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Published: August 4, 2000
Date of revision: None
Source: Ford Motor Company
By: Steve Blake, Staff Writer
http://www.blueovalnews.com
To say the 2002 Ford Explorer, and its cousin the Mercury Mountaineer, have
undergone radical changes, would be a serious understatement as
Ford Motor Company unveiled the newest models of the "World's Best
Selling" Sport Utility Vehicle.
"The Ford Explorer redefined the sport utility segment and pioneered the way
for the entire industry when it was introduced in 1990. For more than 10 years
running, Explorer has been the best-selling SUV in the world. But we're not
resting on our laurels. The all-new Explorer for the 2002-model year continues
to innovate - with technological improvements in safety, roominess, ride and
comfort, all intended to lead the industry into the future," said Jim O'Connor,
Ford Division President
Some of the features are:
All-new vehicle with improved package, ride, comfort, safety and design
2.5-inch wider stance and 2-inch longer wheelbase than prior model for
improved appearance, handling and roominess - while maintaining the
same vehicle length and height
New independent rear suspension, allowing for an additional third-row
seat, seven-passenger seating capability, and improved ride and
handling
Larger door openings and lower step-in height for better ingress and
egress
Optional adjustable pedals, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel and
Reverse Sensing System offer better driver comfort and convenience
Improved Control Trac™ four-wheel-drive system
Better off-road capability with increased ground clearance and better
approach and departure angles
New all-aluminum 4.6-liter SOHC V-8 engine joins the improved 4.0-liter
SOHC V-6
New automatic and manual transmissions
New side-impact curtain air bag system (available from launch), as well
as rollover protection sensors (available later in 2001)
New AdvanceTrac™ interactive vehicle dynamics system combines the
benefits of traction control and electronic stability (yaw) control (available
later in 2001)
Ford Personal Safety System, including driver and passenger
dual-stage air bags and deployment characteristics (available later in
2001)
Lower front bumper helps ensure better SUV compatibility with other
vehicles on the road
Substantially stiffer bodyshell and thousands of noise control measures
for better NVH
15-percent reduction in annual operating costs thanks to easier
serviceability and longer intervals between scheduled maintenance
With a new independent rear suspension (IRS)_system and unique
"porthole-in-frame" design - allowing for a lower step-in height and a third-row
seat - Explorer is designed to offer an improved ride and a more comfortable,
user-friendly package. The Control Trac™ four-wheel-drive system provides
exceptional performance on and off the pavement. New AdvanceTrac™
interactive vehicle dynamics, available later in 2001, combines sophisticated
electronic braking and traction control with electronic stability control, to help
the driver maintain confidence and control in many driving situations.
A sophisticated new all-aluminum V-8 engine brings 240 horsepower, an
increase of 25 horsepower over the previous V-8.
Inside, Explorer's passengers have more room to spread out. The passenger
compartment is two inches wider compared with the previous model and, for
the first time, has an optional third row of seating - enough overall room to
accommodate seven adults.
These benefits were made possible by Explorer's 2.5-inch wider track and
efficient packaging of the new independent rear suspension. The second- and
third-row seats also fold down to create a flat-surfaced cargo area. Additional
storage is located beneath the rear cargo floor.
Explorer offers one of the most comprehensive safety and security packages
available. This includes Ford's new industry-leading Safety Canopy, which
includes side-curtain air bags (available at launch) and rollover protection
(available later in 2001).
Package and Ergonomics
Access to Explorer's new third-row seat is made easier with one-handed
controls that fold the second-row seat completely out of the way for entering or
exiting the third row.
In seven-passenger models, the second-row seat is split 40/20/40. This
configuration offers ease of access to the third row and the ability to customize
the cargo area for long or odd-sized items.
In addition, small items easily can be loaded through a new rear liftglass,
which has been designed to allow a liftover height that is virtually identical to
that of a shopping cart for easier loading of groceries and cargo. The liftglass
section no longer needs a handle to open. It opens with a touch of a dedicated
button on the key fob, while leaving the passenger doors locked.
