1996 Ford Explorer XLT

More power for the best-selling sport-utility vehicle

By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor

For 1996, Ford has added V8 power and All-Wheel-Drive as options on its' all ready popular Explorer sport-utility vehicle. My XLT test Explorer had those options and many others taking its' sticker to a pricey $31,380.

The interior is well appointed and the cloth sport bucket seats are the most comfortable seats in a SUV today. Don't bother with the leather package: it's cold in winter, sticky in the summer, expensive and you'll slide in your seat. Save the cows! From the drivers seat most controls are easy to view and reach; the radio even has extra-large buttons. A compact disc player was conveniently located in the center armrest, giving easy access to passengers while moving. Sitting up this high in any vehicle gives one a commanding view of the road and Explorer is no exception.

Getting in and out of the Explorer is no chore either; especially when equipped with running boards. The rear doors open wide and are longer than the competition providing easy entry. The rear seat is also comfortable, but the back is a bit upright and short in height. Knee room is comparatively acceptable in the backseat; due entirely to the wheelbase length advantage Explorer has over Grand Cherokee and Blazer.

The wheelbase advantage also translates into the largest interior space in the compact sport utility segment. Adding to the list of attributes are the split, fold-down rear seats making it easy to carry long objects inside. Outside the Explorer had a luggage rack to carry even more gear.

The disadvantage of having the longer wheelbase is the off-road capability. Short wheelbase vehicles are better at climbing over rocks, and not getting stuck on a center high point. What Ford knows is that most sport-utility vehicles today are never taken off-road. The furthest off-road an Explorer might get, would be in a apple orchard or at a campground. That doesn't mean the Explorer is incapable off-road, it certainly isn't. The V8 was specifically tuned to have more torque, 275 lb-ft too be exact, for towing trailers or while off-road.

Speaking of the V8, having all that torque is great but acceleration was still only fair. Initial movement in this 4,247 lbs. vehicle is sluggish at best; unless you nail the gas pedal sending fuel mileage out the window. In fact, EPA mileage ratings for the V8 powered, All-Wheel-Drive Explorer are 14 city and 19 highway. During my week of testing I averaged 15 mpg.

Complaints were few about the Explorer. The ride is a bit rough, bumps and undulations in the road are transmitted fairly frequently. Another driver noted that it felt tipsy during a freeway lane change, however, this is a typical first impression of an SUV. SUV's have a higher center of gravity, but they are very safe when driven properly. High wind gusts also made it difficult to handle. Tire noise seemed high but not excessive; different tires would probably solve this nuisance.

These problems aside, the Explorer is an excellent vehicle. I think it is the best compact SUV on the market, although, I think unless you plan on towing something you could easily live with the V6 model.