Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Ford Explorer II 4.0 XLT 4WD (208 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)
II Overview:
Ford Explorer (II). With 339 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1990 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.9 s). The top speed reaches 171 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 II was not tested by Euro NCAP. Early models faced some safety concerns, particularly regarding rollover risk, which were later addressed with design improvements and stability control in later years.
4.0 XLT 4WD (208 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Identical strong performance to the XL 4WD, offering a refined driving experience with ample power for all situations, including a brisk 10.9 sec 0-100km/h.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is reasonable for a powerful 4WD SUV, but still requires frequent trips to the pump.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious interior and cargo capacity
- • Capable 4WD system for off-road and adverse weather
- • Strong V8 engine options for towing
- • Robust frame-on-body construction
- • Affordable on the used market
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy across the lineup
- • Some models prone to transmission issues
- • Dated interior design and materials
- • Rollover concerns in early models (addressed later)
- • Ride quality can be truck-like
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 1995 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ford |
| Model: | Explorer |
| Generation: | II |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.0 XLT 4WD (208 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2003 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 208 Hp @ 5250 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 52.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 339 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 3996 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| 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: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 7.4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 100.3 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84.3 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 18.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 11.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 171 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.6 kg/Hp, 104.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.9 kg/Nm, 170.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1990 |
| Max. weight: | 2510 |
| Max load: | 520 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2310 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 1205 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 83 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4790 mm mm [254mm more] |
| Width: | 1790 mm mm [7mm more] |
| Height: | 1800 mm mm [86mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2830 mm mm [237mm more] |
| Front track: | 1490 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1490 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| 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 |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 255/70 R16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
Would you recommend the Ford Explorer ? Tell us why or why not!