Iowa Used Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer was without a doubt one of the leading vehicles that started the SUV craze of the early ?90s. In fact Ford could not have picked a better time to roll out this midsize, versatile, and comfortable SUV. During much of the '90s, Ford was consistently selling more than 400,000 units a year. As gas prices went up, and concerns about SUV rollover began to arise, the Explorer was forced to take a step back from its prime. Still, the Explorer is produced today, and all over the country, used, and new Explorers are seen on the roads. For a used car shopper looking for a sturdy and reliable SUV, this isn't one to ignore. Either a 210-hp, 4.0-liter V-6 or a 292-hp, 4.6-liter V-8 with three valves per cylinder that generates 300 pounds-feet of torque can be installed in the Explorer. The V-6 teams with a five-speed automatic transmission, while the V-8 works with a six-speed automatic. Explorers can be equipped with rear- or four-wheel drive. When properly equipped, a V-6-equipped Explorer can tow up to 5,395 pounds, versus 7,310 pounds in models with V-8 power.

It may be good to keep in mind that the Explorer has gotten progressively better and safer over the years. Compared to earlier models, the more recent ones are quieter, more powerful, better-looking, better equipped and safer. As a midsize SUV built on an advanced ladder-frame chassis with an independent rear suspension, the four-door Explorer can seat up to seven people or carry a maximum of 85 cubic feet of cargo. For 2008, Ford added standard side curtain airbags and its new voice-activated multimedia system, Sync. There are three trim levels: XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited. The Explorer competes with the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder. Eddie Bauer and Limited models offer power running boards. In the Explorer's 2002 redesign, engineers devised an innovative porthole-in-frame independent rear suspension, with shafts that poke through holes drilled into the frame. Ford says trailing arms added to the rear suspension in 2006 make it more robust.

Finding IA Ford Explorer Used

The Ford Explorer has been one of the most popular vehicles over the last two decades and shoppers for used SUVs seem to love it. The original Ford Explorer debuted as a 1991 model, and it replaced the Bronco II in Ford's lineup. Based on the Ford Ranger pickup, the original Explorer offered the combination of size, style and utility that people wanted in an SUV. It came as the volume-selling four-door or a less popular two-door. Model years 1995-2001 represent the second generation Explorer.

Though not as refined as the current model and not as powerful, this group is still a respectable choice for an SUV. For most of this generation's run, three engines were available: a standard 160-hp V6, an optional 210-hp V6 and a 210-hp 5.0-liter V8. The familiar XL, XLT, Eddie. Shopper looking for the most up to date used SUV may go for the current generation, dates back to the 2002 model year. In 2006, a substantial update took place that included revised styling inside and out, an improved frame, enhanced safety systems and the addition of the current, more powerful V8. In 2008 the Explorer got Sync and a revised navigation system was added in 2009.