Ergonomics and functionality are at the heart of many of the vehicle's design
features. For example, full-grip exterior door handles replace the former
fingertip paddles - to aid ease of use for all passengers. Optional running
boards are wider to provide a confident step-in point.
Inside, the most frequently used controls, such as radio buttons, are in the
driver's line of sight. Likewise, the optional electronic message center is
mounted high, for ease of use. Even the coat hooks have been redesigned to
accommodate wider, plastic clothes hangers.
Driving Dynamics
Explorer's new fully independent suspension and exceptionally stiff frame -
350-percent stiffer than the previous model without compromising safety - give
it firm, responsive road manners.
In abrupt maneuvers, such as dodging a pothole or making a sudden lane
change, Explorer is designed to track precisely, without excessive body roll.
The independent rear suspension soaks up road imperfections better than
traditional solid axle designs, to provide a comfortable, more car-like ride.
The rear-end differential in Explorer's independent rear suspension is
mounted high in the frame rather than bolted below it. The suspension's upper
and lower control arms also are mounted above and below the frame. The
right and left rear half-shafts pass through a porthole in the frame rails - giving
Explorer its "porthole-in-frame" design. Together, these solutions allowed
engineers to add the new suspension system without raising the ride height
while improving the vehicle's 4x4 ground clearance.
All four wheels are controlled by coil-over-shock assemblies that are isolated
from side loads, and are engineered to reduce unsprung weight - for best
response to steering input and road surface irregularities.
Off pavement, Explorer's optional Control Trac™ four-wheel-drive system has
been refined with stand-alone electronic controls and enhanced software
strategy that improve its ability to handle rough or loose surfaces, such as
back trails, deep snow or sand. The system gives drivers the option of
automatic four-wheel drive or push-button, switchable, four-wheel "high" and
four-wheel "low" settings.
Explorer comes with a choice of two engines. The standard engine is an
improved 4.0-liter SOHC V-6, which generates 210 horsepower and 250
foot-pounds of peak torque.
A more powerful 4.6-liter V-8, with all-aluminum construction and
overhead-cam design, is optional. The sophisticated engine, with coil-on-plug
design, offers 240 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque - and is
designed to go 100,000 miles before its first scheduled tune-up under normal
driving conditions with routine fluid and filter changes.
Both engines meet Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) standards. Fuel economy
has been held constant - even with a larger vehicle and one that can seat two
more passengers than the prior model - thanks to several weight-saving
innovations. An all-aluminum hood and V-8 engine block as well as a
magnesium cross beam contributed to a 90-pound weight savings.
Later in 2001, Explorer will offer flexible fuel capability with the standard
4.0-liter V-6 engine and automatic transmission. The Explorer flexible fuel
vehicle (FFV) can operate on gasoline or a blend of gasoline and ethanol. The
use of E85 fuel reduces carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 20 percent,
compared with gasoline.
Towing capability comes built-in. The standard receiver hitch, which is part of
the rear frame, offers Class II towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds,
depending on engine and drivetrain.
A built-in hitch receiver offers towing capability right from the factory and can
accept many accessories, such as a bicycle rack. An upgraded towing
package, which includes a limited slip rear differential, provides Class III/IV
towing capability of up to 7,300 pounds.
Safety, Security and Convenience
Explorer is Ford's first SUV with new side-curtain air bags. They deploy from
the headliner across approximately 75 percent of the side glass area to help
protect first- and second-row occupants in the outboard seating positions
during a side-impact collision.
Electronic rollover sensors will be available later in 2001. They measure
whether the vehicle is tilting, how fast the lean angle is changing, and whether
the combination means the vehicle might roll over. If a rollover situation is
determined by the system, it deploys the side-curtain air bags to help prevent
passengers from being ejected from the side of the vehicle. The air bags
remain inflated for up to 6 seconds - far longer than conventional air bags - to
provide additional protection.
