FORD EXPLORER 1991-1994
The Station Wagon for the Nineties
Remember the Country Squire station
wagon? Along with similar offerings from GM and Chrysler, they were
wildly popular in suburbia in the 60's and 70's. Fake woodgrain,
whitewalls, chrome everywhere. They were big, versatile and could handle
large families with all their stuff. Comfortably. Equipped with huge
V8's, they could tow a big trailer too.
But as the 80's wore on, a new trend was
developing. Consumers were ditching their wagons for two newcomers:
minivans and well-appointed sport utility vehicles (SUV's). Popular
offerings included the V8 Grand Wagoneer, Cherokee, Land Cruiser, Blazer
and Bronco.
The category, particularly the
"compact" segment, was exploding. Just as it shifted into high
gear, Ford launched the new Explorer. Sales were phenomenal and it
quickly established itself as the sales leader by a wide margin.
| Strengths |
Weaknesses
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Overall
competence
Room
Reliability
Value |
Heavy off-road
stuff
Emergency handling
Vague steering
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What's Available
Both 2-door and 4-door body styles were produced. Each could be had with
either rear- or four-wheel drive. Initially there were four trim levels,
the base XL, the mid-range (and most popular) XLT, and the upmarket
Eddie Bauer (4door). A Sport version of the 2-door was also available.
In mid-1993, a new top of the line
Limited version was added. It was fully loaded and had only three
options -- a JBL audio system, a towing package and a flip-up sunroof.
One engine, a 4.0-liter OHV V6, came with all Explorers. A 4-speed
overdrive automatic and a Mazda-built 5-speed manual were your
transmission choices, but the 5-speed is a tough find, especially on the
four-door.
Exterior Design
When introduced, the Explorer was one of those rare vehicles that looked
just right. Clean, uncluttered and contemporary looking from all angles,
the angular body practically shouted "sport utility vehicle".
The 2-door version, with its slanted rear-pillar and short wheelbase
even managed to look, well, sporty.
A chrome grille with rectangular
headlights on the XLT and Eddie Bauer adorned the front, while the XL
and Sport made do with black plastic. Chrome was splashed liberally
around the XLT and Eddie Bauer, much less so on the XL and Sport. The
Limited sported its own monochromatic paint scheme.
The rear hatch is one piece and swings
upward. The window works independently of the hatch, a plus.
What They Said
When New
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| "The
ride feels smooth only on the best roads. Large bumps caused
bounding, and a full, 900-pound load made matters worse,
especially in the rear. The ride is about as quiet as in most
sedans.".......Consumer Reports 9/90
"The nicely
laid-out interior and comfortable seating for five are just a
few of the reasons why the Explorer is outselling the
competition two to one.".....Automobile 9/91
"Complementing
the Explorer's outstanding interior comfort is a softly tuned
suspension that provides a plush ride over most road surfaces,
making it an excellent choice for around-town
driving.".......Motor Trend 10/93
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Interior Design
Again, the Explorer's interior is clean and contemporary in its design
and well laid out. For its time, the Explorer was clearly the class
leader. The dash houses a complete display of easy-to-read gauges. The
typical late 80's, early 90's Ford stereo is difficult to use, but
everything else is logically placed and easy to operate.
Bucket seats (or "Captain's
chairs") and a steering column shift come with all Explorers. A
console with cup holders resides between the seats.
The four-wheel drive is engaged by a
handy push button ("touch-drive") on the dash.
Materials for the most part are well
coordinated and have a look of quality, but there are a few plastic
pieces that could use some upgrading.
Room & Comfort
One of the Explorer's strengths is that it delivers car-like comfort.
While almost all SUV's can do that today, in 1990 it was unusual and it
undoubtedly contributed greatly to the Explorer's success. Statistics
show that 90% of SUV's never make into the rough stuff, so Ford clearly
tuned the Explorer for paved roads.
Stepping into an Explorer is not the
difficult proposition that it can be in many other SUV's. Foregoing the
raised suspension, big fat tires and a "macho" look, the door
sills sit relatively close to the ground, allowing easy entry and exit.
Running boards, an option, further assist shorter passengers, but tend
to get in the way of taller folk.
Once in the cabin, you'll find that it is
bright and airy, allowing the driver a great view of the surroundings,
although short drivers may have difficulty seeing over the tall dash.
