2nd gen vs. 3rd gen Ex?

[David in NC]

I have a 2wd 99 4.0 XLS and love it except that it rides like a truck. (I know, I know, it is a truck.) My son's 97 4wd XLT seems to ride better, but it may just be thicker seat bolsters. Are your third generations better? Are they more reliable? My X has 120k, plenty of life left, no problems and runs fine. Should I hang on to it or move up? What would you recommend? TIA

 

[BWilliams]

I've never driven a second-gen, but I absolutely love my '05 XLT. Never seen any problems with an uncomfortable ride or anything along those lines.

If you don't have any problems with your current X, I'd say to hang onto it unless you really want something newer with more features. Then again, that's also what mods are for.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

if you want a softer ride look into new softer shocks.

 

[JasonF]

I have owned both. It's no contest, the 3rd gen rides far better.

Jason

 

[David in NC]

How do they compare in reliability and other areas?

 

[bobdobalena]

I have the same questions...reluctantly retiring my '93 Sport (175K - thanks to this site) for an '04 XLT or EB this summer. Will we share the same loyalty and trust as me and my '93? It will have big shoes to fill but I never considered any other vehicle!

Any reason to consider 2nd gen over 3rd?

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

Not really unless you are into wheeling, and towing heavy loads where the solid rear axle would do better..but if it's a basic SUV then go with the 3rd gen.

 

[34Ford]

Considering a '02 EX Eddie Bauer because of my wallet and that they have the independent rear.
The earlier generations feel tippy to me.
But it was brought up that I could a more dependable '01 with the 5.O and use a after market sway bar.

Anyone know of this?

 

[Turdle]

Yes--
Explorer express sells a x-spec suspension kit which will make the 2nd gen explorer handle with much more agility--the rear swaybar ( available seperately) is worth it's weight in gold in this respect.

The full x-spec kit will make for a agile-but very firm ride, plus lower the vehicles center of gravity--

 

[IZwack]

Here's the combo you're looking for:

A 2001 (or earlier) Mercury Mountaineer with the 5.0L engine. Install the parts jtsmith described and you'll be good to go.

 

[34Ford]

Okay Im confused now. I thought the Gen 2's started at 2002.

IZwack, why did you say a Mountaineer?

EDIT: Oh I see now. The '02 is 3rd gen.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

The Gen III rides better, has better ergonomics, and is definitely roomier than the Gen II. I never liked the driving position of the Gen II. The seat doesn't go back far enough for me to be comfy, and it's angled too sharply on the front.

One big difference about the Gen II comared to the Gen III...The Gen II certainly seems a lot faster! I drove a '99 Limited 4.0 SOHC for the past couple days, and it's far and away faster than mine. I'm not sure what rear end ratio it has, but the thing goes like a scalded dog. It's the fastest 4.0 SOHC I've ever driven.

I believe the Gen II is lighter. I've never researched curb weights to verify this though. It definitely doesn't hold the road as well, and bumps tend to unsettle it a lot more.

As far as reliability goes, I'd actually give the nod to the Gen II...They didn't have the rear end and/or rear wheel bearing failures like lots of the Gen IIIs did.

Lastly, as a personal opinion, I think the looks of the Gen II is the best of all of them. Especially the Limited. Like I mentioned, I had a '99 Limited for a couple days as somewhat of a "demo", somewhat as a "guinea pig" to diagnose a possible driveability problem, and I turned more heads with it than with my '04 Eddie Bauer!
Second would be the '06-current* Explorers. The chrome front end adds a much needed facelift to an otherwise very bland design.

*Question: Is this actually considered a Gen IV, or just a "freshened" Gen III?

 

[IZwack]

Okay Im confused now. I thought the Gen 2's started at 2002.

IZwack, why did you say a Mountaineer?

EDIT: Oh I see now. The '02 is 3rd gen.

91-94 = 1st gen
95-01 = 2nd gen

I said Mountaineer because they look nice -- to me at least. I like the reverse angled headlights of the later model 2nd gen Mountaineer (revers angle compared to the Explorer).

 

[celly]

Considering a '02 EX Eddie Bauer because of my wallet and that they have the independent rear.
The earlier generations feel tippy to me.
But it was brought up that I could a more dependable '01 with the 5.O and use a after market sway bar.

Anyone know of this?

The '02 was the first year of the new generation and I've heard lots of people speak of problems with it. If I was forced into the 3rd gen, I'd go '04-'05. Early adopters often get nailed with issues that haven't been addressed yet in the first year of a run.

I've got a '99 with 5.0. It's only got about 45,000 miles on it and very reliable. I'm second owner and do have the aftermarket swaybar and Bilstein shocks. Handles WAY better than stock. I can hit the corners pretty hard. '99-'01 4 doors were virtually unchanged. It wasn't broke. Don't fix it I guess.

Yeah, 2nd gens drive like trucks because they are trucks. 3rd gen and beyond started driving like cars/minivans. The next gen is supposed to be a CUV. Good thing I have a LOT of years left with my 2nd gen. I've now owned one 1st gen and 3 2nd gens. I doubt I'll ever get another Explorer if I can't drive a 2nd gen. There are MANY people on this site that get a lot of years out of them.

 

[celly]

*Question: Is this actually considered a Gen IV, or just a "freshened" Gen III?

They're 4th gens. Lots of changes in '06 and not a ton of reverse compatability of parts etc from what I gather.

 

[34Ford]

I have been driving a '88 Lincoln Mark VII since '93 which has a 5.O HO in it.

How are the Gen 2 explorer 5.O's compared? They dont have a distributor do they? Roller cams?


Here is my Linc.
.

 

[rhyno]

We have both a second and third gen. For comfort, its the third gen hands down. The stock V8 in our third is also much more powerful than my SOHC with intake and exhaust. I still love the second gen though for the exact reason you stated, its more of a truck.

 

[34Ford]

I found this from a individual for sale. $13200 with 58k miles on it. Not sure about a towing package yet. Oh its the V8.
Whats included with a towing package. Could I install a comparable setup or better?
.

 

[34Ford]

Well I bought it.

Now.......how in the world do you brighten the led displays in the dash?

 

[daprez1963]

had a 2nd gen 2002 2wd 6cylinder 4.0 5 passenger xlt (had 92,000 miles), now have a 3rd gen 2005 4wd 6cylinder 4.0 7 passenger (has 42,000 miles)...

hands down....the 05. alot smoother, softer ride. can really feel the difference. love it so far!

the only difference in appearance is....that the 2002 had that my 2005 doesnt have now (options)...the 02 had daytime running lights, keyless entry pad, adjustable foot pedal and the auto rear-view mirror sensor and side molding...but the 05 has advancetrac, message center, rear a/c that can be controlled by passengers, 4wd drive and third row seating