Ford explorer

2019 Ford Explorer: Review

Explorer (translated as "explorer") appeared in 1990. Today it is one of the brightest symbols of America. The car almost immediately became the leader in sales in its class in the United States, leaving behind its competitors. The car won the hearts of buyers with the most spacious and comfortable cabin, push-button switching on the front axle and the ability to carry from five to seven passengers. In fairness, we note that Explorer was clearly not designed for lovers of fast driving, as the hard rear axle and a simple front suspension do not have to travel at high speeds.

Explorer of the first generation was presented in five trim levels. Ascending the price, they were placed as follows: a five-or seven-seat base XL, an improved Sport (only three-door), an XLT (only five-door), complete Limited (limited to five-door) and finally, a chic five-seat Eddie Bauer (mostly five-door) with leather seats, cruise control, stereo, air conditioning and other “luxury” options.

In 1995, the car undergoes substantial modernization. As a result, the design of the exterior and interior has changed. The shape of the front has become more streamlined by lowering the bonnet line, the front optics has been completely updated accordingly. Upgraded and front suspension. In the cabin, the shape of the instrument panel was basically changed - it became smoother with a separate center console. Standard equipment includes: two airbags and aluminum wheel rims. Note also the high resistance of Explorer to corrosion.

As a driving force V-shaped six-cylinder engine with a volume of 4 liters. Before restyling, its power was 162 horsepower, after it became more - 200 hp Equipped with this engine SUV, has an enviable dynamics.

From 1998, the rear part of the body was also changed - the rising door became wider, new lanterns appeared.

The second generation of Explorer debuted 11 years after the first - in January 2001 at the Detroit Auto Show. The 2002 model year car is markedly different from its predecessor. The changes affected not only the technical equipment, but also the appearance. In terms of dimensions, Explorer II has become noticeably larger than its predecessors. The front part is characterized by a monumental grille in combination with new headlights - two batteries of "radiators", covered with transparent single glasses. Powerful spotlights "protivotumanok" implanted in the bumper, painted in the color of the car.

The car received an independent suspension, thanks to which it has excellent grip, which significantly increases driving comfort. With this design, Explorer is almost not subject to vibration. He gently "step over" well hatches, even if they fall under several wheels at once. And it climbs gently on the high curbs, without the typical jeep jerks - this is also the merit of the new chassis.

The transmission modes are not changed by the usual lever, but by the servos - the driver needs only to press the keys.

"4x4 High" - permanent all-wheel drive mode with a rigidly connected front axle.

"4x4 Low" - permanent all-wheel drive mode with downshifts.

"4x4 Auto" - the mode of automatic connection of the front drive (for hard surfaces). While everything is normal, the engine rotates only the rear wheels, when they slip, the automatics connects the front wheels.

However, there is a nuance that distinguishes the Explorer transmission from similar mechanisms on other jeeps: in some situations, up to 100% of the engine's energy can be transmitted to the front wheels. In other words, when Explorer collapses into a deep drift on the winter highway and slides uncontrollably, turning around the track, at such moments the car becomes front-wheel drive, giving the driver a chance to correct the situation.

The salon is very comfortable, spacious and practical. It has many different shelves and drawers are quite spacious in volume, which is especially useful for long trips. The seven-seater version has three rows of seats that are 2 inches lower and 2.5 inches wider than the previous generation. Thanks to the use of the rear double-lever suspension (instead of the former spring on the transverse arms unequal in length) and the special configuration of the rear part of the frame, the fit of the third row of passengers has been significantly improved. To improve the driver’s seat, in addition to adjusting the position of the seat and steering column, a mechanism is introduced that changes the position of the pedal angle.

A choice of two power units: 4-liter V6 with a capacity of 213 hp and V8 volume of 4.6 l / 242 hp The engines are paired with both a 5-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual transmission.

The structure of the body is calculated in such a way that in case of an accident, it is crushed, leaving the interior space intact. The car is not only equipped with front and side airbags, but also became the world's first SUV, which received inflatable "curtain airbags" on the windows, which are especially valuable when tipping over. The level of active safety is enhanced by the use of new motion stabilization systems, anti-skid and anti-lock systems.