Most Explorers were equipped with a full complement of power
accessories.
There's plenty of room for the driver and
front seat passenger. The seats are comfortable on all but the longest
trips where the overall softness of the seat begins to take a toll on
your lower back. The Eddie Bauer and Limited versions with their
multi-adjustable power seats allows you to custom tailor seat support.
The rear is large enough for three and is
as comfortable as most good sized sedans. The bench seat is not
contoured however, and lacks lower back support. As you would expect
headroom is ample front and rear.
The Explorer's cargo capacity is tops in
the "compact" SUV class. In fact, it will hold more than many
larger SUV's such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and Mitsubishi Montero. The
rear seat is split 60/40, allowing the extra versatility.
All that cargo room does come at a price.
The spare tire is mounted underneath the vehicle, making tire changes
difficult and decreasing ground clearance.
Ride, Handling and
Performance
Under everyday driving conditions, the Explorer delivers a smooth and
comfortable ride. Body motions are controlled, response is good and the
cabin remains quiet. The steering is rather vague.
This a truck with an antiquated
suspension, however (it's based on the Ranger pickup of that era) and
poor roads transmit plenty of harshness and body shudder to passengers.
Emergency handling is controllable but sluggish -- slow response with
plenty of body roll and pitch. Unlike some other SUVs, however, it
doesn't feel "tipsy".
All Explorers housed a 4.0-Liter
6-cylinder engine generating 155hp (160hp in '93 & '94). It goes
about every day chores unobtrusively but makes a rather coarse racket
when pushed. It moves the Explorer adequately.
The auto transmission is typical Ford -
smooth most of the time but possessing certain gear/powerband
combinations that feel anything but refined. A least they're infrequent.
We could not locate an Explorer with a manual transmission for this
report.
Braking distances are somewhat long,
(typical for the class) but are uneventful.
Mainly due to its soft suspension, the
Explorer has a modest cargo load capacity of 900lbs. Depending on which
rear axle is installed (standard or a 3.73 performance ratio), you'll be
able to tow anywhere from 3500 to 5200 pounds.
For a big rectangular box, Ford did a
good job of keeping wind noise at bay. There's little intrusion, even at
highway speeds.
Safety
As was customary in the early nineties, (the Jeep Cherokee was the first
SUV to get a driver airbag in 1993), the Explorer has no air bags. It
does however, have front and rear shoulder belts. Initially, anti-lock
control resided solely on the rear drum brakes. A proper 4-wheel ABS
system with four-wheel disc brakes had to wait until 1993.
Government crash tests on a 1994 model
resulted in a three star (good) rating for the driver and a five star
(excellent) rating for the front
passenger. That's a pretty good rating on its own merits and exceptional
for the SUV's of the period.
Service
Normal maintenance charges are low for an SUV and about average for all
vehicles. The ohv engine has no need for a timing belt replacement. As
with any 4-wheel drive vehicle, transfer case and differential fluids
should be replaced if you are in deep water for any extended period of
time.
1991-93 models used the old R12 a/c
refrigerant. A recharge will run you about $150-$200. Conversion to the
new 134a refrigerant will run $300-plus.
Reliability
Overall, the Explorer has proven to be a reliable workhorse. The few
problems it has are minor and easily repaired. Major systems have held
up well, with the exception of spotty performance from the automatic
transmission.
A common complaint is radio frequency
interference with the sound systems. Ford has issued a TSB for this and
can provide you with an inexpensive filter kit (part# E7PZ9B357A) to
rectify the situation. It was covered under warranty, so it's likely to
have already been taken care of. Just listen for hiss coming from the
stereo.
Rough engine operation frequently crops
up after 50,000 miles or so. Often this can be traced to the Mass Air
Flow Sensor (MAF). Before replacing it (about $200), try having the
sensors cleaned -- usually that will do the trick. The procedure is
detailed at a terrific website: www.4x4central.com/tips.htm.
Summary
Value pretty much sums up this Explorer. No, it doesn't excel in any one
area. Others ride better, are more comfortable, tackle the trail better,
or go faster. And newer versions of almost all sport utes (including the
Explorer) have gone well beyond this Explorer in all of these areas.
