Editing Ford Explorer (section)

==Third generation (U152; 2000)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Third generation
| model_code = U152
| layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Front engine]], [[rear-wheel drive]] / [[four-wheel drive]] / [[all-wheel drive]]
| assembly = United States: [[Louisville, Kentucky]] ([[Louisville Assembly Plant]]); [[St. Louis, Missouri]] ([[St. Louis Assembly]])<br />Venezuela: [[Valencia, Carabobo]] ([[Valencia Assembly]])
| image = 2002-2005_Ford_Explorer_--_06-16-2011.jpg
| production = November 2000 – June 2005
| model_years = 2002–2005
| body_style = 4-door [[SUV]]
| engine = '''Gasoline:'''<br/>4.0&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Cologne V6 engine#SOHC|Cologne]]'' [[V6]]<br />4.6&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Modular engine#2-valve|16-valve Modular]]'' [[V8 engine|V8]]
| transmission = 5-speed [[Mazda M5OD transmission#M5OD-R1HD|M5OD-R4]] [[Manual transmission|manual]]<br />5-speed [[Ford C3 transmission#5R55E|5R55W]] [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]<br />5-speed [[Ford C3 transmission#5R55E|5R55S]] automatic
| wheelbase = 2002–03: {{cvt|113.7|in|mm|0}} <br />2004–05: {{cvt|113.8|in|mm|0}}
| length = {{cvt|189.5|in|mm|0}}
| width = {{cvt|72.1|in|mm|0}}
| height = {{cvt|71.4|in|mm|0}}
| related = [[#Explorer Sport variation|Ford Explorer Sport]]<br />[[Ford Explorer Sport Trac#First generation (2001–2005)|Ford Explorer Sport Trac]]<br />[[Lincoln Aviator]]<br />[[Mercury Mountaineer#Second generation (2002–2005)|Mercury Mountaineer]]
| designer = Edward Golden (1997)<ref>{{cite news|last1=Truby|first1=Mark |title=Ford Refines 2002 Explorer |department=Explorer Forum|newspaper=The Detroit News |date=August 4, 2000}}{{verify source|date=September 2019|reason=Never was a valid URL}}</ref>
}}

The third-generation Ford Explorer went on sale in January 2001 for the 2002 model year. Undergoing the first complete redesign since its introduction, the Explorer ended its direct model commonality with the Ford Ranger in favor of a purpose-built SUV design. Following a decline in demand for three-door SUVs, Ford developed the third-generation Explorer solely as a five-door wagon; the three-door Explorer Sport from the second generation continued production through the 2003 model year.

The primary objective behind the development of the model line was to make the Explorer more competitive in both domestic and export markets.<ref name="Automotive News-2001">{{cite web|date=March 26, 2001|title=Ford Explorer project leader aimed at a global standard |url= http://europe.autonews.com/article/20010326/ANE/103260845#axzz2hlp6op7Q |work=Automotive News}}</ref> Along with tuning the vehicle for higher-speed European driving, Ford also benchmarked the model line against the [[Lexus RX]]300 and the (then-in-development) [[Volkswagen Touareg]].<ref name="Automotive News-2001" /> The [[Lincoln Mercury|Lincoln-Mercury]] division marketed the third-generation Explorer, with Mercury introducing a second generation of the Mercury Mountaineer; Lincoln offered its first version of the Explorer, marketing the [[Lincoln Aviator]] from 2003 until 2005.

=== Chassis ===
The third-generation Explorer (design code U152) marked a major change in the model line, ending chassis commonality with the Ford Ranger. While still retaining body-on-frame construction, the U152 chassis was developed specifically for the third-generation Explorer (and its Lincoln-Mercury counterparts). The wheelbase was extended slightly, to 113.7 inches. Along with rear-wheel drive, the third-generation Explorer was offered with both four-wheel drive and permanent all-wheel drive.

Following the redesign of the front suspension of the previous-generation Explorer, Ford redesigned the suspension layout of the rear axle, replacing the leaf-sprung live rear axle with an independent rear axle located by two half-shafts (similar to the [[Ford MN12 platform|Ford MN12]] chassis). The 4-wheel independent configuration was a first for Ford Motor Company trucks and American-market SUVs (with the exception of the [[Humvee|HMMWV]]-derived [[Hummer H1]]). As with the previous generation, four-wheel disc brakes were standard with an anti-lock braking system.

==== Powertrain ====
Carried over from the previous generation, a 210&nbsp;hp 4.0&nbsp;L V6 was the standard engine. The 5.0&nbsp;L V8 of the previous generation was retired, with the Explorer adopting a 239&nbsp;hp 4.6&nbsp;L [[Ford Modular engine#4.6 L|Modular V8]] as its optional engine (shared with the Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis); the Explorer was the final V8-powered American Ford to adopt the 4.6&nbsp;L engine.

For 2002, a 5-speed manual transmission was standard equipment with the 4.0&nbsp;L V6, the final year a manual transmission was offered for the model line.<ref name="CNET2">{{cite web|last=Carrillo III |first=Manuel |date=January 10, 2019 |title=6 generations of Ford Explorers: A history of the groundbreaking SUV |url= https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/ford-explorer-generations-history-1991/ |access-date=August 4, 2020 |publisher=CNET}}</ref> From 2003 through 2005, the Ford 5R55 5-speed automatic transmission (previously optional for the 4.0&nbsp;L V6) was paired with the 4.0&nbsp;L V6 and the 4.6&nbsp;L V8.

