FORD EXPLORER
1991-1994
The Station Wagon for the Nineties
Remember the Country Squire station
wagon? Along with similar offerings from GM and Chrysler, they were
wildly popular in suburbia in the 60's and 70's. Fake woodgrain,
whitewalls, chrome everywhere. They were big, versatile and could
handle large families with all their stuff. Comfortably. Equipped with
huge V8's, they could tow a big trailer, too.
But as the 80's wore on, a new trend
was developing. Consumers were ditching their wagons for two
newcomers: minivans and well-appointed sport utility vehicles (SUV's).
Popular offerings included the V8 Grand Wagoneer, Cherokee, Land
Cruiser, Blazer and Bronco.
The category, particularly the
"compact" segment, was exploding. Just as it shifted into high gear,
Ford launched the new Explorer. Sales were phenomenal and it quickly
established itself as the sales leader by a wide margin.
|
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
Overall competence
Room
Reliability
Value |
Heavy off-road
stuff
Emergency handling
Vague steering |
What's Available
Both 2-door and 4-door body styles were produced. Each could be had
with either rear- or four-wheel drive. Initially there were four trim
levels, the base XL, the mid-range (and most popular) XLT, and the
upmarket Eddie Bauer (4door). A Sport version of the 2-door was also
available.
In mid-1993, a new top of the line
Limited version was added. It was fully loaded and had only three
options -- a JBL audio system, a towing package and a flip-up sunroof.
One engine, a 4.0-liter OHV V6, came with all Explorers. A 4-speed
overdrive automatic and a Mazda-built 5-speed manual were your
transmission choices, but the 5-speed is a tough find, especially on
the four-door.
Exterior Design
When introduced, the Explorer was one of those rare vehicles that
looked just right. Clean, uncluttered and contemporary looking from
all angles, the angular body practically shouted "sport utility
vehicle". The 2-door version, with its slanted rear-pillar and short
wheelbase even managed to look, well, sporty.
A chrome grille with rectangular
headlights on the XLT and Eddie Bauer adorned the front, while the XL
and Sport made do with black plastic. Chrome was splashed liberally
around the XLT and Eddie Bauer, much less so on the XL and Sport. The
Limited sported its own monochromatic paint scheme.
The rear hatch is one piece and swings
upward. The window works independently of the hatch, a plus.
What They Said When New
|
|
"The ride feels
smooth only on the best roads. Large bumps caused bounding, and
a full, 900-pound load made matters worse, especially in the
rear. The ride is about as quiet as in most
sedans.".......Consumer Reports 9/90
"The nicely
laid-out interior and comfortable seating for five are just a
few of the reasons why the Explorer is outselling the
competition two to one.".....Automobile 9/91
"Complementing
the Explorer's outstanding interior comfort is a softly tuned
suspension that provides a plush ride over most road surfaces,
making it an excellent choice for around-town
driving.".......Motor Trend 10/93 |
Interior Design
Again, the Explorer's interior is clean and contemporary in its design
and well laid out. For its time, the Explorer was clearly the class
leader. The dash houses a complete display of easy-to-read gauges. The
typical late 80's, early 90's Ford stereo is difficult to use, but
everything else is logically placed and easy to operate.
Bucket seats (or "Captain's chairs")
and a steering column shift come with all Explorers. A console with
cup holders resides between the seats.
The four-wheel drive is engaged by a
handy push button ("touch-drive") on the dash.
Materials for the most part are well
coordinated and have a look of quality, but there are a few plastic
pieces that could use some upgrading.
Room & Comfort
One of the Explorer's strengths is that it delivers car-like comfort.
While almost all SUV's can do that today, in 1990 it was unusual and
it undoubtedly contributed greatly to the Explorer's success.
Statistics show that 90% of SUV's never make into the rough stuff, so
Ford clearly tuned the Explorer for paved roads.
Stepping into an Explorer is not the
difficult proposition that it can be in many other SUV's. Foregoing
the raised suspension, big fat tires and a "macho" look, the door
sills sit relatively close to the ground, allowing easy entry and
exit. Running boards, an option, further assist shorter passengers,
but tend to get in the way of taller folk.
Once in the cabin, you'll find that it
is bright and airy, allowing the driver a great view of the
surroundings, although short drivers may have difficulty seeing over
the tall dash. Most Explorers were equipped with a full complement of
power accessories.
There's plenty of room for the driver
and front seat passenger. The seats are comfortable on all but the
longest trips where the overall softness of the seat begins to take a
toll on your lower back. The Eddie Bauer and Limited versions with
their multi-adjustable power seats allows you to custom tailor seat
support.
The rear is large enough for three and
is as comfortable as most good sized sedans. The bench seat is not
contoured however, and lacks lower back support. As you would expect
headroom is ample front and rear.
The Explorer's cargo capacity is tops
in the "compact" SUV class. In fact, it will hold more than many
larger SUV's such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and Mitsubishi Montero.
The rear seat is split 60/40, allowing the extra versatility.
All that cargo room does come at a
price. The spare tire is mounted underneath the vehicle, making tire
changes difficult and decreasing ground clearance.
Ride, Handling
and Performance
Under everyday driving conditions, the Explorer delivers a smooth and
comfortable ride. Body motions are controlled, response is good and
the cabin remains quiet. The steering is rather vague.
This a truck with an antiquated
suspension, however (it's based on the Ranger pickup of that era) and
poor roads transmit plenty of harshness and body shudder to
passengers. Emergency handling is controllable but sluggish -- slow
response with plenty of body roll and pitch. Unlike some other SUVs,
however, it doesn't feel "tipsy".
All Explorers housed a 4.0-Liter
6-cylinder engine generating 155hp (160hp in '93 & '94). It goes about
every day chores unobtrusively but makes a rather coarse racket when
pushed. It moves the Explorer adequately.
The auto transmission is typical Ford -
smooth most of the time but possessing certain gear/powerband
combinations that feel anything but refined. A least they're
infrequent. We could not locate an Explorer with a manual transmission
for this report.
Braking distances are somewhat long,
(typical for the class) but are uneventful.
Mainly due to its soft suspension, the
Explorer has a modest cargo load capacity of 900lbs. Depending on
which rear axle is installed (standard or a 3.73 performance ratio),
you'll be able to tow anywhere from 3500 to 5200 pounds.
For a big rectangular box, Ford did a
good job of keeping wind noise at bay. There's little intrusion, even
at highway speeds.
Safety
As was customary in the early nineties, (the Jeep Cherokee was the
first SUV to get a driver airbag in 1993), the Explorer has no air
bags. It does however, have front and rear shoulder belts. Initially,
anti-lock control resided solely on the rear drum brakes. A proper
4-wheel ABS system with four-wheel disc brakes had to wait until 1993.
Government crash tests on a 1994 model
resulted in a three star (good) rating for the driver and a five star
(excellent) rating for the front
passenger. That's a pretty good rating on its own merits and
exceptional for the SUV's of the period.
Service
Normal maintenance charges are low for an SUV and about average for
all vehicles. The ohv engine has no need for a timing belt
replacement. As with any 4-wheel drive vehicle, transfer case and
differential fluids should be replaced if you are in deep water for
any extended period of time.
1991-93 models used the old R12 a/c
refrigerant. A recharge will run you about $150-$200. Conversion to
the new 134a refrigerant will run $300-plus.
Reliability
Overall, the Explorer has proven to be a reliable workhorse. The few
problems it has are minor and easily repaired. Major systems have held
up well, with the exception of spotty performance from the automatic
transmission.
A common complaint is radio frequency
interference with the sound systems. Ford has issued a TSB for this
and can provide you with an inexpensive filter kit (part# E7PZ9B357A)
to rectify the situation. It was covered under warranty, so it's
likely to have already been taken care of. Just listen for hiss coming
from the stereo.
Rough engine operation frequently crops
up after 50,000 miles or so. Often this can be traced to the Mass Air
Flow Sensor (MAF). Before replacing it (about $200), try having the
sensors cleaned -- usually that will do the trick. The procedure is
detailed at a terrific website: www.4x4central.com/tips.htm.
Summary
Value pretty much sums up this Explorer. No, it doesn't excel in any
one area. Others ride better, are more comfortable, tackle the trail
better, or go faster. And newer versions of almost all sport utes
(including the Explorer) have gone well beyond this Explorer in all of
these areas.
