This is a sport-utility truck, don't forget, so there is some climbing
to be done getting in. But entry height is not a serious problem. Shorter
folks may find the optional running boards helpful.
The overall design of the interior is quite good, featuring the flowing
shapes and soft-edged buttons and controls now favored by Ford. The various
controls are king-size, making them easy to operate when the vehicle is
moving, and we give the overall appearance of the instrument panels top
marks. This is perhaps the best looking and most functional layout in the
business.
Seating is also a big plus. The front buckets are covered in high-quality
cloth with a subtle, subdued pattern which was a welcome relief from some
of the throwback psychedelia we've run into lately. The seats were among
the most supportive in this class, with aggressive thigh and side bolsters.
Very comfortable.
The Explorer's other strong suit is best-in-class roominess. In fact,
roominess is perhaps the key element in this vehicle's perennial popularity.
Although some key competitors have launched updates since the Explorer's
most recent redesign, the Explorer still rules in this important category.
You can treat an Explorer like a compact family sedan. It is, as mentioned,
easy to get in and out of. Visibility all around is quite good in spite
of the rather large B and C roof pillars. The driver enjoys that secure,
command-of-the-road seating position that's helped to make sport-utilities
and pickup trucks so popular.
However, the Explorer doesn't really feel like a truck on the road.
Well, maybe a little--but only a little. While the ride is far from bouncy
and sharp, it is more springy than any sedan, and the reason has to be
those antique leaf springs in the rear. It is not offensive, but you will
notice it. The suspension does do a good job absorbing road irregularities,
though, and that's how it differs from trucks. Firm but comfortable, with
a strong sense of control.
We were a little surprised at the level of wind noise in the 40-60 mph
range in what otherwise is a solid, put-together vehicle.
Also, the new V6 becomes noticeably audible under hard acceleration.
On the other hand, that's common for sport-utility vehicles, and the engine
is smooth and quiet in normal operation.
We were very pleasantly surprised by the straight-line performance those
205 horses provided. This is, we reminded ourselves, a 4166-pound truck.
Nevertheless, it launched with enthusiasm and maintained that enthusiasm
to a degree that would calm any concerns about safe merging with traffic.
Although the Explorer has racked up virtually all of its huge sales
numbers with the standard overhead valve engine, the overhead cam version
is a whole order of magnitude better and we recommend it strongly.
At moderate speed on a favorite section of twisty bits, the Explorer
was quite good: no lean in turns, the steering was exceptionally quick
and precise, no wander in a straight line and on the narrow road did not
give the impression it was about to shoulder on-coming traffic into the
ditch. It simply does not drive large.