But the Explorer is a classic case of the
whole being greater than the sum of its parts. It does just about
everything well, and at a reasonable price to boot. That adds up to a
pretty attractive package.
Best bet? A '93 or '94 model with the
upgraded brakes and slightly stronger engine.
Running
Changes
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1991: New model arrives in
1990
1992: Dark tinted glass
available on 4-door models
1993: Limited model
introduced mid-year; JBL audio option added; 4-wheel disc brakes
with new 4-wheel ABS standard; power bump to 160hp
1994: No major changes; all
new model arrives for '95
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General
Specifications |
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General
Trim Levels: XL, Sport, XLT,
Eddie Bauer, Limited
Body Styles: 2dr, 4dr Wagon
Dimensions & Capacities
Weight: 4000-4100 lbs
Length: 2dr 174.4"; 4dr
184.3"
Wheelbase: 2dr 102.1"; 4dr
111.9"
Width: 70.2"
Height: 2wd 67.5"; 4wd
68.3"
EPA Class: Utility
Interior Vol: n/a
Cargo Vol : 4dr (seat up) 42.6
cu. ft.
Fuel: 19 gallons
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Mechanical
Layout: Front-engine, Front- or
four-wheel drive
Engines: 4.0L (6cyl-155/160hp)
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
w/overdrive; 5sp manual
Brakes: Front disc/rear drum
(91,92) front disc/rear disc (93,94)
Performance (auto
trans)
0-60mph: 11 seconds 1/4 mile:
18.4 seconds Top Speed: 95mph (governor limited)
EPA Mileage: (city/hwy) 15/20
(a/t)
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Safety
ABS Brakes: Rear wheel only
(91,92) 4-wheel (93,94)
Air Bags: None
NHTSA Safety Rating:
Driver *** Passenger *****
Key:
Best: ***** No or minor injuries
probable
Worst: * Serious injury probable
IIHS 40 mph Crash Rating: Not
tested
Original Warranty:
1991: 12mo/12,000 mi bumper to
bumper; 6yr/100000 powertrain and corrosion
1992-1994: 3yr/36,000 mi bumper
to bumper; 6yr/100,000 corrosion
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| 1991-94
Ford Explorer Safety Recalls |
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NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 90V098000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
2500
Model Year: 1991; Manufactured
From: FEB 1989 To: MAY 1990
Year of Recall: '90
Summary: IF SUNROOF GLASS IS
REMOVED AND REINSTALLED BY VEHICLE OPERATOR, HINGE ASSEMBLIES CAN
BE ACCIDENTALLY IMPROPERLY MATED. SUNROOF
COULD DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE BEING DRIVEN, CREATING A RISK
TO FOLLOWING VEHICLES OR PEOPLE IN THE VICINITY, OR TO VEHICLE
OCCUPANTS IF THE GLASS SHOULD FALL INTO THE CABIN. INSTALL REVISED
SUNROOF HINGES THAT WILL ADEQUATELY RETAIN SUNROOF ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 91V024000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
25000
Model Year: 1991; Manufactured
From: FEB 1990 To: NOV 1990
Year of Recall: '91
Summary: THE FRONT HEAT SHIELD MAY
CONTACT THE FRONT OF THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK, CAUSING CUTS OR OTHER
DAMAGE TO THE EXTENT OF PENETRATION. THIS PENETRATION OF THE FUEL
TANK CAUSES VAPORS TO ESCAPEAND POSSIBLY FUEL TO SPILL, WHICH
COULD CATCH FIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF ANIGNITION SOURCE. RELOCATE
THE HEAT SHIELD; INSPECT AND REPLACE DAMAGED FUEL FUEL TANKS.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 91V025000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
18000
Model Year: 1991; Manufactured
From: JUL 1990 To: AUG 1990
Year of Recall: '91
Summary: THE HOT PLATE WELD WHICH
ATTACHES THE VAPOR VENT VALVE CARRIER TO THE TOP OF THE PLASTIC
FUEL TANK MAY PARTIALLY FRACTURE, ALLOWING VAPOR OF FUEL TO ESCAPE
FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK. THE ESCAPED VAPOR OR LEAKED FUEL COULD
CAUSE A FIRE IN THE PRESENCE OF A SOURCE OF IGNITION. FUEL TANK
WILL BE REMOVED AND INSPECTED FOR WELD INTEGRITY. FUEL TANKS WITH
INADEQUATE WELDS WILL BE REPLACED.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 91V026000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
220000
Model Year: 1991; Manufactured
From: FEB 1990 To: JAN 1991
Year of Recall: '91
Summary: REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT
MAY BE SUBJECT TO FATIGUE CRACKING UNDER EXTENDED TRAILER TOW
SERVICE WHEN USING A BUMPER-MOUNTED TRAILER HITCH BALL. UNDER
EXTREME CONDITIONS, BUMPER COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN
USING A BUMPER
MOUNTED TRAILER HITCH BALL.