Explorer 2002 model year can be described as reliable, safe, comfortable, practical with good road performance car.

In 2005, a new generation of Explorer was introduced. After analyzing the addiction of buyers, the leadership of Ford Motor prioritized: increasing power, improving efficiency, reducing exhaust emissions, improving safety features, reducing noise in the cabin, improving the ride and, finally, correcting the design for greater expressiveness.

Technically, the 2006 model repeats its predecessor, but the exterior is inherited from a spectacular prototype - the Ford Explorer Sport Trac. From him got the grille to the middle of the bumper with side slots of air intakes and "tears" round protivotumanok displaced in the corners of the block-headlights. Visually, the car became "square". Along with the new reinforced frame, the designers have updated the interior. A new center console appeared, the gearbox lever was removed from the steering column to the central tunnel. A new improved rear suspension and a retractable third row of seats have appeared. The seats of the second and third rows, if necessary, are also easily folded, increasing the size of the luggage compartment to incredible sizes.

As options, luxury leather armchairs Preferred Suede with contrasting stitching, navigation system with voice alarm and electric third-row seats are offered. The complete set hierarchy looks like this: XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited.

Both engines were significantly improved. Younger, four-liter V6 managed to fit into the environmental standards ULEV II, which corresponds to the model Ford Escape Hybrid, considered the most "clean" SUV. A flagship V8 volume of 4.6 liters received a new head with three valves per cylinder and phase adjustment system, tested on the sports Ford Mustang GT. Engine power increased to 292 liters. with. (+53 hp), and fuel consumption fell by 10% due to the transition to the newest six-speed "automatic".

Explorer has become safer, for which it contains at least four airbags, ABS, trajectory control and a proprietary Roll Stability Control system that prevents tipping.

In 2010, a presentation of the fifth generation of the Explorer model took place in New York. Appearance has undergone the most dramatic changes. Jim Holland worked on the exterior, who once worked on the design of the Range Rover. The appearance of the car is made in accordance with the latest fashion trends: black front struts, massive chrome grille, embossed hood and a protective plastic body kit.

Explorer V is very different from its predecessors, not only in appearance. The car received a bearing body instead of a frame structure, which increased its safety, improved smoothness and affected the noise level in the cabin. Also, the failure of the frame in the amount of using aluminum parts helped to reduce the weight of the car. Due to the smooth lines of the body, the drag coefficient has decreased to 0.35. Explorer also received electronic off-road assistance systems instead of hard locks and downshifts.

The interior is distinguished by high quality performance and improved noise insulation. The dashboard is decorated in a futuristic style. The on-board computer was developed jointly with Microsoft and provides the driver and passengers of Explorer a lot of interesting possibilities - from WiFi settings to voice control. Hydraulic power steering abolished, replacing it with an electric one. Air conditioning also finalized, equipping it with a compressor with variable power. Among other differences from the previous generation of Explorer, the presence in the cabin of a new car of the third row of passenger seats should be noted (the car has 7 passenger seats).

The basic modification for the Russian market will be the 3.5-liter V6 Ti-VCT gasoline engine, capable of developing a maximum torque of 345 Nm and having a capacity of 294 hp. Transmission - six-speed "automatic" SelectShift. Fuel consumption compared to the previous generation decreased by almost a third. Acceleration from zero to hundred takes 7.9 seconds, maximum speed - 230 kilometers per hour. In the US market there are also versions with turbo engines: four-cylinder 2.0 EcoBoost with turbocharging and an intercooler with a capacity of 240 hp. and V6 volume of 3.5 liters (350 hp).

Drive - either front or full. The car received from its creators an intelligent all-wheel drive system that provides the driver the right to choose one of five driving modes, depending on the conditions - city, mud, descent from the mountain, snow, sand. It adapts to each car in a special way, changing the settings for all-wheel drive, gearbox, gas pedal, engine, brakes, ABS, stabilization system and traction control, thereby helping the driver to more effectively cope with off-road.