Explorer also is Ford's first SUV with AdvanceTrac™ interactive vehicle
dynamics (available later in 2001). AdvanceTrac™ is a computer driven
system that uses a series of sensors to measure whether the vehicle has
begun to slide, then applies braking selectively to whichever wheel will bring it
back under control. The idea is to prevent accidents before they happen.
AdvanceTrac™ is completely integrated into the vehicle's antilock braking
system (ABS) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD). This means that
Explorer's control system will be just as effective off-road as it is on the
pavement.
Explorer will have ABS and EBD from the start of production. The fully
integrated AdvanceTrac™ system will be available later in 2001.
Second-generation front air bags also are standard for the driver and
passenger, and Ford's Personal Safety System will be available later in 2001.
The Personal Safety System uses dual-stage driver and front passenger air
bags that deploy differently based on several factors, including the severity of
the crash, front seat occupant safety belt usage and the driver's seat position.
Front row occupants also benefit from safety belts with pretensioners that
tighten the safety belts in the first moments of a crash and an energy
management system that slowly pays out safety belt webbing during an
incident - to help prevent injuries. Anchors in all second- and third-row
passenger positions offer secure attachments for child safety seat tethers.
These active protection systems augment Explorer's robust fully boxed frame,
which was designed with energy-absorbing crush zones in the front rails. Steel
bars inside the doors enhance protection in side impacts. Head restraints in
all seating positions help reduce the risk of neck injuries.
At the same time, the design team made Explorer more friendly to other
vehicles on the road by lowering its bumper beam height 65 millimeters - more
than 2 inches - to be on par with most passenger cars.
Security features include Ford's SecuriLock™ passive antitheft system. Only
users with the vehicle's authentic key - which contains a computer chip
embedded in it - can start the vehicle.
A battery saver feature automatically turns off interior, courtesy and cargo
lights approximately 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off and the last
door is closed.
For better driver comfort - particularly for very tall or shorter stature drivers -
power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals are available, while the
Reverse Sensing System is available as a parking aid. Explorer's steering
wheel tilts and telescopes, using a single control lever.
New dual-zone climate controls are available, as is an auxiliary climate control
system for the rear seating area.
Vehicle serviceability also has been improved. Explorer's annual estimated
service costs improve nearly $100 compared with the previous model.
To help reduce its impact on the environment, Explorer is an estimated
90-percent recyclable by weight. More than 10 percent of its plastic parts
contain post-consumer recycled material. Explorer production will use an
estimated 6.3 million pounds of recycled non-metallic parts inside the vehicles
every year.
Design
Explorer is designed to be rugged and contemporary to complement the Ford
"Outfitters" SUV family. The SUV family includes the Ford Escape, Explorer
Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Expedition and Excursion. The new four-door
Explorer has a clear, powerful vehicle stance and proportions enhanced by
simple, rounded forms that build on the vehicle's classically popular design
theme.
In many areas, form meets function. The exterior door handles are not only
easier to use, they're rugged, big and strong. The available running boards are
wide and substantial. The jewel-like complex reflector headlamps provide
better lighting.
In the back, the rear bumper does not appear to be "bolted on" but is fully
integrated into the body and has a full-width shelf for easier loading and
unloading.
The exterior is designed to accentuate the vehicle's independent rear
suspension and under-the-skin capabilities. The wider track is designed to
give Explorer a more aggressive stance. The shorter front overhang helps
make the vehicle look more nimble, while improving its approach angle in
rough or steep terrain.
Explorer is available in four trim levels, including the popular Eddie Bauer,
Limited, XLT and XLS.
Noise, Vibration and Harshness
Explorer's revised body shape, coupled with improved sealing and literally
thousands of noise-control measures, result in a substantially quieter cabin for
passengers. Key to the improved sound quality is Explorer's new, fully boxed
frame, which improves rigidity, vehicle responsiveness and, in turn, noise,
vibration and harshness (NVH) levels.
