 4.0-litre V6. The Limited, and later XLTs, had a more modern single overhead cam engine, with the same 4.0-litre capacity, that punched out more power. This SOHC engine was optional in the Explorer XL and XLT and is the one to go for if you like a bit of urge under your right foot.
Standard transmission with the two lower-specification Explorers, and with the OHV engine, was a five-speed manual. The topline Explorer Limited had a five-speed automatic.
Power is distributed via a reasonably sophisticated system with constant four-wheel drive. An electronically controlled clutch controls the power split between the front and rear wheels. A three-way switch on the dash lets the driver select 4WD Auto, 4WD High, and 4WD Low. Off-road it can be surprisingly good, particularly in the hands of an experienced driver. As is often the way in this class, tyres can be what let you down. And may also go down when all that air escapes…
Explorer is surprisingly easy to drive in traffic thanks to its low window line, it is also easy to fit into tight parking spots. However, a drawback of the low-set windows is the lack of height in the rear load area.
 The upmarket Explorer Limited packed with luxury gear, including leather trim, climate-controlled air conditioning with rear-seat ducting, a six-stack CD player, a power sunroof, a fancier style of alloy wheels, a good roof rack and an overhead console. If you regard a 4WD more as a people mover than an off-road vehicle the Limited may be just the thing.
These are relatively easy vehicles on which to do your own work, though it’s always wise to leave major jobs and all safety related items to the professionals.
Insurance isn’t overly expensive and there doesn’t seem to be a major difference between the big players in the insurance business as far as charges are concerned.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Below average build quality can lead to squeaks and rattles and parts falling off Explorers. Americans seem more tolerant than Australians in this sort of thing. Explorer’s body is usually not too bad in quality, the troubles are generally at their worst inside the cabin, so make sure you give it a thorough going over.
 Engines are normally smooth at idle, though rough if asked to rev hard. If you feel they are too harsh be wary of the car. Also check for a smoking exhaust when the engine is worked hard.
Check a manual gearbox is quiet and that the gearchanges are relatively easy. If they are too sloppy have an expert check it out. Automatics that are slow at going into gear could be due for an overhaul, but may only need adjusting.
Not many Explorers taken into serious off-road areas so if you do come across one with dings and scratches due to coming into contact with the scenery treat the vehicle with suspicion.
Exploding Firestone tyres caused a lot of tragic crashes in Explorers in the USA. We only know of two fatalities in Australia. The original tyres will almost certainly have been replaced by now, but if you see ‘Firestone’ on the sidewalls it makes a lot of sense to contact that company or your local Ford dealer for information.
CAR BUYING TIP
Big 4WDs are often used as tow vehicles. Beware the one that’s spent a lot of time on heavy-duty work.
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