But the Explorer is a classic case of
the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. It does just about
everything well, and at a reasonable price to boot. That adds up to a
pretty attractive package.
Best bet? A '93 or '94 model with the
upgraded brakes and slightly stronger engine.
Current Ford Explorer Values
Running Changes
|
|
1991: New model arrives in 1990
1992: Dark tinted glass
available on 4-door models
1993: Limited model
introduced mid-year; JBL audio option added; 4-wheel disc brakes
with new 4-wheel ABS standard; power bump to 160hp
1994: No major changes; all
new model arrives for '95 |
|
General Specifications |
|
|
General
Trim Levels: XL, Sport, XLT, Eddie
Bauer, Limited
Body Styles: 2dr, 4dr Wagon
Dimensions & Capacities
Weight: 4000-4100 lbs
Length: 2dr 174.4"; 4dr 184.3"
Wheelbase: 2dr 102.1"; 4dr 111.9"
Width: 70.2"
Height: 2wd 67.5"; 4wd 68.3"
EPA Class: Utility
Interior Vol: n/a
Cargo Vol : 4dr (seat up) 42.6
cu. ft.
Fuel: 19 gallons |
Mechanical
Layout: Front-engine, Front- or
four-wheel drive
Engines: 4.0L (6cyl-155/160hp)
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
w/overdrive; 5sp manual
Brakes: Front disc/rear drum
(91,92) front disc/rear disc (93,94)
Performance
(auto trans)
0-60mph: 11 seconds 1/4 mile:
18.4 seconds Top Speed: 95mph (governor limited)
EPA Mileage: (city/hwy) 15/20
(a/t)
|
Safety
ABS Brakes: Rear wheel only (91,92)
4-wheel (93,94)
Air Bags: None
NHTSA Safety Rating:
Driver *** Passenger *****
Key:
Best: ***** No or minor injuries
probable
Worst: * Serious injury probable
IIHS 40 mph Crash Rating: Not
tested
Original Warranty:
1991: 12mo/12,000 mi bumper to
bumper; 6yr/100000 powertrain and corrosion
1992-1994: 3yr/36,000 mi bumper
to bumper; 6yr/100,000 corrosion
|
|
1991-94 Ford
Explorer Safety Recalls |
|
|
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 90V098000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
2500
Model Year: 1991; Manufactured
From: FEB 1989 To: MAY 1990
Year of Recall: '90
Summary: IF SUNROOF GLASS IS
REMOVED AND REINSTALLED BY VEHICLE OPERATOR, HINGE ASSEMBLIES
CAN BE ACCIDENTALLY IMPROPERLY MATED.
SUNROOF COULD DETACH FROM THE
VEHICLE WHILE BEING DRIVEN, CREATING A RISK TO FOLLOWING
VEHICLES OR PEOPLE IN THE VICINITY, OR TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS IF
THE GLASS SHOULD FALL INTO THE CABIN. INSTALL REVISED SUNROOF
HINGES THAT WILL ADEQUATELY RETAIN SUNROOF ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
91V024000
Potential Number of Units
Affected: 25000
Model Year: 1991; Manufactured
From: FEB 1990 To: NOV 1990
Year of Recall: '91
Summary: THE FRONT HEAT SHIELD
MAY CONTACT THE FRONT OF THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK, CAUSING CUTS OR
OTHER DAMAGE TO THE EXTENT OF PENETRATION. THIS PENETRATION OF
THE FUEL TANK CAUSES VAPORS TO ESCAPEAND POSSIBLY FUEL TO SPILL,
WHICH COULD CATCH FIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF ANIGNITION SOURCE.
RELOCATE THE HEAT SHIELD; INSPECT AND REPLACE DAMAGED FUEL FUEL
TANKS.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
91V025000
Potential Number of Units
Affected: 18000
Model Year: 1991; Manufactured
From: JUL 1990 To: AUG 1990
Year of Recall: '91
Summary: THE HOT PLATE WELD WHICH
ATTACHES THE VAPOR VENT VALVE CARRIER TO THE TOP OF THE PLASTIC
FUEL TANK MAY PARTIALLY FRACTURE, ALLOWING VAPOR OF FUEL TO
ESCAPE FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK. THE ESCAPED VAPOR OR LEAKED
FUEL COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
FUEL TANK WILL BE REMOVED AND INSPECTED FOR WELD INTEGRITY.
