mundotaku Actually, it didn't. That explorer rides on the Ranger platform. Sheet metal changed, but the platform was the same from 1983-2011. The Jeeps was only sold from 1984-2001. Even then, the 2003 explorer sport still used that platform as did the 2005 explorer sport trac. Fords platform lasted 28 years, Jeep's only lasted 17. Which one's better? That's another question.
rangerpru if you're counting body style then you're also wrong there as well considering jeep changed that body style in 98. Cant blame Ford for not hanging onto a body style for 15 years like jeep seems to do...
noredcr you must mean a 2002 or earlier 4runner because after that they were glorified soccer mom cars, still nice but mostly useless off road for anything serious
@@frostmusicofficial i do, stupid people must understand that this pos killed the most people on the road for the bad engineering, if we can call the stupid inbreds at ford, engineers...
@@frankdenardo8684 how did you manage not to die?, its the vehicule with the most deaths on the road because of the bad engineering and inbred who build and buy those
Acc0rd79 yeah, I'm sure it was coming from somewhere...those who are bothered, do you want it redone clean? Or should I just make extra sure no further interference makes it through and push forward? Majority vote.
These sold very well, I remember seeing these everywhere in the early to mid 90s. My friend had his up until last year and it still ran alright when he sold it!
Back in 91 when the explorer came out my parents was looking at getting one. They wanted more room for the grandkids but wanted a 4x4. Was at the ford dealership my parents where looking at a explorer. Next to the explorer sat some Ford areostars. Mom said I wish these vans came in 4x4. Well I happened to hear her and was standing 2 vehicles over by a awd aerostar. Told my parents to come over and they got the aerostar instead of the explorer.
Despite the Firestone tire scandal, I still love these 1st gen Explorers, especially the Eddie Bauer trim. They are also dependable and I still see many high mileage examples still on the road today.
My family drives a "totaled" first gen with new firestones on it and it's rusted, loud, Shakey, unsafe and illegal (broken windshield) but holy hell I love it so much to the point I'm trading my baby buick for another one
First gen explorers were the best there apsolutely buetproof my dad still has one a 1992 thats still a daily driver to work to the fields and damn its got 700k miles and still running never changed engine everything original only changed transmision ones
That's the 4.0L V6 OHV version (not SOHC released in 1997 with timing cam problems). Last one was found in 2000 model year. Last Ford OHV was 4.2L V6 for F-150 in 2008, and I'm sure it can go 800,000 miles without rebuild since the design was similar to 4.0L OHV. But Ford is more interested in selling more parts when the engines fail for V8 Tritons, so they stuck the V6 OHV for regular cabs only because Ford don't want to see them last for 800,000 miles.
I can believe that. My first vehicle was a '93 XLT and it had 170,000 on it when I started driving it and over 300,000 when I flipped it in April, 2006. I've been wanting another one ever since but they're hard to find, of course.
+Daniel Johnson these cars back in the day, were true pinnacles of the 90's. They were built right and were very much family oriented and were priced right for the common middle class families. Now, they are built the quality of these new domestic brands is appalling. They basically start falling apart right after the warranty period. I miss the 90s, back when I was growing. Things were good. Gas was cheap, and we got more for our money !
I was really impressed with how well the Explorer did in the 0-60mph run considering it only has 155hp, I always thought the 1st generation Ford Explorer's were the best ones.
Doobie1975 Because it has a lot of torque 229 lb-ft on a large displacement 4.0 litres, the engine doesn't have to rev high to deliver all of it's power.
They also mention that it is faster than a Jeep XJ with the 6 cylinder. That'd be the day. I'm not trying to bust down the Explorer, but it was a turd.
Yep...those 4.0 OHV engines are thee (or in top 5) of most reliable, longest lasting engines ever.....I sold my Ranger with one and it had 246,000 + ....neglected oil changes....constantly overloaded truck like it was full size...and engine ran like a top......ZERO internal engine work ever needed! Because of this I just bought old 95 Explorer 4x4...it only has 166K....it's just broken in! :)
@@barrya.6212 I have a 96 explorer v6 with 190K. Orig engine and transmission. Has 4.10 and I just did over the LS clutches with the cobra carbons fibers. With low mode I was driving on steep mountain roads with snow, it crawls up them. 95-96 are some of the best years for v6 and the 4 spd (not 5 spd auto) trans I have a trans drain pan with a plug. Only thing that will kill it is rust. I have the forscan tool and it handles the electronics better than the dealer. Unfortunately it probably won't work for your 95 :(
@@barrya.6212 Yeah, it is very easy to do. You may even get to reuse the shims. The Ford cobra one is like 250. It is worth it because you can change your brakes, bearings, etc. Also suggest a trans cooler. The largest size haden fit perfect, bent one of the bracket tabs to make it fit.
Summer of 1990, I had just graduated high school and my first job was working at a train depot. We would unload new cars coming from Ford so they could be sent to the dealerships. I got to drive a lot of new Explorers. I still remember the new car smell inside. I was fascinated by the Eddie Bauer models and I remember thinking, "what makes this better than the regular ones?" While Jeeps and other sport utilities had been around for some time, it was the Explorer that spawned the move of SUVs from niche to mainstream. No longer was it just the outdoor types that wanted something to go in the mountains, but the soccer moms and suburban folks who wanted to ride high and in comfort.
