The mid-size Ford Explorer was introduced in 1990 to replace the compact-sized 2-door Ford Bronco II. It was the best-selling compact sport/utility vehicle in the country.
Positioned close to the top of the compact sport/utility market, the Explorer appealed to buyers who placed a premium on people-carrying comfort and convenience. To that end, the Explorer featured the longest wheelbase in its class. Key competitors included the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet Blazer (as well as the S-10 Blazer), GMC Jimmy, and Isuzu Trooper.
Year-to-year changes[]
1991[]
Manufactured in Chicago, Illinois, Ford Motor Company's most popular SUV, the Explorer, originally came in two models -- XL 2-door and 4-door. Back then, the Mazda Navajo was one of the Explorer's key competitors.
1995[]
To celebrate its fifth birthday, the Ford Explorer, the best-selling compact sport/utility in the country, has been redesigned for 1995, and was released in December 1994. The new Explorer sported an aerodynamic look highlighted by a sloping hood and new fenders, front bumper, headlights and grille. Revised body side moldings and taillamps carried the new design the length of the vehicle.
Standard dual airbags made their debut this year, as did 4-wheel ABS and a center high-mounted brake light. Later in the year, an optional integrated rear child safety seat was available on 4-door models.
Also new was a redesigned, ergonomic instrument panel as well as new door trim and seat styles.
The Explorer continued with the 4.0-liter ohv V6. The standard transmission was a 5-speed manual; a 4-speed automatic was optional. A new independent front suspension with A-arms and torsion bars replaced the old Twin I-Beam design. This allowed for a lower engine, hood and center of gravity.
The Explorer was available in two body styles (2-door and 4-door) and in 2-wheel-drive and 4-wheel-drive versions. Altogether there were five trim levels: XL (base), Sport (2-door only), XLT (4-door only), Eddie Bauer and Limited.
1996[]
For this year, the Explorer finally got a V8 engine. It also featured a new optional 5.0-liter powerplant, rated at 210 horsepower. The big truck block, borrowed from the F-150 pickup, was initially limited to 2-wheel-drive XLT models with the 4-speed automatic transmission.
The only other major changes this year were the addition of new standard 15-in. aluminum wheels to the luxurious Limited trim level, and the replacement of the Expedition model by the Premium Sport Package.
1998[]
The 2-door Ford Explorer was now down to just one trim level, the Sport. This car sold through 2003.
1999[]
Front side airbags were added for 1999.
The 4-door Ford Explorer within this generation sold through early 2001.
Retail prices[]
As of May 2, 1994:
- $17,970 (1994 Ford Explorer XL 2DR)
- $18,860 (1994 Ford Explorer XL 4DR)
- $19,720 (1994 Ford Explorer XL 2DR 4WD)
- $20,630 (1994 Ford Explorer XL 4DR 4WD)
- $18,945 (1994 Ford Explorer Sport 2DR)
- $20,655 (1994 Ford Explorer Sport 2DR 4WD)
- $21,280 (1994 Ford Explorer XLT 4DR)
- $23,080 (1994 Ford Explorer XLT 4DR 4WD)
- $21,905 (1994 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 2DR)
- $23,605 (1994 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 2DR 4WD)
- $23,750 (1994 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4DR)
- $25,555 (1994 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4DR 4WD)
- $27,110 (1994 Ford Explorer Limited 4DR)
- $28,910 (1994 Ford Explorer Limited 4DR 4WD)
As of December 8, 1994:
- $18,985 (1995 Ford Explorer XL 2DR)
- $20,385 (1995 Ford Explorer XL 4DR)
As of December 22, 1994:
- $20,950 (1995 Ford Explorer XL 2DR 4WD)
- $22,305 (1995 Ford Explorer XL 4DR 4WD)
- $20,165 (1995 Ford Explorer Sport 2DR)
- $21,995 (1995 Ford Explorer Sport 2DR 4WD)
- $23,000 (1995 Ford Explorer XLT 4DR)
- $25,000 (1995 Ford Explorer XLT 4DR 4WD)
- $26,850 (1995 Ford Explorer Expedition 2DR 4WD)
- $27,505 (1995 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4DR)
- $29,515 (1995 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4DR 4WD)
- $31,020 (1995 Ford Explorer Limited 4DR)
- $33,935 (1995 Ford Explorer Limited 4DR 4WD)
As of August 1, 1995:
- $19,570 (1996 Ford Explorer XL 2DR)
- $21,535 (1996 Ford Explorer XL 2DR 4WD)
- $20,750 (1996 Ford Explorer Sport 2DR)
- $22,580 (1996 Ford Explorer Sport 2DR 4WD)
As of October 1, 1995:
- $20,970 (1996 Ford Explorer XL 4DR)
- $22,890 (1996 Ford Explorer XL 4DR 4WD)
- $23,705 (1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4DR)
- $25,710 (1996 Ford Explorer XLT 4DR 4WD)
- $28,210 (1996 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4DR)
- $30,215 (1996 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4DR 4WD)
- $31,860 (1996 Ford Explorer Limited 4DR)
- $34,750 (1996 Ford Explorer Limited 4DR 4WD)
Shipping prices[]
- $485 (1992 to early 1995 models)
- $500 (1995 and early 1996 models)
Gallery[]
