It was the first 5-door SUV manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. Developed as a replacement for the Ford Bronco II three-door family SUV, the Ford Explorer went into production in 1990.
Over the years, the Ford Explorer has proven its mettle as a practical, capable, and rugged SUV. This article delves into the history and progression of the Ford Explorer through its six generations, highlighting the key features, innovations, and milestones that have defined each era.
Origins Of The Ford Explorer
The Ford Motor Company is an iconic automotive brand that has launched several amazing cars over the last few decades. It was established in 1903 and became the first car manufacturer to start mass-producing cars. The brand’s first off-road SUV was the Ford GPW, based on the Willy’s Jeep.
Ford produced around 270,000 of these during World War II to help in the Allied war effort. The Willy’s Jeep would go on to become the Jeep Wrangler in the years to come. Read all about the history and generations of the Jeep Wrangler here. Two decades after World War II ended, Ford started production of its first SUV.
The Ford Bronco was launched in 1965 as a competitor to the Jeep CJ-5 and Toyota Land Cruiser. It was an extremely capable SUV. Here’s all you need to know about the Ford Bronco’s history & generations. By the late 80s, it was quite obvious that the Bronco was too bare-bones and lacked the comfort and practicality that families desired. This led to the development of a more modern SUV, this time with five doors instead of three.
First Generation | 1990 – 1994
The first-generation Ford Explorer debuted in March 1990, establishing itself as a pioneer in the mid-size SUV market. It replaced the Ford Bronco II and was designed to offer a more family-friendly alternative to traditional SUVs. The initial models included a three-door and a five-door version, catering to a broad range of consumers.
It featured body-on-frame construction which provided durability and off-road capability. The Explorer was available with just one engine option — a 4.0-litre V6 engine that produced 155hp. It was paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. Buyers could also choose the optional 4-speed automatic transmission.
The interior was spacious with seating for up to five passengers, and later models offered an optional third-row seat to accommodate seven. The first-generation Ford Explorer was a great commercial success, establishing a strong foundation for future models.
Second Generation | 1995 – 2003
The second generation of the Ford Explorer, introduced in late 1994 for the 1995 model year, marked a significant evolution in both design and technology. This generation featured a more rounded and aerodynamic body, departing slightly from the boxy design of its predecessor.
It was still sold in both 3-door and 5-door SUV guises, but it now featured a more powerful engine option. In addition to the old 4.0-litre V6, Ford also made its small-block 5.0-litre V8 available. Gearbox options included a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic, and a 5-speed automatic.
The SUV now featured an updated interior design with improved materials and an optional third-row seat, increasing passenger capacity to seven. While production of the 5-door model ceased in 2000, production of the 3-door model continued till 2003.
Third Generation | 2000 – 2005
The third-generation Ford Explorer, launched in 2001, represented a major overhaul in design and engineering. The first two generations were based on the Ford Ranger platform which was an older, more rugged, and less comfortable platform. For the third generation, Ford ended the Explorer’s direct link with the Ranger.
Instead, this generation was built on a new platform that significantly improved its on-road performance and safety features. For the first time, the Ford Explorer was available only as a 5-door model.
The 4.0-litre V6 engine was retained while the 5.0-litre V8 was discontinued. Instead, Ford replaced it with a 4.6-litre V8 engine. It featured enhanced interior quality with optional luxury features such as leather seats, a premium audio system, and more.
Fourth Generation | 2005 – 2010
Unveiled in 2005, the fourth-generation Ford Explorer continued to build on the strengths of its predecessors while introducing new innovations. This generation emphasized refinement, safety, and advanced technology.
It still featured body-on-frame construction and retained the engines from the previous generation. However, for the first time, it featured a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It also came with a more modern and contemporary design and was more spacious on the inside than ever before. It was the last generation of the Explorer to feature a body-on-frame design.
Fifth Generation | 2011 – 2019
The fifth-generation Ford Explorer, introduced in late 2010, marked a radical departure from its predecessors. This generation transitioned from the traditional ladder-frame chassis to a monocoque chassis. This massively improved the SUV’s on-road handling.
While it still featured four-wheel drive and soft-roading capabilities, gone were the hardcore off-road credentials previous generations had earned. This generation also saw the introduction of inline-4 engines under the bonnet of the Explorer. The 2.0-litre EcoBoost engines offered decent performance with excellent fuel efficiency. The biggest engine on offer was a 3.7-litre V6.
The interior was thoroughly modern and featured the MyFord touchscreen infotainment units. The SUV also went through multiple updates and facelifts during the eight years in which it was produced.
Sixth Generation | 2020 – Present
Ahead of the 2019 North American International Auto Show, Ford launched the sixth-generation Ford Explorer. While it still retained the monocoque construction, the SUV now returned to its rear-wheel drive roots while all-wheel drive is also available.
The base engine is a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol EcoBoost unit while more powerful versions use a 3.3-litre V6 engine. Ford also launched a plug-in hybrid version and a high-performance ST version. The interior is thoroughly modern and it comes with a bootload of features. In February 2024, Ford also revealed a facelift for the sixth-generation Ford Explorer.
Most Popular Ford Explorer Generations In The UAE
Owing to their recency and ready availability in the market, the fifth and sixth generations of the Ford Explorer are the most popular generations of the SUV in the UAE. Older generations are rare finds. However, classic car enthusiasts and collectors still prefer the first generation.
Ford Explorer Price In The UAE
Prices for a new Ford Explorer for sale in the UAE range from AED 165,000 to 245,000. Prices for a used Ford Explorer for sale in the UAE range from AED 19,000 to AED 239,000 depending on the model year and condition of the vehicle. Want to buy one? Get a complete inspection of the car before putting your money down on it.
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