Since
its introduction when most SUVs emphasized utility over
style, Ford Explorer has been the truck-based sport utility
that gave drivers a lot of both. An early Eddie Bauer edition
with leather trim teased us with automobile-level luxury
and a surprisingly comfortable ride at a time most competitors
wore spartan trim and workhorse suspensions. Yet Explorer's
gutsy off-road capability sent many wannabe imitators away
in shame.
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subsequent new generation Explorer (and Mercury Mountaineer
cousin) smoothed out any suggestion of rough edges for the
pair, and the vehicle has continued on in its popularity-dominating
path for the three years since. (Some harrowing real world
handling maneuvers of it in the highlands of Arizona made
a convincing argument that Ford had addressed some earlier
maneuverability complaints. Its status as a top seller remains
a boast that it fills the value bill as well, with prices
from the high 20s to low 30s.)
For
2005, as Ford gets ready to launch a rejuvinated '06, both
marques get refinement touches designed to keep its good
looks, powerful performance and strength of purpose regardless
of duty, with an emphasis on safety. AdvanceTrac with Roll
Stability Control becomes standard with both marques for
'05. The system controls engine power and braking for rollover
avoidance. Anti-lock disk brakes on all wheels are standard,
while there's an available "Safety Canopy" side
curtain airbag system and tire pressure monitors. Steel
door beams and front crush zone helped it win top offset
impact safety ratings.
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new XLT appearance package adds 17-inch silver-painted cast
aluminum wheels with matching step and roof rails, plus
color combinations mating exterior colors with interior
insets. All sound systems gained standard MP3 and Sirius
Satellite radio capability during the year. Performance-wise,
an independent rear suspension smooths out bumps, even during
yeoman off-road duty. A powerful, available 4.6-liter V-8
(generating 239-HP and 282-lb. ft. of torque) can tow up
to 7,000 pounds as a 4X2. The 4.0-liter, 210-HP V-6 (254-lb.
ft. of torque) tows about 5,600 pounds max.
With
seating for five or seven, roomy yet flexible cargo area,
good road manners and a wealth of amenity choices from six
trim levels we think this is still a great variety-laden
staple.
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