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Ford Explorer III 5.4 L 3V (303 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 495 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1995 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. 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.
5.4 L 3V (303 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Significantly more powerful V8, offering robust acceleration and excellent towing capability for heavier loads.
Fuel Economy
As expected, this larger and more powerful V8 has the highest fuel consumption among the lineup, making it costly to run.
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): | 5.4 L 3V (303 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 303 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 56 Hp/l [3mm more] |
| Torque: | 495 Nm @ 3750 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 5408 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90.2 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 105.9 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.6 kg/Hp, 151.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4 kg/Nm, 248.1 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1995 |
| Max. weight: | 2595 |
| Max load: | 600 |
| 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 front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 235/70 R16 |
| Front suspension | Torsion |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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