Explorer's frame is 350 percent torsionally stiffer and 26 percent improved in
vertical and lateral bending - which contribute to the vehicle's improved NVH
levels. In addition, Explorer has new micro-cellular body mounts, new door and
hidden liftgate edges, new engine, transmission and exhaust mounts, a
revised engine intake system, added insulation throughout the vehicle, a
laminated steel dash with magnesium cross bar and a 50-percent reduction in
air leakage - all of which add up to luxury-vehicle-like quietness and NVH
levels.
The Market
The SUV market has shown the most significant growth of the decade in the
automotive industry. In fact, since 1991, annual sales of sport utility vehicles in
the U.S. have grown from 900,000 to 3.2 million units through the end of
calendar year 1999. It is the only market segment that has experienced
double-digit sales growth every year during this period.
The Ford Explorer has led that growth. The Explorer is the best-selling sport
utility vehicle on the market and has been since its introduction in 1990 as a
1991 model. It also has been among the top-10 best-selling vehicles - car or
truck - since it was introduced. In 1998 and 1999, the Explorer nameplate
enjoyed record sales of more than 431,000 and 428,000 units respectively. It
is well on its way to another record-setting sales year in 2000.
More than 3.6 million Ford Explorers have been sold since its introduction, so
it is no surprise that there are more Explorers on the road today than any other
sport utility vehicle. Explorer also ranks very high in customer satisfaction and
loyalty.
As the sales leader, it attracts a broad range of consumers with varying
demographics and interests - from single, young professionals to active
retirees and empty nesters. They choose Explorer because it offers rugged,
functional capabilities and sporty up-to-date styling and comfort.
Explorer often is considered the "pioneer" of the SUV market. While it was
not the first SUV, it marked the transition of the utility vehicle from a
specialized functional truck to a comfortable, versatile activity vehicle.
Available in dealerships beginning in early 2001, the 2002-model Explorer will
be built at Ford Motor Company's Louisville, Ky., and St. Louis, Mo., assembly
plants. Production begins in late 2000.
Date of revision: None
Source: Ford Motor Company
By: Steve Blake, Staff Writer
http://www.blueovalnews.com
To say the 2002 Ford Explorer, and its cousin the Mercury Mountaineer, have
undergone radical changes, would be a serious understatement as
Ford Motor Company unveiled the newest models of the "World's Best
Selling" Sport Utility Vehicle.
"The Ford Explorer redefined the sport utility segment and pioneered the way
for the entire industry when it was introduced in 1990. For more than 10 years
running, Explorer has been the best-selling SUV in the world. But we're not
resting on our laurels. The all-new Explorer for the 2002-model year continues
to innovate - with technological improvements in safety, roominess, ride and
comfort, all intended to lead the industry into the future," said Jim O'Connor,
Ford Division President
Some of the features are:
All-new vehicle with improved package, ride, comfort, safety and design
2.5-inch wider stance and 2-inch longer wheelbase than prior model for
improved appearance, handling and roominess - while maintaining the
same vehicle length and height
New independent rear suspension, allowing for an additional third-row
seat, seven-passenger seating capability, and improved ride and
handling
Larger door openings and lower step-in height for better ingress and
egress
Optional adjustable pedals, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel and
Reverse Sensing System offer better driver comfort and convenience
Improved Control Trac™ four-wheel-drive system
Better off-road capability with increased ground clearance and better
approach and departure angles
New all-aluminum 4.6-liter SOHC V-8 engine joins the improved 4.0-liter
SOHC V-6
New automatic and manual transmissions
New side-impact curtain air bag system (available from launch), as well
as rollover protection sensors (available later in 2001)
New AdvanceTrac™ interactive vehicle dynamics system combines the
benefits of traction control and electronic stability (yaw) control (available
later in 2001)
Ford Personal Safety System, including driver and passenger
dual-stage air bags and deployment characteristics (available later in
2001)
Lower front bumper helps ensure better SUV compatibility with other
vehicles on the road
Substantially stiffer bodyshell and thousands of noise control measures
for better NVH
15-percent reduction in annual operating costs thanks to easier
serviceability and longer intervals between scheduled maintenance
With a new independent rear suspension (IRS)_system and unique
"porthole-in-frame" design - allowing for a lower step-in height and a third-row
seat - Explorer is designed to offer an improved ride and a more comfortable,
user-friendly package. The Control Trac™ four-wheel-drive system provides
exceptional performance on and off the pavement. New AdvanceTrac™
interactive vehicle dynamics, available later in 2001, combines sophisticated
electronic braking and traction control with electronic stability control, to help
the driver maintain confidence and control in many driving situations.
