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Ford Explorer III 4.6 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 380 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1965 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. The top speed reaches 185 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.
4.6 V8 (242 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A capable V8 providing ample power for most situations, ensuring smooth acceleration and comfortable cruising.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is a known drawback, consistent with other large V8 SUVs of its time, requiring frequent fuel stops.
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(II: 1999 - 2003).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Ford |
| Model: | Explorer |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.6 V8 (242 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2002 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 242 Hp @ 4750 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 52.6 Hp/l [280mm more] |
| Torque: | 380 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | Modular More details about the engine Modular |
| Engine displacement: | 4601 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| 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 |
| Maximum speed: | 185 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.1 kg/Hp, 123.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.2 kg/Nm, 193.4 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1965 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 2490 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 1320 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 85 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4810 mm mm [280mm more] |
| Width: | 1830 mm mm [40mm more] |
| Height: | 1830 mm mm [30mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2890 mm mm [295mm more] |
| Front track: | 1545 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1555 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 235/70 R16 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Ford Explorer rank in your book?