The Explorer handles well at moderate speeds on our favorite section of twisty bits. There's no excessive body lean in turns. The steering is exceptionally quick and precise. It doesn't wander in a straight line. It's easy to manage on narrow roads. It simply does not drive large.
Overall, the Explorer feels like a solid, well-built vehicle, though there is a bit of wind noise in the 40-60 mph range.
We're pleased with the acceleration performance provided by the revised 210-horsepower V6. It felt like more than 210 horsepower was powering our 4,166-pound truck. It launches with enthusiasm and maintains that enthusiasm to a degree that would calm any concerns about safe merging with traffic. Like most sport-utility vehicles, the engine becomes noticeably audible under hard acceleration, but it's smooth and quiet under normal operation. Overall, the single overhead-cam V6 engine is a sweetheart. Unless extra torque is needed for towing a car or a big boat, we don't think it's necessary to spend the extra money for the V8.
Although the Explorer has racked up virtually all of its huge sales numbers with the standard 160-horsepower overhead-valve engine, the 210-horsepower overhead-cam engine is a much better powerplant. We recommend it strongly.
A simple three-position dial on the instrument panel controls the four-wheel-drive system. The Auto mode is used for most driving, which continually monitors and adjusts power to the front wheels to minimize wheel slip. The 4x4 High mode electronically locks the transfer case in high gear, providing a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear wheels; this mode is primarily for driving off road or in extreme winter conditions. The 4x4 Low mode switches the transfer case to the lower gear ranges for serious off-roading.
Though superior to a car in terms of off-road capability, the Explorer is not the leader in backwoods prowess. Its modest ground clearance and a long wheelbase make climbing in easy and provide a smooth ride on the highway, but limit the Explorer's usefulness in rough country.
Under hard acceleration, the four-wheel-drive system sends more power to the front wheels to reduce the likelihood of the rear wheels slipping. The anti-lock brakes improve control on slippery surfaces, allowing the driver to brake and steer at the same time. Next Page