Ford unleashes new, stronger 2002 Explorer04/07/2001 By Kevin R. Balentine / Advertising Writer The rich keep getting richer over at Ford. The home of the best-selling sport utility vehicle on the planet has made the top dog even better.
The 2002 Ford Explorer is larger inside and out and features a wider, deeper cargo area.
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From the outside in, the 2002 Explorer is all new and improved. "The Ford Explorer redefined the sport utility segment and pioneered the way for the entire industry when it was introduced in 1990," said Ford Division president Jim O'Connor. "For more than 10 years running, Explorer has been the best-selling SUV in the world. But we're not resting on our laurels. The all-new Explorer continues to innovate with technological improvements in safety, roominess, ride and comfort, all intended to lead the industry into the future." The exterior has been completely restyled, in part to accommodate a 2.5-inch wider stance and a 2-inch longer wheelbase while maintaining the same vehicle length and height. The new body has a crisp look that appears more upscale than previous models. The wide stance also contributes to a more aggressive look. The door openings are larger and the step-in height has been lowered, making the Explorer friendlier to the less-than-5-foot-10-inch crowd. Once inside, the larger cabin stands out over last year's model. A flat floor allows for a third row of seats in the back that folds up and down quickly and easily. The third row is made possible by the Explorer's new independent rear suspension, better for ride and handling dynamics and for interior space availability. The second- and third-row seats can be folded down in a variety of splits. With the third row folded down, the 2002 Explorer has plenty of room for cargo. Fold down the second row as well and the opening is cavernous.
The 2002 Ford Explorer's steering wheel tilts and telescopes, while adjustable pedals are an available option.
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Getting luggage or packages in and out of the cargo area is made easy with a low floor. The lift glass is at a nice height for loading a few light bags of groceries. The dash has been jazzed up with the addition of red accents on the speedometer and control cluster. It's easy to get comfortable in the 2002 Explorer. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes, while adjustable pedals are an available option. Also available as an option is a reverse sensing system that can warn the driver of hazards behind the vehicle. Safety systems come in the new and improved variety on the 2002 Explorer. A new side-curtain air bag system is now available as a $495 option. Later this year Ford will add rollover protection sensors that can make the vehicle safer in case of a rollover. The side-curtain air bag system, called the Ford Safety Canopy, protects first- and second-row occupants in side impact crashes. The driver and front passenger also get dual-stage front air bags, which use variable inflation rates based on the speed of impact. ControlTrac, Ford's four-wheel drive system for the Explorer, has been improved for 2002. The system remains mostly invisible, but easily handles light off-road duty like soggy yards. Later this year Ford will offer AdvanceTrac, a system that combines traction control and stability control for better handling. The Explorer comes in two engine choices. Both the standard 4.0 liter V6 and the all-new 4.6 liter V8 are available with a five-speed automatic transmission. A five-speed manual is available with the V6 engine. The test vehicle was equipped with a V8 producing 240 horsepower at 4,750 rpm and 280 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. The powerplant has all-aluminum construction and can go 100,000 miles before its first tune-up, under normal driving conditions. Both engines meet low-emissions standards. Fuel economy is estimated at 14 miles per gallon in the city and 19 miles per gallon on the highway. Pricing on the 2002 Explorer is expected to begin at $24,020 for the base XLS model with the V6 and manual transmission. The top-of-the-line Limited model comes in at $34,055. Whatever model is chosen, the V8 engine is a $695 option.
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