The XLT offers six airbags, a stabilization system, air conditioning, power accessories, a CD audio system, electric driver's seat adjustment, a light sensor, rear parking sensors, light-alloy wheels, roof bars, fog lights. The Limited version features a leather interior, dual-zone climate control, a DVD player, a rear-view camera, a panoramic roof, electric tailgate and heated front seats.

The official premiere of the updated Ford Explorer 2015 model year was held in November 2014 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Restyling timed to coincide with the quarter-century anniversary of the model. The very first Explorer left the factory gates on April 12, 1990. For 25 years, the total circulation of issued SUVs exceeded 7 million copies. The model is implemented in 100 countries and is produced at three enterprises in different parts of the planet - Chicago (USA), Valencia (Venezuela) and Elabuga (Russia). Sales of the restyled version on the US market started in the summer of 2015, in Russia the novelty appeared only in the winter of 2015.

Changes in the exterior and interior design of the SUV are minimal. Outside Ford Explorer 2015, after restyling, got a completely new trapezoid grille, a different front bumper with two tiers of air intakes, U-shaped foglights and new headlights stylishly underlined by LED corners of daytime running lights (Platinum has full headlights and fog lights LED content).

The layout of the elements of the body is made so that they all seem to be one. Lines starting at the front continue on the sides of the car. They are bulges that are located in 3 stages. The first row is located between the side windows and door handles, then between the handles and the bottom of the doors. These lines give the car an elegant look.

The back of the Explorer after upgrading received the corrected shape of tail lights, a different tailgate with a modified stamping of the site for the placement of the license plate and a new spoiler. Rear lights are made in the same style with the front, optics in shape resembles the letter "G". The rear bumper has become more massive and solid, an additional block was attached to it, which protects the SUV from a rear impact. The exhaust pipes of an SUV are framed by lights.

The base for Explorer 2015 are 245/60 R18 tires on alloy wheels or aluminum wheels with five spokes of the 18th size, as an option and standard for picking Platinum, tires Hankook 255/50 R20 are provided, dressed in stylish two-color aluminum wheels of the 20th size . In addition, the car performed by Platinum received a grille with a different pattern and an increased number of chrome-plated parts in the exterior.

Inside the updated SUV got a new steering wheel and dashboard. In the instrument panel embedded monitor, a diagonal of 4.2 inches. It displays information about the status of the car. The car also received a new speedometer, which has a scale that will allow better perceive information. Improved sound and noise insulation through the use of new seals side doors, windshield and front side acoustic glass. The interior pleases with almost premium materials and excellent ergonomics. The top-end equipment received multi-contoured seats upholstered in Nirvana leather with micro-perforation, inserts made of aluminum and ash in the interior.

The huge internal dimensions and the seven-seater cabin configuration allow the driver and all his passengers to comfortably accommodate. The luggage compartment even behind the backs of the third row of seats can take about 600 liters of luggage. By folding the third row with an electric drive, you can make room for transporting 1,240 liters. With the addition and the second row we get a huge cargo compartment with a flat floor and a volume of 2285 liters.

The list of additional equipment includes a front and rear camera with a self-cleaning system, additional USB ports for recharging mobile devices, an upgraded assistance system for parallel and perpendicular parking, and a 500-watt audio system from Sony.

The range of engines consists of three gasoline engines, working exclusively in a pair with 6 automatic SelectShift. The 2.0-liter turbo engine was replaced by the four-cylinder EcoBoost with a 2.3-liter working capacity of 273 hp. This engine provides not only great performance, but also the best fuel and economic indicators, compared with the previous engine. This unit with an SUV shared muscle car Ford Mustang.

And for versions XLT and Limited remained the same 3.5-liter V6 with a capacity of 294 hp. (in the Russian specification of 249 forces), while the off-road car performed by Sport and Platinum retained its EcoBoost “six” of the same volume, but developing already 345 hp.

The SUV is equipped with an intelligent four-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System, a fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link architecture at the rear. The suspension has undergone modernization, as a result, the car has become even more comfortable, but it remains assembled and has a stable behavior even at high speed.