INSTALL TWO BRACKETS TO REINFORCE THE BUMPER. NOTE: BUMPER MOUNTED
TRAILER HITCH BALL ASSEMBLY SHOULD NOT BE USED UNTIL REPAIR
PROCEDURE IS COMPLETED.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 91V189000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
792000
Model Year: 1991; Manufactured
From: JUL 1989 To: AUG 1991
Year of Recall: '91
Summary: WHEN THE AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, THE PARK
PAWL DOES NOT ALWAYS ABUT OR ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. DRIVER MAY
BELIEVE THE VEHICLE IS SAFELY ENGAGED IN PARK WHEN THE GEAR IS NOT
TRULY ENGAGED. THIS CAN LEAD TO THE VEHICLE JUMPING OUT OF GEAR
UNINTENTIONALLY, VEHICLE ROLL AWAY WHEN PARKED ON A SLOPED
SURFACE, AND INADVERTENT MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. ALL
OF THESE CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. REPAIR
THE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW PARK PAWL.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 92V113000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
565000
Model Year: 1991; Manufactured
From: MAR 1989 To: AUG 1990
Year of Recall: '92
Summary: THE RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY
BELT BUCKLES ARE DEFECTIVE IN THREE WAYS. FIRST, A FASTENED SAFETY
BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH WHEN THE RELEASE BUTTON IS DEPRESSED.
THIS RESULTS FROM INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE BUCKLE EJECTOR FINGER
AND THE BUCKLE TONGUE WINDOW. THE SECOND DEFECT IS THE SAFETY BELT
BUCKLE MAY NOT LATCH. THE THIRD POSSIBLE DEFECT IS THAT THE TONGUE
MAY BE RETAINED BY THE BUCKLE, BUT IT MAY NOT BE LATCHED
SUFFICIENTLY TO PROVIDE OCCUPANT PROTECTION. AN INSUFFICIENTLY
LATCHED OR UNLATCHED SAFETY BELTINCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO
SEAT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP ORACCIDENT. IF THE
SAFETY BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT UNLATCH, IT WILL NOT ALLOW THEOCCUPANT
TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.
FORD WILL REPLACE THE
RIGID MOUNTED SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH END RELEASE SAFETY BELT
BUCKLES DESIGNED TO PREVENT LATCH PROBLEMS . NOTE: ONLY THE END
RELEASE BUCKLES ON "RIGID" MOUNTINGS ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO
THIS MALFUNCTION, THE WEB-MOUNTED FRONT CENTER BUCKLES INEXPLORER
VEHICLES WILL NOT BE REPLACED.