I once drove a 97 Explorer V8... It's a freaking great car. Here in Germany it's nearly the biggest on the road, and I got looked at everywhere. A nice contrast to all the Priuses nowadays
My late grandmother (Mom's mother) had a red 91 Eddie Bauer Explorer. From my childhood, it's one of the first if the first vehicle she & my grandpa had. Which I can remember from that long ago.
This is a VERY important vehicle in my life. No, we never owned one, but I was in the 4th grade when the first-generation Ford Explorer debuted on February 15th, 1990, & it was THE vehicle that made the SUV a staple of suburbia rather than simply being a backup family vehicle, as it, for the most part, HAD been until then. I say "for the most part" because other than the Isuzu Trooper & (XJ) Jeep Cherokee, the SUV was not really thought of as primary family transportation before the Explorer was introduced. At the time, I remember thinking how awesome it was that at the dawning of a new decade, there would be something other than minivans & station wagons that could finally be taken seriously as such......................
I had a 1992 4.0 5 speed manual 2 door sport edition. Man was that thing awesome. It went anywhere and was tough as hell. I drove it when I was 16 until I was 18 and beat the living piss out of it. After 238,000 miles I stopped driving it and parked it after I bough an '03 F150. I went back to my explorer 4 1/2 years later, threw a battery in it and it fired right up, no smoke or anything. There's a video of the old start on my page. I even drove it back to my house lol they sure don't make em like they used to!
I've been a tech for 23yrs and have never seen a 5 speed model, though I'll bet 1 would be fun. That 4.0 pushrod engine was really good. And while there are those that will always say the Bronco II and Jeep Cherokee started this madness, the Explorer took it to a new level that is still hotly contested today. That original design really was something of a revolution. And they sold like crazy, a real cash cow over time for Ford. It offered pedestrian soccer moms a sedan with truck like space, yet in a smaller package, but still offered a true 4x4 experience for offroaders. Newer models just kept the price and features climbing, but even cops like the overall size and offroad ability for their services, with Ford offering police spec only models just for them. But back to the original seen here... The Big 3 would go back and forth in one-upmanship from then on in various models and trim packages. Foreign car companies quickly jumped on that bandwagon. You can thank Ford for that! Or not....
A friend of mine had the 5-speed in the early 1990's, he got the zero-optinos model, didn’t even come with a center console, instead he put a small Igloo cooler between the seats!
I have a loaded '93 XLT 4X4 with the 5-speed so they do exist. Whoever ordered this one from the factory did it right; leather 8-way power seats with air lumbar, auto headlights with adjustable delay off, auto dimming rearview mirror, electronic 4X4 shift, power everything, 8 speaker JBL audio with CD/external amp/subwoofer, sunroof, tinted windows all from the factory...with a 5-speed manual!
My Canadian Explorer is a 2 door 5-speed 4x4 model. The trim level is XL (zero options) but things must be different in Canada because it has a center console unlike the one Hubjeep's friend had. Seems to be the only upgrade Canadians got though, still has roller windows, cloth seats, no cruise control, no nothin' except touch drive :D
I've had a 1991 and '94 Explorer, I loved them both but the '94 was amazing. Sunroof, 5 speed, etc. It ran perfect. It was only about 2 years ago I owned it
Mine is still going strong. It has had the engine overhauled and the transmission swapped and modded with a shift kit. It gets 19mpg on the highway still. Great video minus the cellphone interference. 1991 Eddie Bauer Edition
I have spent many hours driving Bronco IIs and a 1995 Ford Explorer. I loved those rigs and never had any real issues with them. They are a sport utility vehicle and you have to drive them with that in mind. When the speed limits jumped to 75, things got worse in their braking. Especially the Bronco II. Downright frightening slamming the brakes from 75 mph.
I used to love those wheels as a 12 year old . We had a 91 ranger with those wheels. When my dad and I washed the truck . I was the Wheel guy 😂 I would sit on a bucket and scrub the wheels .
Maybe so in regards to the F-150 Limited and Raptor (Halo). That is really complicated because of the new Super Duty, but it definitely isn't the Explorer nowadays and less so 2 decades ago. Back in the 1990s, the flagship was the Crown Victoria. Up until recently, the halo car was the Mustang GT350 R. Now that is the GT.
These gauges look great and straight out of a 1988 Mustang GT! Also, just after them, notice how the steering wheel jiggles when the driver grabbed on to it to adjust the seat! That was awkward!
I love the old TwinTraction Beam front axle. With the longer radius arms Rancho used to make and a 2 1/2" lift this suspension system had a lot of wheel travel. And was very good off road. I had an 89 ranger with the Rancho radius arms and 2 1/2" lift and it was fun off road.
My dad got one last year for $2k - manual with 90k original miles The catch? A dead rat and it’s nest were stuck in the AC Took us 5 hours to clean out and then we had a mint 92 Explorer!
