Editing Ford Explorer (section)

=={{anchor|UN105|UN150|Second|2nd|1995}} Second generation (UN105/150; 1994)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Second generation
| image = 1998 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L, front 11.22.19.jpg
| model_code = UN105<br>UN150
| aka = Ford Explorer Sport (3-door) (1999–2003)
| production = November 1994 – December 2000 (4-door)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=AT&p_theme=at&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EADA146EA867E34&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=Sport-Utility Vehicles: Enduring style or 'flash in pan'? |website=Nl.newsbank.com |access-date=March 27, 2017}}</ref><br />November 1994 – July 2003 (3-door/Explorer Sport)
| model_years = 1995–2001 (5-door)<br />1995–2003 (3-door)
| assembly = United States: [[Louisville, Kentucky]] ([[Louisville Assembly Plant]]); [[St. Louis, Missouri]] ([[St. Louis Assembly Plant]])<br />Venezuela: [[Valencia, Carabobo]] ([[Valencia Assembly]])
| related = [[Ford Explorer Sport Trac#First generation (2001–2005)|Ford Explorer Sport Trac]]<br />[[Mercury Mountaineer]]
| body_style = 3-door [[SUV]] (1995–2003)<br />5-door [[SUV]] (1995–2001)
| layout = [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|Front engine]], [[rear-wheel drive]] / [[four-wheel drive]]
| engine = '''Gasoline:'''<br/>4.0&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Cologne V6 engine#4.0|Cologne]]'' [[Overhead valve engine|OHV]] [[V6 engine|V6]] (1995–2000)<br />4.0&nbsp;L ''[[Ford Cologne V6 engine#SOHC|Cologne]]'' [[SOHC]] V6 (1997–2003)<br />5.0 L ''[[Ford small block engine|small block]]'' [[Overhead valve engine|OHV]] [[V8 engine|V8]] (1996–2001)
| transmission = 5-speed ''[[Mazda M5OD transmission#M5OD-R1|M5OD-R1]]'' [[manual transmission|manual]] (4.0 L OHV)<br />5-speed ''[[Mazda M5OD transmission#M5OD-R1HD|M5OD-R1HD]]'' manual (2001–2003 Explorer Sport)<br />4-speed ''[[Ford C3 transmission#4R55E|4R55E]]{{Broken anchor|date=2025-03-16|bot=User:Cewbot/log/20201008/configuration|target_link=Ford C3 transmission#4R55E|reason= The anchor (4R55E) [[Special:Diff/232589533|has been deleted]].|diff_id=232589533}}'' [[automatic transmission|automatic]] (4.0 L 1995–1996)<br />4-speed ''[[Ford AOD transmission#4R70W|4R70W]]'' automatic (V8 models)<br />5-speed ''[[Ford C3 transmission#5R55E|5R55E]]'' automatic (4.0 L 1997–2003)
| wheelbase = 1995–97 5-door: {{cvt|111.5|in|mm|0}}<br />1998–2001 5-door: {{cvt|111.6|in|mm|0}}<br />1995–99 3-door: {{cvt|101.7|in|mm|0}}<br />2000–03 3-door: {{cvt|101.8|in|mm|0}}
| length = 1995–2001 5-door: {{cvt|190.7|in|mm|0}} <br />1995–97 3-door: {{cvt|178.6|in|mm|0}}<br />1998–99 3-door: {{cvt|180.8|in|mm|0}}<br />2000–03 3-door: {{cvt|180.4|in|mm|0}}
| width = {{cvt|70.2|in|mm|0}}
| height = {{cvt|67.0|-|68.3|in|mm|0}}
| designer = Bob Aikins (1992)
}}

In 1994, for the 1995 model year, Ford released a second generation of the Explorer. Following the success of the first generation, the redesign of the exterior was largely evolutionary, with the model line receiving front bodywork distinct from the Ranger. Rear-wheel drive remained standard, with part-time four-wheel drive offered as an option, and all-wheel drive was introduced as an option.

To better compete against the [[Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ)|Jeep Grand Cherokee]], a {{convert|302|cuin|L|1|order=flip|sp=us}} V8 was introduced as an optional engine. The Explorer went from lacking airbags to having dual airbags (a first for an American-brand SUV).

