Editing Ford Explorer (section)

=== 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>