What year is best?

[bighibbi]

What is the best year for the 1st generation explorer, and is it possible to find 4dr 1993-94 explorer with a manual transmission?

 

[Futbol2369]

I have a '94 XLT, which is better than my friends '93 XLT. I think I read somewhere that manuals were made for the Mazda Navjo. I know someone though who made a special order to Ford and got his I think '92 with a manual. Not sure on how accurate this info is though.

 

[Robb]

I believe all 91-94s were available with manuals. I have owned a 92 and a 94 with manuals, so that is my assumption.

If looking at a manny X, there aren't many differences in the years.

 

[blue_97_v8]

94

 

[TheJMan]

The 1993 and 1994 models are very similar, but the 1994 has R134 refrigerant for the A/C while the early 1993s have R12. (I think Ford switched to R134 midway through the 1993 model year) The late 1993s and 1994s also have EGR, while the early 1993s don't.

My 1993 has R12 and does not have EGR. I love it that way. R12 makes the A/C very cold and to me, EGR seems like a big hassle for what it does. At the last emissions test, my 1993 was under the maximum in all 3 categories by 40% or more.

If you can find one with EGR and R134 then you don't have to worry about retrofitting your A/C, and you might get slightly better emissions results.

 

[Mike_H]

I remember looking at consumer reports awhile back and the late 93’s and 94’s were the best for the first gens. As for the manual transmissions, they were standard in every trim level except the limited, which had an automatic as standard equipment.

 

[Charlie's_93EB]

what ever you can get the best deal on.





















1993, rules

 

[jgilbs]

yea, my 94xlt has a standard tranny, and by all indications its much more relibable than my A4LD(aka 'A 4.0 litre disaster')

 

[general x]

92 just because I own one

 

[Crankcase]

Stay away from the 91's..they were the first year, and as so, had a few bugs.

If you plan to offroad it at all, the 92 doesn't have the crappy plastic trim on the bottom to break off...

Also, the 5 speed manual is MADE by Mazda, and was available in all the 91-94 miodels, except the Limited I believe....A manual transfer case was also available....

 

[NOTAJP]

I've had great luck with both of my '91s, however I have found that '92 parts fit better )o2 sensor, plugs, etc.) so I tell the parts house it's a '92. As far as the A/C, I can't imagine any 10 year old vehicle that doesn't need to be completey changed anyway. I converted my '91 and it'll freeze ya out; even better than stock.

The '94 have the better heads on the motor. Ford changed the casting to avoid cracks.

My '91 was kinda rare stock. XLT with all power interior, manual trans, manual t/c, and manual hubs. I just wish I had the leather interior and sunroof.

 

[Mike_H]

I forgot to mention that in 93 the explorer gained 4 wheel abs and 5 more hp.

 

[sapogmxr]

Get a 97. Those Rule.

PS: I had to stick up for my truck.