Ford Explorer 4WD.

Ford Australia had been making do with the Ford Maverick - a rebadged Nissan Patrol GQ - as its full-size four wheel drive. From late 1996 it has its own Ford Explorer 4x4 (right). It's a bit softer, or you could say less crude, than the Patrol / Maverick with independent front suspension. Dual air-bags, anti-lock brakes and air-conditioning are standard. The five speed automatic gearbox is an interesting option for a 4x4 - it could be a first.

Prices start just a touch over the magic 40K at 42K (Aus) and go all the way up to 60K.

Right is a Ford Explorer Ltd at the 1997 Melbourne Motor Show, it looks like a good way to turn an adequate four wheel drive into a boulevard cruiser.

Ford Explorer 1996.

• station wagon, 5-seats, 4-doors, dual air-bags, ABS
• loa: 4788mm, width: 1874mm, height: 1717mm
• approach: 32, departure: 23
• turning radius: 6.2m (kerb)
• weight: 1922kg - 2018kg (unladen), GVM: 2440kg - 2522kg
• XL and XLT - 4.0L V6 OHV
  • 3997cc, petrol, V6, efi, OHV
  • bore: 100.3mm, stroke: 84.3mm, c.r.: 9.0:1
  • transmission: 5m
• Limited - 4.0L V6 SOHC
  • grnd clearance: 195mm (automatic ride control)
  • 4011cc, petrol, V6, efi, SOHC
  • bore: 100.4mm, stroke: 84.4mm, c.r.: 9.7:1
  • transmission: 5a
• 2-speed transfer case (1.00:1 hi, 2.48:1 lo), control trac automatically locks drive to front wheels on wheel-slip
• suspension: indep'-coil/live-leaf, brakes: disc/disc ABS
  Limited has Automatic Ride Control which adjust the ride height and performs load levelling.
• tyres: P235/75 R 15; fuel tank: 80L
• Notes: the bore and stroke of the SOHC engine really are 0.1mm greater than the figures for the OHV engine.
  Air conditioning - standard
• rrp: XL from 42K (Aus), XLT from 47K, Limited from 60K

Go to the Explorer, 1998, earlier Explorer-I and Ford pages