I test drove a 2002.
I got to put about 60 road miles on the new Explorer with a really cool car salesman.
First the Explorer is still using a full frame, in fact the frame is stiffer than on any of the previous Explorers.
I like the looks of the front end, but not the rear. I liked the interior ergonomics, but I didn't like the appearance of the dash it didn't have a "quality" look to it. Everything looked like cheap plastic, (I know... all cars use plastic, but this just looked cheap!) The seating was very comfortable.
The 4.0 SOHC really pulled well from stop lights and had gobs of low end torque. I was not at all impressed with the power once at freeway speeds. At 75mph, it took quite a bit of throttle to accelerate from that speed.
I was VERY disappointed in the road manners at freeway speeds. The Explorer needed constant little corrections to maintain a straight line. It was not a "hands off" ride. I compare all cars now to my VW Golf which tracks straight as an arrow for indefinate periods of time.
With it's new 4 wheel independent suspension I expected a much better ride. The sales people better watch their tounges though! She kept emphasizing that with the new suspension you wouldn't have to worry about roll overs etc.
The new Explorer isn't an off-road vehicle, it's more of a station wagon than ever. I just hope that Ford continues to keep the Explorer Sport and Sport Trac on a different platform. Or even better, introduce the Bronco or the EX that they teased us with!