{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="6" |Third-generation (U152) Ford Explorer powertrain details
|-
! rowspan="2" |Engine name
! rowspan="2" |Production
! rowspan="2" |Engine Configuration
! colspan="2" |Output
! rowspan="2" |Transmission
|-
!Power
!Torque
|-
|Ford ''[[Ford Cologne V6 engine#SOHC|Cologne V6]]''
|2002–2005
|{{cvt|245|cuin|L|1}} SOHC 12V V6
|{{cvt|210|hp|kW|0}}
|{{cvt|254|lbft|Nm|}}
|Mazda [[Mazda M5OD transmission|''M5OD-R4'']] 5-speed manual (2002 only)
Ford 5R55 5-speed automatic
|-
|Ford [[Ford Modular engine#4.6 L|''Modular V8'']]
|2002–2005
|{{cvt|281|cuin|L|1}} SOHC 16V V8
|{{cvt|239|hp|kW|0}} at 4750 rpm
|{{cvt|282|lbft|Nm|}} at 4000 rpm
|Ford [[Ford C3 transmission#5R44E/5R55E/N/S/W|5R55]] 5-speed automatic
|}

=== Body ===
[[File:02-05 Ford Explorer.jpg|left|thumb|2002–2005 Ford Explorer XLS Sport]]
[[File:02-05 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer.jpg|thumb|2002–2005 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer]]

In contrast with the second-generation Ford Explorer (a major revision of the first-generation model line), the third-generation Ford Explorer was a ground-up redesign (ending all body commonality with the Ford Ranger). Offered solely as a five-door wagon, the model line returned several exterior design elements from previous-generation Explorers (blacked-out B and D-pillars, quarter glass in the rear doors); the grille and taillights were elements adopted from the larger Ford Expedition. The 2002 Ford Explorer introduced a design theme adopted by multiple Ford vehicles, including the 2003 Ford Expedition, the 2004 [[Ford Freestar]], and the 2005 [[Ford Freestyle]] wagon and [[Ford Five Hundred|Five Hundred]] sedan.

Proportioned nearly identically the same as the previous two generations, the third-generation Explorer was an inch shorter, two inches wider, and two inches longer in wheelbase. Several functional changes were brought to the Explorer as part of the rear suspension redesign. The change allowed for a lower rear cargo floor, adding nearly 10 cubic feet of additional cargo space. Offered on nearly all versions, a folding third-row seat was offered as either standard equipment or as an option (expanding seating to seven passengers).<ref name="motorologist.com">{{cite web|url= http://www.motorologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2002-Ford-Explorer-brochure.pdf |title=2002 Ford Explorer brochure |website=motorologist.com }}</ref> For 2004, a rear-bucket seat configuration became an option for higher-trim models, including a second center console (reducing seating to six).<ref name="auto-brochures.com-4">{{cite web|url= https://www.auto-brochures.com/makes/Ford/Explorer/Ford_US%20Explorer_2004.pdf |title=2004 Ford Explorer brochure |website=auto-brochures.com }}</ref><ref name="auto-brochures.com-5">{{cite web|url= https://www.auto-brochures.com/makes/Ford/Explorer/Ford_US%20Explorer_2005.pdf |title=2005 Ford Explorer brochure |website=auto-brochures.com }}</ref> Following the design of previous generations, the third-generation Explorer again received a multi-opening rear liftgate, enlarging the rear window opening (covered partially by a filler panel, housing the rear windshield washer).

=== Trim ===
[[File:2002 Ford Explorer (UT) XLT wagon (22310771351).jpg|left|thumb|2002 Ford Explorer (UT) XLT (rear view, Australia)]]
In 2001, for the 2002 model year, the third-generation Ford Explorer adopted the trim nomenclature of its predecessor. The base trim of the model line was the XLS (intended largely for fleet sale) with the newly introduced XLS Sport, which standardized many options offered for the XLS.<ref name="motorologist.com" /> The primary trim level of the Explorer was the XLT, split into two versions; the standard XLT received a monochromatic exterior and the XLT Sport received gray lower-body trim and 17-inch wheels.<ref name="auto-brochures.com-6">{{cite web|url= https://www.auto-brochures.com/makes/Ford/Explorer/Ford_US%20Explorer_2003.pdf |title=2003 Ford Explorer brochure |website=auto-brochures.com }}</ref> The Eddie Bauer and Limited returned as the highest-trim versions of the Explorer, with the Eddie Bauer distinguished by tan lower-body trim; the Limited was styled with a body-color exterior.

For 2003 and 2004, Ford marketed the Explorer NBX trim. Equipped between the XLT and Eddie Bauer/Limited, the Explorer NBX was an off-road oriented version of the Explorer equipped with all-terrain tires, black bumpers and body cladding, heavy-duty roof rack, and custom seat trim.<ref name="auto-brochures.com-6" /> The NBX was also offered with an Off-Road option package; offered with any four-wheel drive Explorer, the option featured skid plates, tow hooks, and upgraded suspension.<ref name="auto-brochures.com-6" />

=== Safety ===
Undergoing development during the late 1990s, the third-generation Explorer adopted safety features in response to the tread separation controversy that affected the previous-generation model line. Along with the deletion of the Firestone Wilderness AT tires, to further reduce rollover risk, the front and rear axles were widened (the latter, coinciding with the introduction of independent rear suspension). As an option, AdvanceTrac was introduced as a [[Electronic stability control|stability control system]].<ref name="auto-brochures.com-4" /><ref name="auto-brochures.com-6" /> For 2005, AdvanceTrac was redesigned, becoming AdvanceTrac RSC (Roll Stability Control); included as a standard feature, the system used ABS, traction control, stability control, and yaw control to reduce rollover risk.<ref name="auto-brochures.com-5" />

In addition to standard dual front-seat airbags, seatbelt pretensioners were added; side-curtain airbags became an option on all versions of the model line.<ref name="auto-brochures.com-4" /><ref name="auto-brochures.com-5" /><ref name="auto-brochures.com-6" />{{Clear}}