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Ford Explorer III 4.6i V8 (242 Hp)
Overall Rating
Ford Explorer:
The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by the Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. The first five-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer, was introduced as a replacement for the three-door Bronco II. As with the Ford Ranger, the model line derives its name from a trim package previously offered on Ford F-Series pickup trucks. In 2020, the Explorer became the best-selling SUV in the American market.
Currently in its sixth generation, the Explorer has featured a five-door wagon body style since its 1991 introduction. During the first two generations, the model line included a three-door wagon. The Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a crew-cab mid-size pickup truck derived from the second-generation Explorer. The fifth and sixth generations of the Explorer have been produced as the Ford Police Interceptor Utility....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III Overview:
Ford Explorer (III). With 382 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1990 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.6 s). The top speed reaches 158 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Ford Explorer III was primarily designed for the North American market and was not tested by Euro NCAP. It received mixed safety ratings from US agencies like NHTSA and IIHS.
4.6i V8 (242 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers solid V8 power for daily driving and highway cruising, with decent acceleration for a large SUV.
Fuel Economy
Typical for a large V8 SUV of its era, fuel consumption is high, especially in urban conditions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious interior and cargo capacity
- • Strong V8 engine options for towing
- • Comfortable ride quality for long trips
- • Available 4WD for versatility
- • Affordable on the used market
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption across all engines
- • Known transmission issues (especially 5R55S)
- • Interior plastics feel dated
- • Handling can be ponderous
- • Limited safety tech by modern standards
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 2002 - 2005).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ford |
| Model: | Explorer |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.6i V8 (242 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 242 Hp @ 4750 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 52.6 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 382 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | Modular [Same engine] More details about the engine Modular |
| Engine displacement: | 4601 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.7 l |
| Coolant: | 17.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90.2 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.4:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 16.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 12.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 158 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.2 kg/Hp, 121.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.2 kg/Nm, 192 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1990 |
| Max. weight: | 2595 |
| Max load: | 605 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2492 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 391 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 85 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4813 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Width: | 1832 mm mm [2mm more] |
| Height: | 1814 mm mm [16mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2890 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1547 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1555 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 245/70 R16 |
| Front suspension | Torsion |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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