FUEL TANKS WITH INADEQUATE WELDS WILL BE REPLACED.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
91V026000
Potential Number of Units
Affected: 220000
Model Year: 1991; Manufactured
From: FEB 1990 To: JAN 1991
Year of Recall: '91
Summary: REAR BUMPER
REINFORCEMENT MAY BE SUBJECT TO FATIGUE CRACKING UNDER EXTENDED
TRAILER TOW SERVICE WHEN USING A BUMPER-MOUNTED TRAILER HITCH
BALL. UNDER EXTREME CONDITIONS, BUMPER COULD SEPARATE FROM THE
VEHICLE WHEN USING A BUMPER
MOUNTED TRAILER HITCH BALL.
INSTALL TWO BRACKETS TO REINFORCE THE BUMPER. NOTE: BUMPER
MOUNTED TRAILER HITCH BALL ASSEMBLY SHOULD NOT BE USED UNTIL
REPAIR PROCEDURE IS COMPLETED.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
91V189000
Potential Number of Units
Affected: 792000
Model Year: 1991; Manufactured
From: JUL 1989 To: AUG 1991
Year of Recall: '91
Summary: WHEN THE AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE
PARK PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. DRIVER
MAY BELIEVE THE VEHICLE IS SAFELY ENGAGED IN PARK WHEN THE GEAR
IS NOT TRULY ENGAGED. THIS CAN LEAD TO THE VEHICLE JUMPING OUT
OF GEAR UNINTENTIONALLY, VEHICLE ROLL AWAY WHEN PARKED ON A
SLOPED SURFACE, AND INADVERTENT MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS
STARTED. ALL OF THESE CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE
ACCIDENT. REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW PARK PAWL.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
92V113000
Potential Number of Units
Affected: 565000
Model Year: 1991; Manufactured
From: MAR 1989 To: AUG 1990
Year of Recall: '92
Summary: THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY
BELT BUCKLES ARE DEFECTIVE IN THREE WAYS. FIRST, A FASTENED
SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS
DEPRESSED. THIS RESULTS FROM INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE BUCKLE
EJECTOR FINGER AND THE BUCKLE TONGUE WINDOW. THE SECOND DEFECT
IS THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT LATCH. THE THIRD POSSIBLE
DEFECT IS THAT THE TONGUE MAY BE RETAINED BY THE BUCKLE, BUT IT
MAY NOT BE LATCHED SUFFICIENTLY TO PROVIDE OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
AN INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED OR UNLATCHED SAFETY BELTINCREASES THE
RISK OF INJURY TO SEAT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP
ORACCIDENT. IF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH, IT WILL
NOT ALLOW THEOCCUPANT TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY
SITUATION.