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NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
94V169000/1
Potential Number of Units Affected:
884400
Model Years: 1993-94; Manufactured
From: JUL 1991 To: MAY 1994
Year of Recall: '94
Summary: THE PARKING BRAKE CONTROL
SELF-ADJUST PAWL DOES NOT LINE UP PROPERLY WITH THE SELF-ADJUST
RACHET CAUSING THE PAWL TO SLIP OVER ONE OR MORE TEETH IN THE
RACHET. WHEN THE ABOVE OCCURS, IT CAN RESULT IN PARKING BRAKE
SYSTEM INEFFECTIVENESS. THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD THE
VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL FREELY, IF THE TRANSMISSION
IS NOT LEFT IN GEAR. A WEDGE WILL BE INSTALLED WHICH WILL SERVE
TO LOCK THE PARKING BRAKE SELF-ADJUST MECHANISM PAWL INTO
ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RACHET. ALSO, OWNERS WILL BE ADVISED TO
RELEASE AND REAPPLY THE PARKING BRAKE WHENEVER TOOTH SKIP OCCURS
AND WILL BE REMINDED TO ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND LEAVE THE
VEHICLE IN GEAR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 95I007000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
1029380
Model Years: 1991-94; Manufactured
From: FEB 1990 To: FEB 1995
Year of Recall: '95
Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY
RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS
DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. THE CAMPAIGN
WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS OF THE REAR LIFTGATE GAS
ASSIST CYLINDERS WHICH COULD PULL AWAY FROM THE INSIDE OF THE
LIFTGATE. IF A BRACKET AND GAS ASSIST CYLINDER WERE TO DETACH
COMPLETELY FROM THE LIFTGATE AND NO LONGER BEAR AGAINST THE
LIFTGATE AS INTENDED, THE REMAINING ASSIST CYLINDER WOULD NOT HOLD
THE LIFTGATE IN AN OPEN POSITION. PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR. FORD
DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE BRACKET ATTACHMENTS. FORD HAS DECIDED
TO CONDUCT A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REINFORCE THE
BRACKET ATTACHMENTS WITHOUT CHARGE. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT
1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
95V164000/1
Potential Number of Units Affected:
364784
Model Years: 1992-93; Manufactured
From: JAN 1992 To: MAR 1993
Year of Recall: '95
Summary: THE HYDRAULIC LIFT
CYLINDERS ARE ATTACHED TO BRACKETS THAT ARE WELDED TO THE
LIFTGATE.THE BRACKET WELDS CAN FRACTURE. WITH A BROKEN BRACKET
WELD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR THE LIFTGATE BRACKET TO GRADUALLY
BEND INWARD ALLOWING THE LIFT CYLINDERBALL STUD TO DISENGAGE. DEALERS
WILL INSTALL REINFORCEMENT BRACKETS.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
96V024000/1
Potential Number of Units Affected:
108000
Model Years: 1991-94; Manufactured
From: MAR 1991 To: NOV 1993
Year of Recall: '96
Summary: THE STUDS WHICH ATTACH THE
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY
CAN DEVELOP STRESS CORROSION CRACKING AFTER BEING OPERATED FOR AN
EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOCATION. IF A
CRACK OCCURS, IT COULD RESULT IN ONE OR BOTH STUDS FRACTURING. THE
MASTER CYLINDER COULD THEN SEPARATE FROM THE VACUUM BOOSTER, WHEN
THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, PREVENTING THE SERVICE BRAKES FROM
ACTIVATING INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. DEALERS WILL
REPLACE THE POWER BRAKE VACUUM BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. FOR MULTI-PURPOSE
VEHICLES AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY
REGISTERED IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COUNTIES OF LOS ANGELES,
ORANGE, SAN BERNADINO, SAN DIEGO, RIVERSIDE, VENTURA, SANTA
BARBARA, SAN LUIS OBISPO, IMPERIAL, AND KERN.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 97V083000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
610000
Model Years: 1992-94; Manufactured
From: AUG 1992 To: NOV 1994
Year of Recall: '97
Summary: A short circuit condition
can occur in the remote power mirror control switch circuit board
as a result of a separated part of the contact assembly bridging
the switch positive battery pad and adjacent chassis ground pad.
The current can overheat the printed circuit board and other
plastic and elastomeric components of the switch assembly
resulting in smoke or fire. Dealers will install an in-line 10
amp fuse in the positive battery feed to the remote power mirror
control switch assembly.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
97V235000/1
Potential Number of Units Affected:
208000
Year: 1991-94; Manufactured From:
JAN 1990 To: JAN 1993
Year of Recall: '97
Summary: Vehicle Description:
Multi-purpose passenger vehicles equipped with factory installed
sunroof. The sunroof glass panel assembly can separate while the
vehicle is moving due to incorrect hinge engagement. This was
caused by improper sunroof installation of the glass panel.
Unexpected separation of the sunroof glass panel could possibly
distract the driver increasing the risk of a vehicle crash or loss
of vehicle control. Owners will be provided with an instruction
booklet which thoroughly outlines, with illustrations, the proper
procedures for the removal, storage, and reinstallation of the
sunroof's glass panel. A warning label for attachment to the
sunroof's latch knob will also be provided to the owners.
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