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2002 Explorer. Mercurys upscale Mountaineer is similarly revamped, but with more-differentiated styling. Explorer offers V6 and V8 engines; the V6 teams...
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. Mercurys upscale Mountaineer is similarly revamped, but with more-differentiated styling. Explorer offers V6 and V8 engines; the V6 teams with manual or automatic transmission, the V8 with automatic only. With either, the automatic is a 5 speed. Available is rear-wheel drive or Fords Control Trac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Torso side airbags are unavailable, but curtain side airbags are optional and at midyear, added sensors designed to deploy them in a rollover accident. Also made available midyear on V8-equipped XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited models was an optional antiskid system. Rear-obstacle detection is also optional. Standard on Eddie Bauer and Limited are driver-seat memory, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and power-adjustable pedals. Sold alongside this redesigned 4-dr wagon are the Explorer Sport Trac crew cab and Explorer Sport 2-dr wagon, both using Explorers 1995-vintage design (see separate entry).
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30 Reviews from Shopping.com
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MiniExpedition---But Better
| Author's Rating: |
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Pros: New technology, great styling, 3rd row seat
Cons: Gas mileage, ugly keyfob
| Handling And Control: |
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The Bottom Line:
When trying to avoid buying a minivan...look to the new Explorer. It has a 3rd row seat option and is smaller than a Suburban.
I recently traded an amazing 230,000 mile Honda Accord for a brand new Explorer. The main reason being that I need more space.
Space is what you get with the Explorer. The 3rd row option opens up this vehicle to a much larger market. Most SUVs seat 5 people...the extra seat boosts that number to 7. The Durango and the Tahoe went under close scrutiny before I decided on the Ford.
This redesigned truck is great. There is new independent rear suspension, a new shock/strut system, a new exhaust/fuel tank layout, and a new footprint. This Explorer is a bit longer, a bit wider, and even has a bit more ground clearance all while being a little bit shorter. This SUV feels solid and comfortable while driving.
There are several small details that add to this truck as well. The running boards and doors are designed to keep dirt off of the lower door seal...keeping you and your kids clean while entering and exiting. The rear window's bottom seal dips down farther than before making it lower and thus easier to load and unload without opening the door. Automatic headlamps are nice and the doorlock switch mounted near the back door is handy.
I have been extremely impressed with my new vehicle. It was a big step to move from a 2-door Honda to an American SUV. I have not been disappointed yet.
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