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Full Test: 2002 Ford Explorer XLT
Is This the Explorer That Can Carry the Torch for the Next Decade?
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By Ed Hellwig, Lead Senior Editor
Date posted: 05-31-2001
In some ways, the Explorer's incredible popularity since its introduction in 1990 was a given. It was the perfect family-car alternative, with plenty of room for kids and cargo, the foul-weather security of four-wheel drive and a rugged look that appealed to outdoor enthusiasts and suburban mothers alike.
In other ways, the Explorer's attraction was a little more of a mystery. Sure, it had that "do anything, go anywhere" look, but nothing in its design was inherently unique. Despite engine upgrades, its performance could best be described as adequate, and the handling was hardly what you would call precise.
So when it came to creating an all-new 2002 version, the designers were faced with a dilemma. Continue down the same path as before, one that made the Explorer one of the best-selling Ford vehicles ever? Or take a chance with a revolutionary new design that could transform the Explorer into a groundbreaking new vehicle?
One look at the result, and it's plain to see that they chose the former, changing the Explorer along evolutionary lines rather than gunning for a whole new look and feel. It may seem like they aimed a little low, but the reality is quite different.
After a week behind the wheel, there's no doubt that this new Explorer is a major step forward. While the previous Explorer may have gotten by on its inoffensive looks and bread-and-butter simplicity, this new version will make a name for itself with its vastly improved driving dynamics, generous interior room and enhanced passenger capacity — hardly traits that we consider groundbreaking, but supremely important factors when it comes to securing your place high atop the best-seller list.
The first thing you're likely to notice — or not notice, as the case may be — is the Explorer's exterior changes. A wider stance, shorter front and rear overhangs and a new front fascia are subtle in their alteration of the Explorer's look, but there's little doubt that it's a new truck from the ground up. The resemblance to its predecessor is clear, something Ford designers insisted on, but its push toward a more family-oriented design theme that mimics the Expedition is evident. In person, the new look comes off as handsome and appealing, adding a certain degree of refinement without alienating those who may have liked the previous version.
New ergonomic details are immediately evident on the exterior, with redesigned grab-through door handles replacing the previous lift-up designs. Ford designers tout them as easier to grip and pull, and they are, as long as you're pulling the door directly toward you. Come from behind as in a typical parking lot situation, however, and the grab-through design makes for a slightly awkward opening.
Fortunately, most of the Explorer's ergonomic enhancements are without flaw. The larger door openings and lower seats make getting in and out easier, and the standard tilt wheel and increased seat travel make a comfortable seating position easy to find. The revised rear hatch is much larger than before, providing a lower liftover height for easier loading of cargo — an example of attention to detail that truly improves functionality.
Our test vehicle was a mid-line two-wheel-drive XLT with a standard cloth interior and few options. Side curtain airbags, the optional third-row seat, auxiliary climate controls and a reverse-sensing system were the primary interior upgrades. Despite the lack of luxury, we still found the Explorer's cabin quite comfortable. A few editors thought the interior materials were a bit flimsy compared to the higher-line Eddie Bauer models, but overall, most of the plastics appeared solid and exhibited tight fit and finish.
Sure, everybody likes to ride in the lap of luxury, but our low-content tester revealed that some of the Explorer's most appealing aspects are also some of the most basic. The steering wheel doesn't obstruct the gauges, has a nice feel and features large easy-to-use cruise control buttons. The gauge cluster isn't going to win any originality awards, but it's easy to read at a glance and doesn't try to cram too much into one space. The center console is high enough to use as an armrest (although its top isn't soft-touch material), and it features plenty of inside storage space, large cup holders and a useful outside bin perfect for loose items like keys or a cell phone.
The longer wheelbase means increased interior room, yet overall vehicle length remains the same as the previous model. Second-row accommodations are about on par with the Dodge Durango and 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer in both head and legroom. The seats themselves are split into a 40/20/40 configuration that allows either side to flip forward for easy access to the third row. Although these individually folding seats add a degree of functionality, a few editors complained that their bucket-like design leaves outboard passengers wishing for a little more room.
One of the Explorer's most significant new enhancements is the availability of a third-row seat, so of course we immediately packed ourselves into the rearmost quarters to try it out. Legroom was surprisingly good, allowing passengers to sit in a semi-upright position, unlike many third-row seats in midsize SUVs. Head and hip room were also respectable, although adults certainly wouldn't want to spend any extended periods of time back there. Our biggest complaint was the seat's park bench-like shape that makes it easily foldable but hardly comfortable.
Other minor complaints included the fact that when folded down, the collapsed seat doesn't quite lay flat, causing whatever items that lay on top of it to slide toward the rear with the slightest nudge of the gas pedal. Another annoyance are the gaps on each side of the folded seat that can easily swallow loose items. To its credit, Ford did include a sliding panel intended to remedy this problem, but the fact that it easily slid right out of its tracks when one of our editors moved it didn't bode well for its long-term durability.
Closely related to the inclusion of the third-row seat is the adoption of an all-new, fully independent rear suspension. The prior straight axle design required ample room underneath to accommodate the differential, but the Explorer's new independent design allows the differential to be placed much lower in the frame, allowing for a lower interior floor height. This translates directly into increased headroom for third-row passengers or simply additional cargo room for five-passenger models.