The newer Explorers of today don't have truck frames, those between '11 and '19 are unibody and front wheel drive, and those from '20 to '23 have integrated frames but at least rear wheel drive like the old ones from '91 to '10, and also, the interior had a bunch of modern improvements between '20 and '23, more cupholders all around, like the first row, the second row in some has a separate pair of bucket seats, the third row can now be split in two halves when the '91 to '01 kinds didn't have third rows, and the new ones have a much better fuel economy too. Yep, big changes over those years from '91 all the way to '23. The truck frame idea was discontinued in '10, but it's much stronger than an integrated frame. And if all the cars and vans that got discontinued forever, there's a possibility that Explorers can discontinue too, the Expeditions are not selling as well now as they did before because of how highly priced those trucks are and the fuel economy with high gas prices. My parents once had a '91 Explorer, and I once had an '02 Explorer, but at this point, I don't know if I'm going to look into an Explorer now, even those of '20 to '23, but now I drive a '17 Ford Escape, however, while it was being serviced, I did look at a '20 Explorer, and it was so cool, it would be way more comfortable and convenient than the '91 Explorer my parents had because I would be able to recline the seat to take a nap, have three cupholders, and have personal space especially if there would be three kids like my big brother, little sister, and me. I think more bucket seats and less bench seats are happening now because of personal space and cupholder issues from before.
Loved the Bauer explorer. Was so nice in its day. 1995+ models were even better. One of Fords best selling vehicles of all time. Owned two Explorers. 1996 Bauer and a 2000 Limited. Had a few problems but, overall. Great SUV's
Just everything about this car excited me as a kid, from its cameo in Jurassic Park, to the name itself; Explorer. It really made you wanna take an adventure.
1991 also marked the debut of the Mazda Navajo which was also built in Louisville Kentucky along with the Ford Ranger and Mazda B-series trucks. Explorer you here names such as Marco Polo, George Vancouver, Cartier, Champlain, Zebulon Pike, Lewis and Clark, Sir Francis Drake, Vespucci, veranzanno, Magellan, Vasco da Gama, Christopher Columbus, John Cabot, Leif Erikson.
John Hiram I own a 1993 Eddie Bauer five Soren manual (my first rig) and it's a great vehicle. Couldn't ask for anything better. The seats are some of the most comfortable, and adjustable I've seen
My neighbor used to own a 1st generation Ford Explorer XLT model with leather seats and a 5 speed manual (I wonder how many Explorer's came with leather seats and a 5 speed manual)?
Mine has 283,000 miles on it. Still a winner in many ways, lower belt line means you can comfortably rest your arm out the window, drives smooth down the highway, gets 21mpg on long stretches, lots of good, usable torque, lots of legroom in front and back, comfortable inside, enough amenities to still be livable, and simple enough to be very reliable and easy to work on!
Those Recaro style seats were the most comfortable seats ever put in an SUV! Nothing has been more comfortable than the seats in my 95 with the adjustable thigh support.
As a truck and SUV fan, the Explorer has always been one of my favorite SUV's, even the current one. I hope the rumors are true that the next generation Explorer will be based off a rear wheel drive platform.
I just got a '94 XLT for $350. It is kind of beat, and the fuel economy isn't great (keep your foot out of it and it's OK). But it has great power, the interior is comfy and I don't hate it. Nice to know you can still get decent wheels for the cost of a single car payment!
My mom's 2004 Explorer Eddie Bauer has 243,000 plus miles on it and she bought the thing since new in November 2004. It got plenty of problems, such as the cracked exterior liftgate trim where the Ford logo is located, broken visor hinges, discolored window switches and transmission. My mom got a 2017 Edge in May 2018 because the transmission seized up on the explorer.
My mom got this explorer in 1997 and i loved that explorer when i grew up in the early 2000s and she got rid of it in 2008 and she still regrets getting rid of it because it actually had real 4×4 not awd
Oh yeah where a simple tire blow out on a regular vehicle caused a bunch of wrecks...rather the moron driver's lack of driving skills was the problem and continues to be today.
Apparently, Firestone tire workers went on strike and their replacements were the ones who made those tires with extremely high failure rates. Ford, also suggested that they deflate the tire pressure which aggravated the problem. But it was Firestone’s fault. Ford to this day does not equip their vehicles from the factory with Firestone tires.
TheTarrMan I sure do. I had a 1998 sport two door with two wheel drive. the spare had it but had Michelin tires as a replacement. I have a 1994 XLT five door 4x4 and has Uniroyal Laredo.
This was my favorite exterior design of the Ford Explorer to date however it definitely did not have a car like ride or interior. My father head in 1991 Toyota 4Runner SR5 which had a much more comfortable interior especially in the rear with its headrests but both had a bouncy and somewhat punishing ride. My dad's Foreigner looked exactly like the one in the comparison shot at the end LOL
An iconic vehicle to be sure, but those notorious 2-ply Firestone tires were a real killer. The oil pressure "gauge" was actually a fake, indicating only a binary 'none' or 'some' oil pressure--nothing in between.
This was a real workhorse, completely the right vehicle at the right time. Not the most refined, it was a truck not a car, but there was a reason you saw them everywhere in the 1990s.
I was at the tire place a few months ago and a guy pulled in with this truck he put the jurassic park paint job on. A few people went out and took pictures of it. 😄
My first car was a 1991 Explorer 2 Door Eddie Bauer 4x4 5 speed. It had over 200k and needed a new head gasket. Bought it in 2006 for $200 and sold it for $1500 3 years later when gas was too expensive.
This and the Crown Victoria were the cars it seemed every kid's parents had in the 90s.
and the Taurus.
and the aerostar, escort and windstar, I used to see all these cars back in the 90s and early 2000's
Oh yea. My parents moved up to new Lincolns in 00's an never looked back! They have an MKZ & Continental now love em.
And conversion van's
I grew up with an 06 crown Vic
the Cherokee's "aging" platform hung around for another 11 years.
and outlived that Explorer platform XD
mundotaku Actually, it didn't. That explorer rides on the Ranger platform. Sheet metal changed, but the platform was the same from 1983-2011. The Jeeps was only sold from 1984-2001. Even then, the 2003 explorer sport still used that platform as did the 2005 explorer sport trac. Fords platform lasted 28 years, Jeep's only lasted 17. Which one's better? That's another question.
rangerpru if you're counting body style then you're also wrong there as well considering jeep changed that body style in 98. Cant blame Ford for not hanging onto a body style for 15 years like jeep seems to do...
And didn't self-detonate like a Jihadi after 20k miles.
rangerpru it sure did and still going
This is a flipping Classic! You still see these on the road today, that says ALOT!!
really? i'm lucky to see one of these every 3 months maybe here, then again rust is a bad problem here
Acc0rd79 yeah.. Here in Ohio, these things are everywhere!! Still.. Like roaches!! Lmao.
I don’t see these anymore
I recently saw one a couple days ago
Popular with the unemployed and drug addicted
Bring back the off-road capable smaller SUV on a real truck frame. There are plenty of us that want this.
***** Nissan is killing it off, this is the last year. They let it get very long in the tooth.
+Doug Harlow go with a 4runner.
The chevy Trailblazer may be making a return just from the demand
noredcr you must mean a 2002 or earlier 4runner because after that they were glorified soccer mom cars, still nice but mostly useless off road for anything serious
oh ya totally. thats why they have a locking rear diff.
That body style is awesome, loved the explorer ever since Jurassic Park
I love this generation of Ford Expolrer
I still see these on the road now and again. They're common now, but back in the early 90s, this really was revolutionary.
Steven Manning I saw this a lot at the supermarket.
@@frankdenardo8684 Garbage then Garbage now. 17 second 1/4 mile laughable and thats power. Junk.
@@jamesvw769 cool but nobody asked
@@frostmusicofficial i do, stupid people must understand that this pos killed the most people on the road for the bad engineering, if we can call the stupid inbreds at ford, engineers...
@@retrocompaq5212 cool but I didn't ask you.
Still love these to this day. Great trucks, and the fact that you still see them all the time is proof of that.
kirbyswarp I am the owner of a 1994 Ford Explorer XLT 5-door. I got the truck in November of last year and Still runs good.
@@frankdenardo8684 how did you manage not to die?, its the vehicule with the most deaths on the road because of the bad engineering and inbred who build and buy those
Its been a few months since I asked for a Explorer review, but you guys followed through! You just cant beat MotorWeek's great staff! Thank you!
I love and want one Ford Explorer 93 and 94
I need one of these with a manual, and a Jurassic Park paint job.
+XenomorphLV426 I've got a jurassic park one, but it's an automatic unfortunately.
Oh shit yeah, dude, thats gonna be my first car.
Ew why
Just bought a manual 94 and theres a huge difference compared to the automatic
This was the vehicle to have back in the day!!!!
'Despite a lack of airbags..' Imagine hearing those words in 2018. Oh have times changed. 😂
Couldn't source the interference. Wasn't anything obvious. We came to the theory that it was part of the tape copy.
sounds like cell phone interference, did someone have a phone close to the equipment when the video was converted?
That definitely sounds like a gsm cell phone causing interference. It's audible in the thunderbird video as well.
try uploading it again with no cells around!
Acc0rd79 yeah, I'm sure it was coming from somewhere...those who are bothered, do you want it redone clean? Or should I just make extra sure no further interference makes it through and push forward? Majority vote.
Didn't bother me enough to tell anyone to redo the work. Just keep the cell phone on wifi only next time when recording from tape. ;)
These sold very well, I remember seeing these everywhere in the early to mid 90s. My friend had his up until last year and it still ran alright when he sold it!
AaronVincentPresents this vehicle was common at supermarket parking lots.
Wow those are some sharp looking Firestone tires. I bet their performance is explosive in every category.
I say LOL a lot, but never actually laugh. This is not one of those times.
Back in 91 when the explorer came out my parents was looking at getting one. They wanted more room for the grandkids but wanted a 4x4. Was at the ford dealership my parents where looking at a explorer. Next to the explorer sat some Ford areostars. Mom said I wish these vans came in 4x4. Well I happened to hear her and was standing 2 vehicles over by a awd aerostar. Told my parents to come over and they got the aerostar instead of the explorer.
Uggh minivans, glad those things are gone
@@matthewcaughey8898 give it time they'll return again due to people having more kids during covid
I remember the Limited version in white pearl, gorgeous!
Mario Torrez Quant bought a used XLT with 130k it is green and has all the toys.
Ford sold sooooo many of these. "The" family wagon in the early 90's..
Thank You! for preserving and publishing this outstanding piece of history.
Despite the Firestone tire scandal, I still love these 1st gen Explorers, especially the Eddie Bauer trim. They are also dependable and I still see many high mileage examples still on the road today.
dwilsonjr78 just get different tires haha
Sonicc the Hedgehog I have Uniroyal Laredo tires on mine.
My family drives a "totaled" first gen with new firestones on it and it's rusted, loud, Shakey, unsafe and illegal (broken windshield) but holy hell I love it so much to the point I'm trading my baby buick for another one
What? Why are you talking about tires? You can just change them you know, why would that affect the car in anyway
Ford Explorer first gen is best
First gen explorers were the best there apsolutely buetproof my dad still has one a 1992 thats still a daily driver to work to the fields and damn its got 700k miles and still running never changed engine everything original only changed transmision ones
Jonnysrt8 V6 Cologne 👊🏻
That's the 4.0L V6 OHV version (not SOHC released in 1997 with timing cam problems). Last one was found in 2000 model year. Last Ford OHV was 4.2L V6 for F-150 in 2008, and I'm sure it can go 800,000 miles without rebuild since the design was similar to 4.0L OHV. But Ford is more interested in selling more parts when the engines fail for V8 Tritons, so they stuck the V6 OHV for regular cabs only because Ford don't want to see them last for 800,000 miles.
Jonnysrt8 DAMMMMNNNN!!!!
I can believe that. My first vehicle was a '93 XLT and it had 170,000 on it when I started driving it and over 300,000 when I flipped it in April, 2006. I've been wanting another one ever since but they're hard to find, of course.
just bought a 1994 XLT with 130k miles and is in good shape.
this car reminds of the show "Step by Step" back in the 90's for some reason!
+Bilal Ahmed I remember the 1st Ford Explorer is seen on some "Step By Step" opening intros & episodes when I was little!!
+Kevron Harris yup
It does. Basically, the Ford Explorer is a gem on "Step By Step" on the intros & episodes!
+Daniel Johnson these cars back in the day, were true pinnacles of the 90's. They were built right and were very much family oriented and were priced right for the common middle class families. Now, they are built the quality of these new domestic brands is appalling. They basically start falling apart right after the warranty period. I miss the 90s, back when I was growing. Things were good. Gas was cheap, and we got more for our money !
God I loved that show in my opinion one of the best ever.
I was really impressed with how well the Explorer did in the 0-60mph run considering it only has 155hp, I always thought the 1st generation Ford Explorer's were the best ones.
+Doobie1975 Minus the whole Firestone fiasco, I really like them. It's a shame they don't hold up well or I would trust them enough to buy one.
Just Here For The RUclips that was the second gen ones. And only the 1996 two door models.
Doobie1975 Because it has a lot of torque 229 lb-ft on a large displacement 4.0 litres, the engine doesn't have to rev high to deliver all of it's power.
They also mention that it is faster than a Jeep XJ with the 6 cylinder. That'd be the day. I'm not trying to bust down the Explorer, but it was a turd.
They were light compared to modern suvs
Our 92 Explorer has just over 500000 miles on it and runs really good
Yep...those 4.0 OHV engines are thee (or in top 5) of most reliable, longest lasting engines ever.....I sold my Ranger with one and it had 246,000 + ....neglected oil changes....constantly overloaded truck like it was full size...and engine ran like a top......ZERO internal engine work ever needed! Because of this I just bought old 95 Explorer 4x4...it only has 166K....it's just broken in! :)
HOLT_MMXV I have a 1994 Ford explorer XLT with 130k miles on the clock. it runs great.
@@barrya.6212 I have a 96 explorer v6 with 190K. Orig engine and transmission. Has 4.10 and I just did over the LS clutches with the cobra carbons fibers. With low mode I was driving on steep mountain roads with snow, it crawls up them.
95-96 are some of the best years for v6 and the 4 spd (not 5 spd auto) trans I have a trans drain pan with a plug. Only thing that will kill it is rust. I have the forscan tool and it handles the electronics better than the dealer. Unfortunately it probably won't work for your 95 :(
@@alb12345672 Thanks for input.... I'm going to put a locker in the rear eventually.... hopefully sooner than later! :)
@@barrya.6212 Yeah, it is very easy to do. You may even get to reuse the shims. The Ford cobra one is like 250. It is worth it because you can change your brakes, bearings, etc. Also suggest a trans cooler. The largest size haden fit perfect, bent one of the bracket tabs to make it fit.
So entertaining Motor Week. Its like going back in time. I was 3 years old lol. Thank u guys for the retro reviews!
I love watching these old videos, just to see how far vehicles have come from what they use to be.
"..quell the rollover fears" as focusing in on Firestone Tires...
my grandfather had one since new until 2022, i used to ride in the trunk and eat mcdonalds drive thru ice cream with my cousin. it was a very good car
Summer of 1990, I had just graduated high school and my first job was working at a train depot. We would unload new cars coming from Ford so they could be sent to the dealerships.
I got to drive a lot of new Explorers. I still remember the new car smell inside. I was fascinated by the Eddie Bauer models and I remember thinking, "what makes this better than the regular ones?"
While Jeeps and other sport utilities had been around for some time, it was the Explorer that spawned the move of SUVs from niche to mainstream. No longer was it just the outdoor types that wanted something to go in the mountains, but the soccer moms and suburban folks who wanted to ride high and in comfort.
Although this was taped in 1990, The Explorer was actually a 1991 when it came out.
They called the jeep "aging" In 1990. Little did they know that it would go on for another 11 years with little changes.
I once drove a 97 Explorer V8... It's a freaking great car. Here in Germany it's nearly the biggest on the road, and I got looked at everywhere. A nice contrast to all the Priuses nowadays
rlscmneral05 i think (with the exception of height) they're basically the size of a G Wagon right?
I still see these on the road.. 2023.
My late grandmother (Mom's mother) had a red 91 Eddie Bauer Explorer. From my childhood, it's one of the first if the first vehicle she & my grandpa had. Which I can remember from that long ago.
This is a VERY important vehicle in my life. No, we never owned one, but I was in the 4th grade when the first-generation Ford Explorer debuted on February 15th, 1990, & it was THE vehicle that made the SUV a staple of suburbia rather than simply being a backup family vehicle, as it, for the most part, HAD been until then. I say "for the most part" because other than the Isuzu Trooper & (XJ) Jeep Cherokee, the SUV was not really thought of as primary family transportation before the Explorer was introduced. At the time, I remember thinking how awesome it was that at the dawning of a new decade, there would be something other than minivans & station wagons that could finally be taken seriously as such......................
I had a 1992 4.0 5 speed manual 2 door sport edition. Man was that thing awesome. It went anywhere and was tough as hell. I drove it when I was 16 until I was 18 and beat the living piss out of it. After 238,000 miles I stopped driving it and parked it after I bough an '03 F150. I went back to my explorer 4 1/2 years later, threw a battery in it and it fired right up, no smoke or anything. There's a video of the old start on my page. I even drove it back to my house lol they sure don't make em like they used to!
I had a 91 with a 5 speed. I loved that little truck.
I've been a tech for 23yrs and have never seen a 5 speed model, though I'll bet 1 would be fun. That 4.0 pushrod engine was really good. And while there are those that will always say the Bronco II and Jeep Cherokee started this madness, the Explorer took it to a new level that is still hotly contested today. That original design really was something of a revolution. And they sold like crazy, a real cash cow over time for Ford. It offered pedestrian soccer moms a sedan with truck like space, yet in a smaller package, but still offered a true 4x4 experience for offroaders. Newer models just kept the price and features climbing, but even cops like the overall size and offroad ability for their services, with Ford offering police spec only models just for them. But back to the original seen here... The Big 3 would go back and forth in one-upmanship from then on in various models and trim packages. Foreign car companies quickly jumped on that bandwagon. You can thank Ford for that! Or not....
A friend of mine had the 5-speed in the early 1990's, he got the zero-optinos model, didn’t even come with a center console, instead he put a small Igloo cooler between the seats!
Was it 4wd? That was what I was referring to. I've seen several 5 speed 2wd Explorers, but never a 4wd version.
Good question, they may have been 4X2's.
I have a loaded '93 XLT 4X4 with the 5-speed so they do exist. Whoever ordered this one from the factory did it right; leather 8-way power seats with air lumbar, auto headlights with adjustable delay off, auto dimming rearview mirror, electronic 4X4 shift, power everything, 8 speaker JBL audio with CD/external amp/subwoofer, sunroof, tinted windows all from the factory...with a 5-speed manual!
My Canadian Explorer is a 2 door 5-speed 4x4 model. The trim level is XL (zero options) but things must be different in Canada because it has a center console unlike the one Hubjeep's friend had. Seems to be the only upgrade Canadians got though, still has roller windows, cloth seats, no cruise control, no nothin' except touch drive :D
I wish my explorer still looked that good lol
I've had a 1991 and '94 Explorer, I loved them both but the '94 was amazing. Sunroof, 5 speed, etc. It ran perfect. It was only about 2 years ago I owned it
Mine is still going strong. It has had the engine overhauled and the transmission swapped and modded with a shift kit. It gets 19mpg on the highway still. Great video minus the cellphone interference. 1991 Eddie Bauer Edition
I have spent many hours driving Bronco IIs and a 1995 Ford Explorer. I loved those rigs and never had any real issues with them. They are a sport utility vehicle and you have to drive them with that in mind. When the speed limits jumped to 75, things got worse in their braking. Especially the Bronco II. Downright frightening slamming the brakes from 75 mph.
Ford Explorer first and second generations is best, i want buy and my dream
I used to love those wheels as a 12 year old . We had a 91 ranger with those wheels. When my dad and I washed the truck . I was the Wheel guy 😂 I would sit on a bucket and scrub the wheels .
Best looking Explorer of all time.
Introducing what will be Ford's longest lasting, important flagship vehicle in 20 yrs
Nope, not a flagship.
Nope, you don't know what a flagship is then. This is more bread and butter.
Maybe so in regards to the F-150 Limited and Raptor (Halo). That is really complicated because of the new Super Duty, but it definitely isn't the Explorer nowadays and less so 2 decades ago.
Back in the 1990s, the flagship was the Crown Victoria. Up until recently, the halo car was the Mustang GT350 R. Now that is the GT.
2000 model year was the last, while 2008 F-150 V6 was the last OHV built.
Ronald David almost a thirty years since it's debut.
These gauges look great and straight out of a 1988 Mustang GT! Also, just after them, notice how the steering wheel jiggles when the driver grabbed on to it to adjust the seat! That was awkward!
"Hey boss, we've installed anti-lock breaks on the back wheels. Should we do the front now?"
"Nah, fuck it."
I love the old TwinTraction Beam front axle. With the longer radius arms Rancho used to make and a 2 1/2" lift this suspension system had a lot of wheel travel. And was very good off road. I had an 89 ranger with the Rancho radius arms and 2 1/2" lift and it was fun off road.
My 94 XLT is practically unstoppable off road, i love it to death.
Was someone playing on their flip phone while converting this to a youtube format? LOL! "Bzzzzzz, bzzzzzz"
I would kill for one of these. They're impossible to find in good shape
My dad got one last year for $2k - manual with 90k original miles
The catch? A dead rat and it’s nest were stuck in the AC
Took us 5 hours to clean out and then we had a mint 92 Explorer!
I Love the first generation explores!
The firestone tires tho 0-0 ohhh how 1st and 2nd gen explorer sufferd due to them tires and so many people got hurt due these tires
I had one of these, fantastic car.
The newer Explorers of today don't have truck frames, those between '11 and '19 are unibody and front wheel drive, and those from '20 to '23 have integrated frames but at least rear wheel drive like the old ones from '91 to '10, and also, the interior had a bunch of modern improvements between '20 and '23, more cupholders all around, like the first row, the second row in some has a separate pair of bucket seats, the third row can now be split in two halves when the '91 to '01 kinds didn't have third rows, and the new ones have a much better fuel economy too. Yep, big changes over those years from '91 all the way to '23. The truck frame idea was discontinued in '10, but it's much stronger than an integrated frame. And if all the cars and vans that got discontinued forever, there's a possibility that Explorers can discontinue too, the Expeditions are not selling as well now as they did before because of how highly priced those trucks are and the fuel economy with high gas prices. My parents once had a '91 Explorer, and I once had an '02 Explorer, but at this point, I don't know if I'm going to look into an Explorer now, even those of '20 to '23, but now I drive a '17 Ford Escape, however, while it was being serviced, I did look at a '20 Explorer, and it was so cool, it would be way more comfortable and convenient than the '91 Explorer my parents had because I would be able to recline the seat to take a nap, have three cupholders, and have personal space especially if there would be three kids like my big brother, little sister, and me. I think more bucket seats and less bench seats are happening now because of personal space and cupholder issues from before.
The first truck I ever purchased. Always got me home safe
Man, they are actualy really good looking rigs
You saw Explorers everywhere back in the 90's!
Loved the Bauer explorer. Was so nice in its day. 1995+ models were even better. One of Fords best selling vehicles of all time. Owned two Explorers. 1996 Bauer and a 2000 Limited. Had a few problems but, overall. Great SUV's
There's still quite a few of those '91-94 Explorers still on the road! Great camping vehicle as well
Just sold our 93, best vehicle we ever owned. It was the first vehicle we never had to take back to the dealer for repairs.
Watching this review and all of a sudden the music from Jurassic Park started playing in my head. LoL 😁.
I just sold my 94 explorer recently with 300,000 miles. Certainty a jack of all trades, master of non. Watching this video makes me miss it.
Just everything about this car excited me as a kid, from its cameo in Jurassic Park, to the name itself; Explorer. It really made you wanna take an adventure.
1991 also marked the debut of the Mazda Navajo which was also built in Louisville Kentucky along with the Ford Ranger and Mazda B-series trucks. Explorer you here names such as Marco Polo, George Vancouver, Cartier, Champlain, Zebulon Pike, Lewis and Clark, Sir Francis Drake, Vespucci, veranzanno, Magellan, Vasco da Gama, Christopher Columbus, John Cabot, Leif Erikson.
They were great vehicles then. Still see one on road now and again.
John Hiram I own a 1993 Eddie Bauer five Soren manual (my first rig) and it's a great vehicle. Couldn't ask for anything better. The seats are some of the most comfortable, and adjustable I've seen
Soooo many friends and family bought explorers in 91-92
Looks SOOO much better than the Jeep Cherokee and not nearly as overrated as Cherokees either
I used to have a 94. Stick shift, manual hubs, lift kit and big tires. Was fun as heck to take off roading. Never should have sold it :(
My neighbor used to own a 1st generation Ford Explorer XLT model with leather seats and a 5 speed manual (I wonder how many Explorer's came with leather seats and a 5 speed manual)?
Now you should show us a review of the "All new" 1990 Toyota 4Runner, since it was a direct competitor.
Whenever I see one of these it makes me think of Jurassic Park.
2:14 - after Doc Brown destroyed the time machine, Marty McFly found work as a Motor Week car review demonstrator.
2 door explorers…. Kind of would love to see that again
This generation with manual and 4wd is a lot of fun!
Mine has 283,000 miles on it. Still a winner in many ways, lower belt line means you can comfortably rest your arm out the window, drives smooth down the highway, gets 21mpg on long stretches, lots of good, usable torque, lots of legroom in front and back, comfortable inside, enough amenities to still be livable, and simple enough to be very reliable and easy to work on!
I always see the 2nd generation with the rounded off headlights but can’t remember the last time I saw one of these
Those Recaro style seats were the most comfortable seats ever put in an SUV! Nothing has been more comfortable than the seats in my 95 with the adjustable thigh support.
30 years old or(or close to) and you'll still see tons of these first gens still on the road. those things are solid
Death inducing firestone tires and steering components made out of lead=a truly unique driving experience.
my favorite body style Ford explorer
I had a 1996 Eddie Bauer Explore with the V-8 engine all wheel drive, sold with 142000 miles on it. Still looked new when I sold it.
As a truck and SUV fan, the Explorer has always been one of my favorite SUV's, even the current one. I hope the rumors are true that the next generation Explorer will be based off a rear wheel drive platform.
Well you're wish was granted
I just got a '94 XLT for $350. It is kind of beat, and the fuel economy isn't great (keep your foot out of it and it's OK). But it has great power, the interior is comfy and I don't hate it. Nice to know you can still get decent wheels for the cost of a single car payment!
My mom's 2004 Explorer Eddie Bauer has 243,000 plus miles on it and she bought the thing since new in November 2004. It got plenty of problems, such as the cracked exterior liftgate trim where the Ford logo is located, broken visor hinges, discolored window switches and transmission. My mom got a 2017 Edge in May 2018 because the transmission seized up on the explorer.
My mom got this explorer in 1997 and i loved that explorer when i grew up in the early 2000s and she got rid of it in 2008 and she still regrets getting rid of it because it actually had real 4×4 not awd
when the explorer was a real truck not a minivan with the roof chopped and front wheel drive ot awd
@B Watts it was a real mini truck/ 4x4. Had a 1992, it took a shit kicking and lived for awhile. Tough vehicle.
I second the request for the review for the 4runner.
Anyone remember the Firestone/Explorer scandal?
Oh yeah where a simple tire blow out on a regular vehicle caused a bunch of wrecks...rather the moron driver's lack of driving skills was the problem and continues to be today.
The firestone wilderness a/t
Apparently, Firestone tire workers went on strike and their replacements were the ones who made those tires with extremely high failure rates. Ford, also suggested that they deflate the tire pressure which aggravated the problem. But it was Firestone’s fault. Ford to this day does not equip their vehicles from the factory with Firestone tires.
I had a summer job of filling out thousands of recall cards for the local dealership
TheTarrMan I sure do. I had a 1998 sport two door with two wheel drive. the spare had it but had Michelin tires as a replacement. I have a 1994 XLT five door 4x4 and has Uniroyal Laredo.
Thank you, do you have the 2002 Ford Explorer test or the 2003 Ford Expedition test?
Lots of people lost their lives in that Explorer, and the Bronco II
which was basically the same. Lawsuits that followed Ford until the
2010s.
This was my favorite exterior design of the Ford Explorer to date however it definitely did not have a car like ride or interior. My father head in 1991 Toyota 4Runner SR5 which had a much more comfortable interior especially in the rear with its headrests but both had a bouncy and somewhat punishing ride. My dad's Foreigner looked exactly like the one in the comparison shot at the end LOL
I still drive mine everyday and it works like a charm, of course I gotta take it to get its service done every 3 months, but it's completely worth it.
An iconic vehicle to be sure, but those notorious 2-ply Firestone tires were a real killer.
The oil pressure "gauge" was actually a fake, indicating only a binary 'none' or 'some' oil pressure--nothing in between.
Would not mind getting an explore, we had 2 of them, 92 and 96.
My grandmother had a 91. Nothing but one problem after another. Thing spent half its time at the dealership.
This was a real workhorse, completely the right vehicle at the right time. Not the most refined, it was a truck not a car, but there was a reason you saw them everywhere in the 1990s.
New cars are all turbocharged junk with shorter-lifespan, and 10-speed auto transmissions need replacing every 5 years now.
My aunt got a 2004 Explorer Eddie Bauer 2WD Google V6 with third row seats.
My mom just bought a new 2020 Explorer and compared to the first gen Explorer it is a huge difference in size
I was at the tire place a few months ago and a guy pulled in with this truck he put the jurassic park paint job on. A few people went out and took pictures of it. 😄
My first car was a 1991 Explorer 2 Door Eddie Bauer 4x4 5 speed. It had over 200k and needed a new head gasket. Bought it in 2006 for $200 and sold it for $1500 3 years later when gas was too expensive.