2nd gen vs. 3rd gen Ex?

[Curtis]

I currenlty own a 2nd and a 3rd gen.

1996 xlt and a 2004 xlt.

Have to agree with everyone else that the 3rd gen rides much nicer. I feel higher and the seat is in a better position. I find my 2nd gen seat more layed back.

as for power and speed my 04 is a V8 so it cant compare to my 96 V6.

the 3rd gen is alot bigger inside too. no major problems for me.


My only dislike is the shifter handle is in front of the AC vent when in Drive, and I cant get a good breeze on hot florida days. Then the shifter handle alwasy has condensation on it.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

I had a customer trade in a pristine condition '92 XLT the other day, and I must say, I was really impressed with it for being as old as it was. They don't handle the road the same way as the newer gens, but it's not necessarily bad, just different. It seemed to ride more softly too, and although the seats felt a bit more flat, they stretched back further than the Gen II. Much needed for me.

This one was a 5-speed, so I've been driving it every now and then just because I've been suffering from "aintgotastickshift-itis", and this was some welcome therapy. The power from the 4.0L OHV engine was a bit lackluster, but it ran well, albiet a bit thrashy compared to the butter smooth SOHC version.

I already have people asking about it, and it hasn't even been cleaned or run thru the shop yet. I don't predict it sticking around long.

 

[daprez1963]

My only dislike is the shifter handle is in front of the AC vent when in Drive, and I cant get a good breeze on hot florida days. Then the shifter handle alwasy has condensation on it.

I dont seem to have that problem in both my 02 & 05...The drive shift handle on both doesnt come across the ac vents at all (btw, I live in florida as well).

 

[BWilliams]

dont seem to have that problem in both my 02 & 05...The drive shift handle on both doesnt come across the ac vents at all

Same here... sits right between the HU and the vents when in drive.

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

It probably makes a difference in how you have the steering wheel tilted.

If you have it down in your lap "gangsta style", it could probably do this.

 

[Curtis]

Same here... sits right between the HU and the vents when in drive.

Thats right if you are looking eye level at the HU but from my line of sight when driving to the left vent, the shifter handle is right in the way.

My dads 02 is the same for me. Its nothing major, but I would like the full flow of AC at me on hot days.

 

[daprez1963]

Thats right if you are looking eye level at the HU but from my line of sight when driving to the left vent, the shifter handle is right in the way.

My dads 02 is the same for me. Its nothing major, but I would like the full flow of AC at me on hot days.

well it might be a matter of heigth in both the driver and the steering column. i am 6'1" and the position of my steering wheel level and my seat adjusted has no impact in the line of fire of the ac's cold air. i have also never experience frost on my handle and the humidity in the part of florida i live in is just as high. i think in your case its a very small percentage of a problem (I havent heard any one else so far complain about that...):

 

[BWilliams]

Frost on the shifter? -- I live in the unofficial capital of snow and ice, and I've NEVER had frost forming anywhere in my truck.

@Corn: one driving an X "gangsta style" would be far more rediculous then having a shifter blocking an airvent, no?

 

[UKExploder]

I personally wouldn't trade you guys my 1st gen. for a 2nd or 3rd gen X........the 2nd & 3rd gen.s ride better because they are more 'car-like'......bleeaahh!...."to each his own", I say.......I just love my 1st gen.

 

[daprez1963]

you're right...to each his own. but i might be speaking just for myself, but a "SUV" in my case is something that has the look and feel of a truck, rides like a blend of both with all the comforts of a car. i mean, i never bought the truck to haul construction material, or to go 4 wheeling in the desert, or anything else you might use a conventional truck. I dont like stationwagons or vans, but have a small crew to transport usually and occasionally tow something. If I wanted my truck for anything else, I would have gotten a large sedan. I like the look, though the 1st generation is too "old school" and lacks the modern more luxury look that is offered with the newer generation versions. But as said before...its a matter of choice...

 

[E.B. Cornburner]

one driving an X "gangsta style" would be far more rediculous then having a shifter blocking an airvent, no?

Around here, I've witnessed it. There's a very nice black XLT with some big bangin' 24" rims on it, and the little punk that drives it probably can't see above the dash, he's got the seat reclined back so far.

And yes, it's absolutely rediculous.

But we all know that "bling" is more important than safety, right?