A sophisticated new all-aluminum V-8 engine brings 240 horsepower, an
increase of 25 horsepower over the previous V-8.
Inside, Explorer's passengers have more room to spread out. The passenger
compartment is two inches wider compared with the previous model and, for
the first time, has an optional third row of seating - enough overall room to
accommodate seven adults.
These benefits were made possible by Explorer's 2.5-inch wider track and
efficient packaging of the new independent rear suspension. The second- and
third-row seats also fold down to create a flat-surfaced cargo area. Additional
storage is located beneath the rear cargo floor.
Explorer offers one of the most comprehensive safety and security packages
available. This includes Ford's new industry-leading Safety Canopy, which
includes side-curtain air bags (available at launch) and rollover protection
(available later in 2001).
Package and Ergonomics
Access to Explorer's new third-row seat is made easier with one-handed
controls that fold the second-row seat completely out of the way for entering or
exiting the third row.
In seven-passenger models, the second-row seat is split 40/20/40. This
configuration offers ease of access to the third row and the ability to customize
the cargo area for long or odd-sized items.
In addition, small items easily can be loaded through a new rear liftglass,
which has been designed to allow a liftover height that is virtually identical to
that of a shopping cart for easier loading of groceries and cargo. The liftglass
section no longer needs a handle to open. It opens with a touch of a dedicated
button on the key fob, while leaving the passenger doors locked.
Ergonomics and functionality are at the heart of many of the vehicle's design
features. For example, full-grip exterior door handles replace the former
fingertip paddles - to aid ease of use for all passengers. Optional running
boards are wider to provide a confident step-in point.
Inside, the most frequently used controls, such as radio buttons, are in the
driver's line of sight. Likewise, the optional electronic message center is
mounted high, for ease of use. Even the coat hooks have been redesigned to
accommodate wider, plastic clothes hangers.
Driving Dynamics
Explorer's new fully independent suspension and exceptionally stiff frame -
350-percent stiffer than the previous model without compromising safety - give
it firm, responsive road manners.
In abrupt maneuvers, such as dodging a pothole or making a sudden lane
change, Explorer is designed to track precisely, without excessive body roll.
The independent rear suspension soaks up road imperfections better than
traditional solid axle designs, to provide a comfortable, more car-like ride.
The rear-end differential in Explorer's independent rear suspension is
mounted high in the frame rather than bolted below it. The suspension's upper
and lower control arms also are mounted above and below the frame. The
right and left rear half-shafts pass through a porthole in the frame rails - giving
Explorer its "porthole-in-frame" design. Together, these solutions allowed
engineers to add the new suspension system without raising the ride height
while improving the vehicle's 4x4 ground clearance.
All four wheels are controlled by coil-over-shock assemblies that are isolated
from side loads, and are engineered to reduce unsprung weight - for best
response to steering input and road surface irregularities.
Off pavement, Explorer's optional Control Trac™ four-wheel-drive system has
been refined with stand-alone electronic controls and enhanced software
strategy that improve its ability to handle rough or loose surfaces, such as
back trails, deep snow or sand. The system gives drivers the option of
automatic four-wheel drive or push-button, switchable, four-wheel "high" and
four-wheel "low" settings.
Explorer comes with a choice of two engines. The standard engine is an
improved 4.0-liter SOHC V-6, which generates 210 horsepower and 250
foot-pounds of peak torque.