FORD WILL REPLACE THE
RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH END RELEASE SAFETY BELT
BUCKLES DESIGNED TO PREVENT LATCH PROBLEMS . NOTE: ONLY THE END
RELEASE BUCKLES ON "RIGID" MOUNTINGS ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO THIS
MALFUNCTION, THE WEB-MOUNTED FRONT CENTER BUCKLES INEXPLORER
VEHICLES WILL NOT BE REPLACED. |
NHTSA
CAMPAIGN ID Number: 94V169000/1
Potential Number of Units Affected:
884400
Model Years: 1993-94;
Manufactured From: JUL 1991 To: MAY 1994
Year of Recall: '94
Summary: THE PARKING BRAKE
CONTROL SELF-ADJUST PAWL DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH THE
SELF-ADJUST RACHET CAUSING THE PAWL TO SLIP OVER ONE OR MORE
TEETH IN THE RACHET. WHEN THE ABOVE OCCURS, IT CAN RESULT IN
PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM INEFFECTIVENESS. THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT
HOLD THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL FREELY, IF THE
TRANSMISSION IS NOT LEFT IN GEAR. A WEDGE WILL BE INSTALLED
WHICH WILL SERVE TO LOCK THE PARKING BRAKE SELF-ADJUST MECHANISM
PAWL INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RACHET. ALSO, OWNERS WILL BE
ADVISED TO RELEASE AND REAPPLY THE PARKING BRAKE WHENEVER TOOTH
SKIP OCCURS AND WILL BE REMINDED TO ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ENGINE
AND LEAVE THE VEHICLE IN GEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
95I007000
Potential Number of Units
Affected: 1029380
Model Years: 1991-94;
Manufactured From: FEB 1990 To: FEB 1995
Year of Recall: '95
Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY
RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS
DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN
WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS OF THE REAR LIFTGATE GAS
ASSIST CYLINDERS WHICH COULD PULL AWAY FROM THE INSIDE OF THE
LIFTGATE. IF A BRACKET AND GAS ASSIST CYLINDER WERE TO DETACH
COMPLETELY FROM THE LIFTGATE AND NO LONGER BEAR AGAINST THE
LIFTGATE AS INTENDED, THE REMAINING ASSIST CYLINDER WOULD NOT
HOLD THE LIFTGATE IN AN OPEN POSITION. PERSONAL INJURY COULD
OCCUR. FORD DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS.
FORD HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT SERVICE
CAMPAIGN TO REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS WITHOUT CHARGE.
OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
95V164000/1
Potential Number of Units
Affected: 364784
Model Years: 1992-93;
Manufactured From: JAN 1992 To: MAR 1993
Year of Recall: '95
Summary: THE HYDRAULIC LIFT
CYLINDERS ARE ATTACHED TO BRACKETS THAT ARE WELDED TO THE
LIFTGATE.THE BRACKET WELDS CAN FRACTURE. WITH A BROKEN BRACKET
WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY
BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDERBALL STUD TO DISENGAGE.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
96V024000/1
Potential Number of Units
Affected: 108000
Model Years: 1991-94;
Manufactured From: MAR 1991 To: NOV 1993
Year of Recall: '96
Summary: THE STUDS WHICH ATTACH
THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER
ASSEMBLY CAN DEVELOP STRESS CORROSION CRACKING AFTER BEING
OPERATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME IN THE SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA LOCATION. IF A CRACK OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN ONE
OR BOTH STUDS FRACTURING. THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD THEN
SEPARATE FROM THE VACUUM BOOSTER, WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED,
PREVENTING THE SERVICE BRAKES FROM ACTIVATING INCREASING THE
RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE
VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. FOR MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES AND LIGHT
DUTY TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COUNTIES OF LOS ANGELES, ORANGE, SAN
BERNADINO, SAN DIEGO, RIVERSIDE, VENTURA, SANTA BARBARA, SAN
LUIS OBISPO, IMPERIAL, AND KERN.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
97V083000
Potential Number of Units
Affected: 610000
Model Years: 1992-94;
Manufactured From: AUG 1992 To: NOV 1994
Year of Recall: '97
Summary: A short circuit
condition can occur in the remote power mirror control switch
circuit board as a result of a separated part of the contact
assembly bridging the switch positive battery pad and adjacent
chassis ground pad. The current can overheat the printed circuit
board and other plastic and elastomeric components of the switch
assembly resulting in smoke or fire. Dealers will install an
in-line 10 amp fuse in the positive battery feed to the remote
power mirror control switch assembly.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
97V235000/1
Potential Number of Units
Affected: 208000
Year: 1991-94; Manufactured From:
JAN 1990 To: JAN 1993
Year of Recall: '97
Summary: Vehicle Description:
Multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with factory installed
sunroof. The sunroof glass panel assembly can separate while the
vehicle is moving due to incorrect hinge engagement. This was
caused by improper sunroof installation of the glass panel.
Unexpected separation of the sunroof glass panel could possibly
distract the driver increasing the risk of a vehicle crash or
loss of vehicle control. Owners will be provided with an
instruction booklet which thoroughly outlines, with
illustrations, the proper procedures for the removal, storage,
and reinstallation of the sunroof's glass panel. A warning label
for attachment to the sunroof's latch knob will also be provided
to the owners.
|
|