The Lincoln-Mercury division introduced its first SUV in 1996 for the 1997 model year, the [[Mercury Mountaineer]]. In contrast to the Mazda Navajo, the Mountaineer was sold only as a five-door. For 2001, Ford introduced the [[Ford Explorer Sport Trac]] mid-size crew-cab pickup truck based on the five-door Explorer. Following the introduction of the third-generation Explorer for 2002, the three-door used the second-generation body style through the 2003 model year.

===Chassis===
The second-generation Ford Explorer is based upon the Ford U1 platform shared with its predecessor, adopting the UN105/UN150 model codes. Introducing key chassis upgrades that were also shared with the [[Ford Ranger (North America)#Third generation (1998–2012)|1998 Ford Ranger]], the long-running [[Swing axle#Twin I-Beam|Twin I-Beam]]/[[Twin Traction Beam]] front suspension was retired in favor of a [[Double wishbone suspension#Short long arms suspension|short/long-arm (SLA) wishbone]] front suspension configuration in order to accommodate larger engines. Along with more compact packaging of front suspension components (allowing for a lower hoodline), the design allowed for improved on-road handling/feel. In line with the Ranger and F-Series trucks, the rear suspension remained a leaf-sprung live rear axle.<ref name="auto-brochures.com-3">{{cite web|url= https://www.auto-brochures.com/makes/Ford/Explorer/Ford_US%20Explorer_1998.pdf |title=1998 Ford Explorer brochure |website=auto-brochures.com }}</ref>

The standard four-wheel ABS of the previous generation returned; the rear drum brakes were replaced by disc brakes.<ref name="auto-brochures.com-3" /> As with the first generation, rear-wheel drive remained standard with part-time four-wheel drive as an option; all-wheel drive became an option for the first time.

====Powertrain====
[[File:'95-'96 Ford Explorer V-8.JPG|left|thumb|1995–1997 Ford Explorer XLT V8]]
The second generation Explorer carried over its 160&nbsp;hp 4.0&nbsp;L V6 from the previous generation (shared with the Ranger and Aerostar). For 1996, largely to match the V8 engine offerings of the [[Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ)|Jeep Grand Cherokee]] and [[Land Rover Discovery#Discovery Series I (1989–1998)|Land Rover Discovery]], a {{cvt|210|hp|0}} {{cvt|302|cuin|L|1|order=flip}} V8 (marketed as 5.0&nbsp;L) was introduced as an option for rear-wheel drive XLT five-doors. By 1997, the V8 was offered with nearly all trims (except XL<ref name="auto-brochures.com-3" />) and was paired with all-wheel drive; output was increased to {{cvt|215|hp|0}} (from revised cylinder heads).

For 1997, a third engine was added to the model line, as Ford introduced an overhead-cam version of the 4.0&nbsp;L Cologne V6. Differing from its predecessor primarily by its single-overhead-cam drivetrain, the 210&nbsp;hp engine rivaled the V8 in output. Introduced as standard equipment for Eddie Bauer and Limited trims, by 1998, the engine became offered on all non-XL trims.<ref name="auto-brochures.com-3" /> For 2001, the overhead-valve version of the 4.0&nbsp;L V6 was discontinued, with the SOHC engine becoming standard (and the only engine of the Explorer Sport).

Following the introduction of the overhead-cam Triton-series V8s for the 1997 [[Ford F-Series (tenth generation)|Ford F-Series]] and [[Ford E-Series|E-Series]], the 2001 Explorer would be the final Ford Motor Company vehicle in North America sold with an overhead-valve gasoline-powered V8 engine for nearly two decades (until the 2020 introduction of the 7.3&nbsp;L [[Ford Godzilla engine|Godzilla]] V8 for Super Duty trucks).