More importantly, the new independent setup drastically improves the Explorer's overall handling characteristics. Gone is the skittish nature of the solid rear axle that struggled to maintain its composure over rutted surfaces. The neatly packaged multilink arrangement soaks up road irregularities with noticeably more controlled responses — trust us, it's light years ahead of the old design.
A few editors noted that although it's much improved, the Explorer still doesn't match the precision handling of unibody sport-utes like the Acura MDX or Toyota Highlander, but with significantly more ground clearance (9.2 inches) than either of the two sport-ute wannabes (8.0 and 7.3), the Explorer has the advantage when it comes to true off-road worthiness. Then consider its towing capacity of 5,940 lbs. (up to 7,000 with the V8) versus the Acura's 3,500 maximum and the Toyota's 2,000 limit, and the less than car-like ride is all the more understandable.
Like its predecessor, the '02 Explorer utilizes body-on-frame construction, although this time, the frame is a fully boxed design that's 350 percent stiffer than before to provide a sturdier platform for the suspension as well as less flexing in corners and over bumps. The front suspension now uses coil springs instead of torsion bars for better off-road damping and urethane bushings for more tightly controlled movements of the suspension arms. It all comes together to produce a more confidence-inspiring ride quality, void of excessive roll or wheel movement, although we didn't bother to take our two-wheel-drive test vehicle very far off the beaten path.
The steering has also been retuned as part of the front suspension redesign for a more precise feel, but the improvement was somewhat lost on our editors. Some thought it provided plenty of feedback and comfort; others thought it somewhat dull and slow. One thing is for sure; the smaller turning radius (38.4 to 36.7 ft.) drastically improves the Explorer's maneuverability in tight spaces. Anyone accustomed to the current Explorer's less-than-nimble handling will notice the difference immediately.
Explorers come with a choice of two engines: a standard 4.0-liter V6 or a 4.6-liter V8. Our mid-range test model came equipped with the V6 and the new five-speed automatic transmission (a five-speed manual will be available later this year for the V6). Horsepower is rated at 210, while torque is a healthy 250 foot-pounds. Acceleration times were about average for a midsize SUV (0 to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds), not surprising considering that the V6 was coping with hauling 4,100 lbs. (225 more than last year's model) on its back.
The five-speed automatic transmission is a well-engineered unit that keeps the engine right in its sweet spot for optimum power. Downshifts were disappointingly slow, requiring a bit of planning on the driver's part when it came to passing maneuvers. Optional 3.55 axle gears did help in the performance department, but when it came to fuel economy, they dragged the as-tested figure down to a wallet-emptying 15 mpg. The EPA ratings for this vehicle are 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, so less heavy-footed drivers can expect slightly better numbers.
With the energy crisis in full swing and environmentalists calling for the end of the SUV as we know it, it's worth mentioning that Ford plans on releasing a flexible fuel version of the 4.0-liter V6 in late 2001. This engine will be capable of running on either pure gas or a blend of gas and ethanol that claims to decrease carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 20 percent. Doesn't sound like much, but if standard fuel supplies get really tight, you can bet there won't be long lines at the ethanol pump.
No discussion of a vehicle so popular with families would be complete without mentioning safety issues. Prior to the whole Firestone/rollover mess, the Explorer had earned a reputation as a solid performer when it came to safety. The new Explorer is no exception.
Standard safety features consist of second-generation front airbags, height-adjustable pre-tensioning seatbelts and lower bumpers that are height-compatible with cars. Optional on our test vehicle was a side curtain airbag system that deploys from the headliner to protect occupants in the front- and second-row seating positions. As it covers 75 percent of the glass in the event of a side impact, we would consider this to be a must-have option. Another optional safety feature was a reverse-sensing system that detects objects directly behind the vehicle and alerts the driver with an audible tone. We found that it worked as advertised, although its lack of a visual indicator limits it to a safety device only, rather than serving double-duty as a parking aid, as well.
In addition to the limited number of options on our test truck, the Explorer boasts an extensive array of optional safety equipment, some available now, others not until later this year. For a thorough discussion of these new systems, check out our Preview and First Drive articles on the Explorer.
If you've made it this far, then it should be readily apparent that, despite its familiar look, the 2002 Explorer is a vastly different vehicle than its predecessor. Ford made a conscious decision to stick with what worked and focus on the areas that needed the most improvement, and it shows.
The redesigned suspension is remarkable in its ability to transform the Explorer's formerly flaccid ride into something befitting the country's best-selling sport-utility, and the increased interior room and seven-passenger accommodations are just what the consumer ordered. The fact that a minimally optioned test vehicle still managed to impress us with its comfort and convenience is testament to the Explorer's well-thought-out design and likeable personality. Sure, there are other sport-utilities out there that might have the Explorer beat in a few choice categories, but when it comes to being everybody's all-American, the Explorer is likely to reign atop the sales charts for many years to come.
See all the Ratings: 2002 Ford Explorer XLT 2WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) Road Test Scoreboard
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(Enlarge photo)
Subtle changes from last year's model include a more upright, squared-off nose, lower bumpers and additional ground clearance underneath.
(Photo by Scott Jacobs)
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2002 Ford Explorer Video
