So what do you like about your Gen 2?

[Dave 1955]

For me I like the looks and the v-8 and I actually don't mind the awd.
I really like the door keypad.
Drives nice when all is good.
Decent millage even with the 302.

 

[Maverick265]

My Rims and Paint. Other than that right now. Nothing.

 

[AP9]

Appearance-wise, I think late 2nd-generation is my favorite among Explorers. The 3rd and 4th gen models look kind of cheap in my opinion (too much plastic molding, 3rd-gen cracked tailgate, etc.), and the 5th gen even more so with its rounded shape.

People can laugh all they want, but I have found the OHV V6 to be a great engine. Makes a whopping 40 horsepower per liter but that's fine, I don't look to race my Explorer. It's had virtually no problems after over 180,000 miles of usage.

I like the column-mounted shifter. The exterior finish has held up well. The keypad entry is a great feature. Great visibility and commanding view of the road. Turning radius isn't bad. Unlike most vehicles I (being 6'4") can comfortably fit in all the seats except middle-rear hump seat. Good cargo space.

 

[clean98x]

Love the 4wd and it being white with black wheels on 31s. Its all muddy right now

 

[koda2000]

i like the look of the gen II's. to me my 2000/2001 don't look like a 13/14 year old vehicle. i think they look a lot less cheap than the gen III's. i like the ride, it's firm but usually not harsh. i also like sitting up high when i drive, i like the quality of the interior materials, they seem to hold up very well. i like the 2wd's because they're simple to work on, i never go off road and it doesn't snow much where i live. i like the v8 power, reliability and sound and for a heavy vehicle, the fuel mileage isn't too bad.

edit: i used to think the keyless entry was the dumbest thing in the world, but all my trucks have it and i find myself using it all the time, rather than having to go in the house for keys. i have to agree that these trucks do have a certain macho look and feel to them. this forum has been a great help in my education and repairs. i'm planning on keeping my v8's on the road as long as i am able.

 

[Dave 1955]

Appearance-wise, I think late 2nd-generation is my favorite among Explorers. The 3rd and 4th gen models look kind of cheap in my opinion (too much plastic molding, 3rd-gen cracked tailgate, etc.), and the 5th gen even more so with its rounded shape.

People can laugh all they want, but I have found the OHV V6 to be a great engine. Makes a whopping 40 horsepower per liter but that's fine, I don't look to race my Explorer. It's had virtually no problems after over 180,000 miles of usage.

I like the column-mounted shifter. The exterior finish has held up well. The keypad entry is a great feature. Great visibility and commanding view of the road. Turning radius isn't bad. Unlike most vehicles I (being 6'4") can comfortably fit in all the seats except middle-rear hump seat. Good cargo space.

I also have a 95 xl with the ohv and a 5 speed stick..its not fast but runs great ,150k on it.
Bought it 7 years ago with 72k on it for 3200. Probably one of my better deals..lol.

 

[pbnj22]

i love the muscular look.. and the keypad is awesome.. just today my buddy locked his keys in his car.. had to pick him up.. awd is amazing in the winter.. working at a dealership and driven hundreds of cars i havnt found one better in the snow.. and 1st vehicle i have bought.. and hopefully i can keep it for a long time..
(watching all these muscle car restoration shows already makes me think about when im 50 or so (21 now) finding a 2nd gen to restore and bring back to life! lol great vehicle

 

[lobo411]

If its not fast, it's because you're not mashing the gas pedal enough.

 

[drdoom]

I like the comfort, I have to drive a lot, and these are very comfortable with many amenities. I like that it is a body-on-frame vehicle, with the solid axle housing in the rear. I like the Cologne engine, great power. I like the Control Trac...I had to make a nighttime run through the WV mountains last winter. It was snowing like mad. I left it in AUTO, and that night, was I ever glad I have taken good care of this rig, because it took good care of me. And I am truly thankful for explorerforum.com, as I am certain I could not have repeatedly resurrected this rig without the vast amount of knowledge and experience here.

 

[Abbondanza]

It's a man's truck (sorry ladies) and I love having no car payment

 

[Jumpman23]

Concur on the man truck thing. I like the looks of it above the other explorers. It looks good next to my mustang I havent used the keyless entry yet, but Im guessing I'll love that (I surf and have nowhere to leave my keys ) Just looks, and rides like a mans truck.

 

[crunchie_frog]

I like the V8, AWD and 470RW trans. All together, they make a tough, compact, power train package. Also, there are lots of these in the local pull a part so I don't have to worry about getting cheap parts. That is the nice thing about Fords, always plenty of them in the junk yards. There is a reason for that though, they do require upkeep, but if you are willing to put a little love in them, they go a long way for low costs.

 

[deweyville65]

Easy to drive and comfortable with decent fuel economy.

 

[FIND]

I like the v8iness of my second gen.

Otherwise, it is ugly and cheap looking... Not that I mind ugly. Who cares, it is reliable and... well, it's reliable.

 

[Abbondanza]

meteor, tsunami, earthquake, super eruption, aliens or any other thing that causes havoc on the planet...I'll be glad I have my truck while I still exist

 

[koda2000]

i forgot to mention... it was made in America.

 

[Flash]

Head room and shoulder room.
It goes pretty good. I've had faster but I don't need any more than this.

As for manly; my LTD is purple.

 

[FIND]

Ah, that's the other thing I like about my Explorer. I had my knees on the dash in my bonneville and even my Lincoln didn't give me as much room as I would have liked.

 

[Turdle]

I like that it is paid for
I like that it has taken us where we want to go, and back home again.
I like the fact, if it does break I will probably know what needs fixed.
I like that it has driven over the 2 highest roads in our continent.
I like it for pulling down some trees, and winching down some heavy branches.
I like it for being ready to go whenever I am.

 

[bigcrunch]

I like them because my 97 v8 AWD (converted to 4406) used quality steel and saved my life the evening on nov 12 2012 approx 9:30pm. Another person hit me doing 50+mph she was busy with her GPS and did not see the stop sign on her lane. She did not even know what she hit until I informed her it was me.