1999 Ford Explorer Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　The 1999 Ford Explorer gets exterior revisions including new foglamps, rocker panel moldings, wheel moldings, running boards and wheels. Harvest Gold, Chestnut, Deep Wedgewood, Spruce Green and Tropic Green replace Light Prairie Tan, Desert Violet, Light Denim Blue, Pacific Green and Evergreen Frost on the color chart. New options include a reverse sensing system and rear load leveling. Side-impact airbags are also newly available.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$234/mo  for Explorer XLT

　　Explorer XLT

　　XLT 4dr SUV (Most Popular) - N/A MSRPXLT 4dr SUV 4WD - N/A MSRPXLT 4dr SUV AWD - N/A MSRPXL 4dr SUV - N/A MSRPXL 4dr SUV 4WD - N/A MSRPSport 2dr SUV - N/A MSRPSport 2dr SUV 4WD - N/A MSRPXLS 4dr SUV 4WD - N/A MSRPXLS 4dr SUV - N/A MSRPEddie Bauer 4dr SUV 4WD - N/A MSRPEddie Bauer 4dr SUV AWD - N/A MSRPEddie Bauer 4dr SUV - N/A MSRPLimited 4dr SUV - N/A MSRPLimited 4dr SUV 4WD - N/A MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD - N/A MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Since its introduction in 1991, the Ford Explorer has resided at the top of the sport utility sales heap. With good reason, the Explorer combines style, comfort and room in a go-anywhere package. The modern day Country Squire, some have called it, after the segment leading station wagon of the 1950s.

　　We think that there's a good reason for this. Simply stated, the Explorer is a more refined vehicle than the competition at Jeep and General Motors. The interior instills a feeling of quality that is missing from the Blazer. Jeep's all-new Grand Cherokee has made up much of the distance between its interior and the Explorer's. An organically sweeping dashboard houses radio controls that can actually be operated without a magnifying glass. Materials in the Explorer look and feel rich. Rear seat comfort surpasses Chevy, and entry/exit is easier than Jeep. Explorers offer more cargo capacity than most rivals do, and five passengers can ride with ease. Exterior styling is a subjective matter, but we think that the Explorer is an attractive SUV.

　　The Explorer's standard 4.0-liter V6 is the puniest engine found in a domestic sport-ute. Acceleration is fine from a standstill, but step on the gas at 50 mph and not much happens. That's not good news when there's a need to pass or merge. Ford also offers an OHV 5.0-liter V8 engine that used to power the previous generation Mustang GT. While the acceleration with 5.0-liter motor is improved over the base V6, it gives up a lot in fuel consumption. Fortunately, Ford introduced an optional SOHC V6 in 1997 that offers nearly as much power as the V8, for less money while offering greater fuel efficiency. We recommend this engine over the other two engine choices due to its great power and affordable price.

　　The Explorer gets exterior changes this year that include new quarter panel sheetmetal, body moldings, badging and running boards. New options include a reverse sensing system, rear load leveling, automatic ride control and side impact air bags.

　　Unlike the current Nissan Pathfinder, Explorers retain a distinctly truck-like character, which could be a bonus or a demerit. They're tough and solid, and easy to maneuver, though steering is a little slow and ponderous, and the body leans through tight corners. Braking is excellent, and the suspension has a compliant attitude, but Ford's Explorer can bounce around, making occupants regret the Denver omelet they had for breakfast.

　　Ford has a philosophy of building vehicles that everyone can be happy with. Sure, the Jeep Grand Cherokee feels sportier, and the Chevrolet Blazer looks cooler, but the Explorer has just the right amount of class and ruggedness to make it America's best-selling off-roader. If you are thinking about buying an sport-ute, chances are you've already checked out the Explorer. If you haven't, do yourself a favor and find out why there are so many of these trucks on the road.

　　

1999 Explorer Highlights

Trim: XLXLSSportXLTEddie BauerLimitedXL

　　

Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$208/month
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	42.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive