The third-generation Explorer SUV was presented to the public in 2001, and its mass production started in 2002 at factories in the United States and Spain. The car was produced until 2005, after which its position was taken by the model of the next, fourth generation.
The Third Explorer is built on a completely new cart compared to its predecessors.
The mid-size frame SUV was offered only with a five-door body, and thanks to a new rear suspension scheme, the cabin has a three-row layout with seven seats.
Vehicle length is 4813 mm, height - 1827 mm, width - 1832 mm. The wheelbase of the SUV is solid - 2888 mm.
The third generation Ford Explorer used two gasoline engines. The first is an atmospheric "six" with a V-shaped arrangement of cylinders with a volume of 4.0 liters, producing 212 horsepower and 344 Nm of torque at 3700 rpm. The second is a 4.6-liter V8 engine with a capacity of 242 "horses", which develops 380 Nm of thrust at 4000 rpm. There are two gearboxes - "mechanics" and "automatic", both five-speed.
The car was available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive transmission could be of several types: ControlTrac 4WD with plug-in front-wheel drive and Full Time AWD AdvanceTrac with permanent four-wheel drive.
The "third" Ford Explorer, unlike its predecessors, received a completely independent suspension. Front - design on double wishbones with springs and anti-roll bar, rear - spring with multi-link layout and stabilizer. Anti-lock disc brakes are installed on all wheels.
Like all cars, the third generation Ford Explorer has positive and negative points.
Of the advantages of the car, the owners note the brutal appearance, a spacious interior with seven seats, a huge luggage compartment, inexpensive maintenance, affordable spare parts, a powerful engine that provides decent dynamics, and good handling.
The disadvantages of the American SUV are stiff suspension, cheap interior materials, weak brakes for such a heavy car, high gas mileage and mediocre sound insulation.