For 2000, Ford added flex-fuel capability to the Explorer for the first time. The flex-fuel SOHC V6 and chassis were mated to an aluminum body built by [[Utilimaster]] in the [[Ford-Utilimaster FFV]], a delivery vehicle built for the [[United States Postal Service]] in 2000 and 2001.<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://www.theautochannel.com/news/press/date/19990722/press027087.html |title=Ford Motor Company and Utilimaster Deliver For the United States Postal Service |date=July 23, 1999 |publisher=Ford Motor Company |access-date=February 6, 2023}}</ref>

A Mazda-produced 5-speed manual was standard with the 4.0&nbsp;L OHV V6 engine; the SOHC V6 was not offered with a manual transmission until 2000, receiving a heavier-duty version of the Mazda-sourced 5-speed. The V6 Explorers initially received a 4-speed automatic, shared with the Ranger and Aerostar, adopting a 5-speed automatic for 1997. The {{convert|302|cuin|L|1|order=flip}} V8 was paired only with a 4-speed heavy-duty automatic (shared with the F-150, Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Mark VIII).

For the second-generation Explorer, the four-wheel drive system underwent a redesign. The previous Touch-Drive system (electrically operated) was retired and replaced by ControlTrac, an electronically controlled full-time four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case; in place of a center differential, software-controlled multi-disc clutch. Similar to the previous push-button Touch-Drive system, a rotary dash selector was used for driver input, selecting two-wheel drive (rear wheels), and four-wheel drive (high and low range). As an intermediate mode, "Auto" mode allowed software to control the torque sent to the front wheels; if the rear axle began to spin, torque was shifted from the rear wheels to the front wheels until traction is achieved. The manually operated hubs and manual transfer cases were discontinued.

Similar to the system used on the Aerostar van, the V8 Explorer used a full-time all-wheel drive system without separate high or low ranges. The all-wheel drive's torque distribution was via a viscous clutch with a 40/60 split.
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Engine
!Production
!Configuration
!Power
!Torque
!Transmission
!Transfer Case

|-
|Ford [[Ford Cologne V6 engine#4.0|''Cologne V6'']]
|1995–2000
|{{cvt|245|cuin|L|1}} OHV 12V V6
|{{cvt|160|hp|kW|0}}
|{{cvt|220|lbft|Nm|0}}
|5-speed manual (Mazda [[Mazda M5OD transmission|''M5OD-R1'']])
4-speed automatic (Ford [[Ford C3 transmission#4R44E and 4R55E|''4R55E'']]); 1995–1996

5-speed automatic (Ford [[Ford C3 transmission#5R44E/5R55E/N/S/W|''5R55E'']]); 1997–2000
|Borg Warner 44-05 Electric Shift ''Control Trac''

|-
|Ford ''[[Ford Cologne V6 engine#SOHC|Cologne V6]]''
|1997–2003
|{{cvt|245|cuin|L|1}} SOHC 12V V6
|{{cvt|210|hp|kW|0}}
|{{cvt|254|lbft|Nm|0}}
|5-speed manual (Mazda ''M5OD-R1HD''); 2001–2003 Explorer Sport
5-speed automatic (Ford ''5R55E'') 
|Borg Warner 44-05 Electric Shift ''Control Trac''; 1997–2001
Borg Warner 13-54 Electric Shift; 2001–2003 Explorer Sport

|-
|Ford ''[[Ford 302 engine|small block 5.0 L V8]]'' 
|1996–2001
|{{cvt|302|cuin|L|1}} OHV 16V V8
|{{cvt|210|hp|kW|0}}
|{{cvt|280|lbft|Nm|0}}
|4-speed automatic (Ford [[Ford AOD transmission#4R70W|4R70W]])
|Borg Warner 44-04 Full-Time AWD
|}

=== Body ===
While bearing an evolutionary resemblance to the previous generation, nearly the entire body underwent a change, with only the roof and the side door stampings carried over. Coinciding with the lower hoodline allowed by the redesigned front suspension, much of the body was distinguished by a restyled front fascia, introducing a styling theme used by several other Ford light trucks during the late 1990s. The Ford Blue Oval was centered in a now-oval grille, joined by oval headlamp clusters wrapping into the fenders. In contrast to the front fascia, the rear body saw relatively few changes, receiving mildly restyled taillamps (with amber turn signals). In a functional change, the Explorer received a neon CHMSL (center brake light), adopted from the Lincoln Mark VIII.{{citation needed|date=August 2022}}

While again directly sharing its dashboard with the Ranger, the interior of the Explorer underwent a complete redesign (allowing for the fitment of dual airbags). To improve driver ergonomics, the instrument panel received larger gauges, rotary-style climate controls, and a double-DIN radio panel.