A more powerful 4.6-liter V-8, with all-aluminum construction and
overhead-cam design, is optional. The sophisticated engine, with coil-on-plug
design, offers 240 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque - and is
designed to go 100,000 miles before its first scheduled tune-up under normal
driving conditions with routine fluid and filter changes.
Both engines meet Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) standards. Fuel economy
has been held constant - even with a larger vehicle and one that can seat two
more passengers than the prior model - thanks to several weight-saving
innovations. An all-aluminum hood and V-8 engine block as well as a
magnesium cross beam contributed to a 90-pound weight savings.
Later in 2001, Explorer will offer flexible fuel capability with the standard
4.0-liter V-6 engine and automatic transmission. The Explorer flexible fuel
vehicle (FFV) can operate on gasoline or a blend of gasoline and ethanol. The
use of E85 fuel reduces carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 20 percent,
compared with gasoline.
Towing capability comes built-in. The standard receiver hitch, which is part of
the rear frame, offers Class II towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds,
depending on engine and drivetrain.
A built-in hitch receiver offers towing capability right from the factory and can
accept many accessories, such as a bicycle rack. An upgraded towing
package, which includes a limited slip rear differential, provides Class III/IV
towing capability of up to 7,300 pounds.
Safety, Security and Convenience
Explorer is Ford's first SUV with new side-curtain air bags. They deploy from
the headliner across approximately 75 percent of the side glass area to help
protect first- and second-row occupants in the outboard seating positions
during a side-impact collision.
Electronic rollover sensors will be available later in 2001. They measure
whether the vehicle is tilting, how fast the lean angle is changing, and whether
the combination means the vehicle might roll over. If a rollover situation is
determined by the system, it deploys the side-curtain air bags to help prevent
passengers from being ejected from the side of the vehicle. The air bags
remain inflated for up to 6 seconds - far longer than conventional air bags - to
provide additional protection.
Explorer also is Ford's first SUV with AdvanceTrac™ interactive vehicle
dynamics (available later in 2001). AdvanceTrac™ is a computer driven
system that uses a series of sensors to measure whether the vehicle has
begun to slide, then applies braking selectively to whichever wheel will bring it
back under control. The idea is to prevent accidents before they happen.
AdvanceTrac™ is completely integrated into the vehicle's antilock braking
system (ABS) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD). This means that
Explorer's control system will be just as effective off-road as it is on the
pavement.
Explorer will have ABS and EBD from the start of production. The fully
integrated AdvanceTrac™ system will be available later in 2001.
Second-generation front air bags also are standard for the driver and
passenger, and Ford's Personal Safety System will be available later in 2001.
The Personal Safety System uses dual-stage driver and front passenger air
bags that deploy differently based on several factors, including the severity of
the crash, front seat occupant safety belt usage and the driver's seat position.
Front row occupants also benefit from safety belts with pretensioners that
tighten the safety belts in the first moments of a crash and an energy
management system that slowly pays out safety belt webbing during an
incident - to help prevent injuries. Anchors in all second- and third-row
passenger positions offer secure attachments for child safety seat tethers.
These active protection systems augment Explorer's robust fully boxed frame,
which was designed with energy-absorbing crush zones in the front rails. Steel
bars inside the doors enhance protection in side impacts. Head restraints in
all seating positions help reduce the risk of neck injuries.
At the same time, the design team made Explorer more friendly to other
vehicles on the road by lowering its bumper beam height 65 millimeters - more
than 2 inches - to be on par with most passenger cars.
Security features include Ford's SecuriLock™ passive antitheft system. Only
users with the vehicle's authentic key - which contains a computer chip
embedded in it - can start the vehicle.
A battery saver feature automatically turns off interior, courtesy and cargo
lights approximately 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off and the last
door is closed.
For better driver comfort - particularly for very tall or shorter stature drivers -
power adjustable accelerator and brake pedals are available, while the
Reverse Sensing System is available as a parking aid. Explorer's steering
wheel tilts and telescopes, using a single control lever.
