Used Ford Explorer - is there any point in buying?

Ford Explorer is a legendary American SUV, which has been produced since 1990 already in its sixth generation. But the last two regenerations have let it down – car lost the frame and powerful large-volume engines.


The modern Ford Explorer is a typical crossover, so we will not consider it. Today we have 4 generations of Explorer on review - from the first to the fourth inclusive. These are classic American SUVs with a frame and a big engine.

But is it worth buying an old car? The third and fourth generations are expensive, but the first and second are cheap. But what problems await the future owner? Let's deal with each modification separately!

First generation

The Ford Explorer debuted in 1990 as a replacement for the Bronco. A modern SUV at that time instantly became a bestseller in the US automotive market and sold out in huge numbers.



The machine has become popular all over the world:

• ? Twice the model received the award "Best four-wheel drive car of the year"
  
• ? In the Jurassic Park movie, the Explorer was the first SUV.
  

Ford Explorer was produced in three-door and five-door bodies. It was decided to use the Ranger platform as a chassis, so that the car turned out to be passable like this pickup truck.



Only one engine was installed - Cologne V6 with a displacement of 4,0 liters and a power of 160 hp. With. Looking at these figures, it becomes clear that the motor has high traction at low revs.



The model was produced until 1994, in 1993 the engine was slightly modified, increasing the power to 165 hp. With.



In Russia, Ford Explorer is rare, although in the 1990s it was popular in narrow circles. The cost of these SUVs starts from 100 rubles. If there is no desire to mess with the body and fix the problems accumulated by the previous owner, you need to count on at least 000.

Advantages of the model:

• ? Appearance
  
• ? Large SUV, there is enough space for everyone inside
  
• ? It is possible to organize full-fledged sleeping places for 2-3 people by folding the rear seat
  
• ? Simple and reliable V6 engine
  
• ? Fuel consumption on average 13 liters
  
• ? Automatic transmission is ancient, slow, but hassle-free
  
• ? All-wheel drive works flawlessly
  
• ? Huge luggage compartment with the rear seat folded down
  
• ? Frame
  

There are few shortcomings, but they are all related to the age of the car. For example, the main problem is body corrosion. It's hard to find a whole first-generation Ford Explorer these days. But sometimes such copies still come across for sale.



The search for spare parts is also complicated by the age and small number of cars. It turns out that you can take such an SUV to a person who is ready to independently repair and process the car. If you repair a Ford Explorer in services, it will be very expensive.

The second generation of the Explorer

The second-generation Ford Explorer looks very different from its predecessor. The body design even now looks modern - there are no more sharp corners, everything is rounded. The model was produced from 1995 to 2003, which indicates its demand in the US market.

In Russia, the SUV did not gain much popularity, but there are 4 times more such cars on sale than the first generation versions.



Inside, the car received a new improved finish, better materials and even frontal airbags.

You can find a second-generation Ford Explorer for 150 rubles, but it will be a car just on the go with a bunch of problems and a rotten body. For 000 you can find an option even without rust issues. Although rare, they do occur.



The range of engines has expanded compared to the first generation:

• ? V6 4,0 liters with 160 hp. l.
  
• ? Updated V6 Cologne 4,0 L. for 205 l. With.
  
• ? New for 5,0 L model. Cleveland 218 hp With.
  

The last motor is very rare, but it comes across even in Russia.

Gearboxes are mostly automatic, manual is rare. All units are reliable, but manual transmission is better.

Drive in four versions:

• ? Rear
  
• ? Part Time
  
• ? Full Time AWD
  
• ? Control Trac 4WD
  

The model has many advantages, the disadvantage is its age. The SUV is as easy to repair as most light vehicles. trucks.

The main advantages:

• ? The frame design allows you not to be afraid of an accident of light and moderate severity
  
• ? The engine is simple and reliable, locomotive traction on the bottoms
  
• ? Huge trunk
  
• ? Brutal appearance
  
• ? High ground clearance allows you to park anywhere and conquer moderate off-road
  

Of the minuses, it is worth noting the low corrosion resistance, so the body needs to be looked after and periodically treated with anticorrosive. The electrics are sometimes buggy, the contacts turn sour, the years take their toll, the car needs to be looked after.



Buying a second-generation Ford Explorer will be relevant for those who need an inexpensive frame SUV. The car is suitable for traveling, will become an indispensable assistant in the construction of a private house.

The third generation of the Explorer

Ford Explorer 3 was produced from 2002 to 2005. The car became larger and more massive, versions with a third row of seats appeared. The SUV still looks stylish and modern, a well-groomed version looks much more expensive than it costs. By the way, about the price - it starts from 400 rubles.

The 4,0-liter engine was finalized - the power increased to 213 hp. With. The five-liter Cleveland was removed from the model range, replacing it with a 4,6-liter Triton V8 with 242 hp. With.





Advantages of the model:

• ? Reliable and trouble-free engines
  
• ? Huge transforming salon
  
• ? For a frame SUV, good handling at speed
  
• ? Cheap spare parts
  

There are also disadvantages - this is age, a rusting body, most of the parts have to be ordered and waited. It is difficult to sell such a car in Russia - it is not in demand on the used market. But SUVs are not bought to be resold, right?

Fourth generation

2005 saw the debut of the latest generation of the classic Ford Explorer. Then the car turned into a typical crossover, losing the frame and large engines.

The fourth generation model is rather a large-scale restyling of the third with an emphasis on off-road operation. The frame has become stiffer, the suspension has been strengthened front and rear.



Gearboxes are only automatic, a more powerful engine received a 6-automatic transmission ZF. The 4,0-liter internal combustion engine remained with a five-speed unit.
Interestingly, in 2006 Ford Explorer was the best SUV of the year in the US. In Russia, they ask for these cars from 500 rubles.



Ford Explorer 4 was produced until 2010, it is distinguished by reliability, simplicity of design. The body still resists corrosion, spare parts are inexpensive, especially if you order them from the USA.

It was not without its drawbacks - often you have to wait a long time for parts, it is difficult to sell a car, and in a big city in the center there are often problems with parking.

Of the four generations of the Ford Explorer, everyone will be able to pick up an SUV in their price range. Given the age, we are convinced that it is better not to mess with the first - they are too old and rare. But if the model is from the category - the soul asks, do not deny yourself anything.