For 1997, export-market Explorers received a third-row seat as an option (expanding seating to seven passengers).

For 1998, Ford gave the exterior of the model line a mid-cycle revision. Distinguished by body-color rear D-pillars and larger taillamps, the rear license plate was relocated from the rear bumper to the liftgate (to better accommodate export); the neon CHMSL was replaced by an LED version. In another change, 16-inch wheels were introduced. The interior received redesigned front and rear seats; alongside second-generation dual airbags, side airbags were introduced (as an option). Other options included load-leveling air suspension (on Eddie Bauer and Limited) and a reverse-sensing warning system. The rarely-specified 60/40 front bench seat was restricted to fleet vehicles after 1998 and was discontinued for 2000.<ref name="auto-brochures.com-3" />

For 1999, the front bumper underwent a second revision, adding a larger cooling inlet and standard fog lights. All three-door Explorers were now renamed Explorer Sport.<ref name="xr793.com">{{Cite web |title=Home Dezo's Garage – American & Foreign PDF Car Brochures |url=https://xr793.com/ |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=xr793.com}}</ref>

For 2001, the three-door Explorer Sport underwent an additional revision, now sharing the front fascia and interior with the newly introduced Explorer Sport Trac pickup truck.

For 2002, the five-door body style would be replaced by an all new Explorer, with only the three-door Explorer Sport and Sport Trac maintaining the second-generation architecture. Styling changes for the Sport are minimal, with the rear wiper moving from the tailgate assembly to being built into the rear window.

<gallery widths=200 heights=145>
'99-'01 Ford Explorer.jpg|1999–2001 Ford Explorer XLS
1998 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition - 16312869163.jpg|Interior, 1998 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer
2001-2003 Ford Explorer Sport -- 03-19-2012.JPG|2001–2003 Ford Explorer Sport with updated front fascia
2001 Ford Explorer Sport in Silver Frost, rear right.jpg|Rear view of Explorer Sport
</gallery>

=== Trim ===
[[File:2nd Generation Ford Explorer Limited.jpg|thumb|1995–1997 Ford Explorer Limited]]
At its launch, the second-generation Ford Explorer retained the use of the previous trim nomenclature; the standard trim was the XL, with the XLT serving as the primary model upgrade. Along with the two-tone Eddie Bauer trim, the highest trim Explorer was the monochromatic Ford Explorer Limited. For 2000, XLS replaced XL as the base trim (introduced as an appearance package for 1999).

In contrast to five-door Explorers, second-generation three-door Ford Explorers shifted to a separate trim nomenclature. While the XL remained the base model (largely for fleets), most examples were produced under a single Sport trim level (again equipped similarly to the XLT). For 1995, Ford replaced the 3-door Eddie Bauer with the Expedition trim; in anticipation of the full-size [[Ford Expedition]] SUV, the trim line was withdrawn for the 1996 model year.

For 1999, all three-door Explorers became Explorer Sports; the model was produced alongside the third-generation Explorer through the 2003 model year.<ref name="xr793.com" />

=== Epilogue ===
[[File:1999 Ford Explorer (UQ) XL 5-door wagon (23097179681).jpg|thumb|1999 Ford Explorer XL (UQ) 5-door (Australia, RHD)]]
Outside of North America, this generation of the Explorer was marketed in right-hand drive configurations.{{Citation needed|date=April 2018}} As of 2018, RHD countries (such as Japan) export used examples of the Explorer to other countries (such as Australia and New Zealand) where there is demand for right-hand drive SUVs. Due to Japan's strict [[Motor-vehicle inspection (Japan)|Shaken Laws]], used vehicles tend to have low mileage with detailed repair histories.<ref>{{cite web|title=Right Hand Drive JDM Imports – RightDrive – Est. 2007 |url= http://www.rightdrive.ca/cars/view/204 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131104021358/http://www.rightdrive.ca/cars/view/204 |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |work=Right Drive}}</ref>

In the United States, the second-generation Ford Explorer has the (dubious) distinction of being two of the top five vehicles traded-in under the 2009 "[[Car Allowance Rebate System|Cash for Clunkers]]" program, with the 4WD model topping the list and the 2WD model coming in at number 4.
{{Clear}}