New dual-zone climate controls are available, as is an auxiliary climate control
system for the rear seating area.
Vehicle serviceability also has been improved. Explorer's annual estimated
service costs improve nearly $100 compared with the previous model.
To help reduce its impact on the environment, Explorer is an estimated
90-percent recyclable by weight. More than 10 percent of its plastic parts
contain post-consumer recycled material. Explorer production will use an
estimated 6.3 million pounds of recycled non-metallic parts inside the vehicles
every year.
Design
Explorer is designed to be rugged and contemporary to complement the Ford
"Outfitters" SUV family. The SUV family includes the Ford Escape, Explorer
Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Expedition and Excursion. The new four-door
Explorer has a clear, powerful vehicle stance and proportions enhanced by
simple, rounded forms that build on the vehicle's classically popular design
theme.
In many areas, form meets function. The exterior door handles are not only
easier to use, they're rugged, big and strong. The available running boards are
wide and substantial. The jewel-like complex reflector headlamps provide
better lighting.
In the back, the rear bumper does not appear to be "bolted on" but is fully
integrated into the body and has a full-width shelf for easier loading and
unloading.
The exterior is designed to accentuate the vehicle's independent rear
suspension and under-the-skin capabilities. The wider track is designed to
give Explorer a more aggressive stance. The shorter front overhang helps
make the vehicle look more nimble, while improving its approach angle in
rough or steep terrain.
Explorer is available in four trim levels, including the popular Eddie Bauer,
Limited, XLT and XLS.
Noise, Vibration and Harshness
Explorer's revised body shape, coupled with improved sealing and literally
thousands of noise-control measures, result in a substantially quieter cabin for
passengers. Key to the improved sound quality is Explorer's new, fully boxed
frame, which improves rigidity, vehicle responsiveness and, in turn, noise,
vibration and harshness (NVH) levels.
Explorer's frame is 350 percent torsionally stiffer and 26 percent improved in
vertical and lateral bending - which contribute to the vehicle's improved NVH
levels. In addition, Explorer has new micro-cellular body mounts, new door and
hidden liftgate edges, new engine, transmission and exhaust mounts, a
revised engine intake system, added insulation throughout the vehicle, a
laminated steel dash with magnesium cross bar and a 50-percent reduction in
air leakage - all of which add up to luxury-vehicle-like quietness and NVH
levels.
The Market
The SUV market has shown the most significant growth of the decade in the
automotive industry. In fact, since 1991, annual sales of sport utility vehicles in
the U.S. have grown from 900,000 to 3.2 million units through the end of
calendar year 1999. It is the only market segment that has experienced
double-digit sales growth every year during this period.
The Ford Explorer has led that growth. The Explorer is the best-selling sport
utility vehicle on the market and has been since its introduction in 1990 as a
1991 model. It also has been among the top-10 best-selling vehicles - car or
truck - since it was introduced. In 1998 and 1999, the Explorer nameplate
enjoyed record sales of more than 431,000 and 428,000 units respectively. It
is well on its way to another record-setting sales year in 2000.
More than 3.6 million Ford Explorers have been sold since its introduction, so
it is no surprise that there are more Explorers on the road today than any other
sport utility vehicle. Explorer also ranks very high in customer satisfaction and
loyalty.
As the sales leader, it attracts a broad range of consumers with varying
demographics and interests - from single, young professionals to active
retirees and empty nesters. They choose Explorer because it offers rugged,
functional capabilities and sporty up-to-date styling and comfort.
Explorer often is considered the "pioneer" of the SUV market. While it was
not the first SUV, it marked the transition of the utility vehicle from a
specialized functional truck to a comfortable, versatile activity vehicle.
Available in dealerships beginning in early 2001, the 2002-model Explorer will
be built at Ford Motor Company's Louisville, Ky., and St. Louis, Mo., assembly
plants. Production begins in late 2000.
