Super TestCar reviews - Ford - Explorer - XLT V8 5-dr wagonFord modelsResearch Ford OverviewFord's Explorer Mk2 was a far better 4WD wagon than its ill-sorted predecessor21 Dec 2001 FORD'S new Explorer looks and feels more substantial, but the real story is in the adoption of independent suspension on all four wheels and the addition of a powerful new V8 engine straight from the Mustang. The Explorer still comes across as very American - that is, it's softly sprung and cushy to ride in - but the V8 gives strong performance for only a small price increase over the base V6 and can be made to return respectable fuel figures. Respectable that is for a vehicle tipping the scales at more than two tonnes. The dual range transmission helps the Ford off-road, but a shortage of ground clearance does not. New, optional third-row seats and a little more passenger space are welcome improvements. Model release date: 1 November 2001 to 1 January 2008 All car reviewsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chevrolet Chery Citroen Chrysler Dodge Cupra Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton GWM Great Wall Holden Haval HSV Honda Hyundai Hummer Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Peugeot Opel Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Previous modelThe original Ford Explorer appeared Down Under in October 1996. Available only in V6 guise, the UP made way for the facelifted UQ version in June 1999, before the US model appeared in January 2000. The all-new UT Explorer lobbed here in November 2001, bringing with it V8 firepower for the first time. |
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