'02 Explorer (tow vehicles cont'd....)

[Joel B.]

As a follow up to my "tow vehicle" post, I would like some opinions on the new style Explorer with the 3rd row seat. How many can fit inside? I wouldn't be hauling a lot of people very long distances (max would be 3 hours or so and not very often) more short trips. I believe '02 is the first year of the new body style and am concerned about reliability. Does anybody own one? I realize it's too early to tell about reliability, but what are your thoughts?

I own a '92 Explorer and a '95 Tahoe and am happy with both. I would just like the ability to haul more people (parents, friends, kid's friends) occasionally.

Thanks to all for the responses and opinions,

Joel B.

[Norseman]

I have just recently test drove one with both the v-6 and v-8. The new body style made it wider and lower than any other previous model year of Explorer. It rode nice (I actually liked the ride in my '98 better) and with the optional 3rd seat you have a seating capacity of 7 people.

Even after all that i went ahead and bought the new Chevy Trailblazer with a 4.2L straight 6 that delivers 270hp. (More than the v-8 Explorer and better gas milage to boot) however, does not have the optional 3rd seat. They are coming out with an exteded version of the Trailblazer that is going to offer this feature.

My suggestion would be to check out www.chevy.com and www.fordvehicles.com

Good hunting

[Bob G2]

While I do not have a 02 Explorer, I did own a 97 Mountaineer. One thing I would highly recommend is to see if a load leveling option is offered in the new Explorer. Under load, the back end of my Mountaineer really sagged. I tried some after market options, but they are not very desirable. An example is going through 2 sets of Air Lifts in a year. They would blow out on long trips, natch.

So, if you are towing your boat with 6 people in the vehicle, or even less people, but loaded up for a trip, then that back end may sag quite a bit. Also, with the 6 or 7 people, there will be virtually no luggage room.

I got a 2001 Suburban w/ Autoride, so no worry about the rear end sagging. Also, can't beat the room, and due to the wheelbase, is very stable for towing. The ride is excellent, especially compared to the Mountaineer. With the 5.3L V-8, I am getting about 1 mpg less than with the Mountaineer with the 5.0L V-8. However, as robertp and others pointed out, I am skeptical of the fit/finish and reliability. As far as the interior, GM really seems to try and skimp on things as I would describe the interior as contemporary cracker box. How this translates to the mechanical equipment????

[ebexp2000]

I've sat in the 02 Explorer, and I'll say it's pretty nice. Have a V6 engine in a 2000 Explorer, and it pulls the boat nicely. A V8 would have much more torque for towing, but at the time a V8 engine was only mated to AWD. With the 02 and up, the engine is independant of drivetrain. Mountaineers get AWD, Explorers get 4WD. The auto 4x4 system works pretty slick.

If you think about the Explorer, and you aren't going to do any heavy towing, then the V6 would be a good engine. The V8 only has 240 hp, however it has alot of torque, which is great for pulling. The lincoln version to soon be released, called the aviator, will get a 300 hp V8, which will be really nice for all types of driving.

Most importantly, don't be fooled by the "most horsepower" avertising scheme. Horsepower isn't everything. Not to rip on the TrailBlazer, but the Explorer's V8 is much better for pulling than the inline six. Explorer also has a 5 speed tranny, while the Trailblazer/Envoy has a 4 speed. The extra gear helps keep the engine in it's powerband, even with a V6. The Trailblazer does have 270 hp (at it's redline), but the Ford V8 can beat it in pulling and accelleration. Personally, I hate manufacturers who dummy up the advertising being the "most powerful" based on horsepower. I know enough to check the torque curve as well.

Explorer has rear IRS, which makes a really big difference in ride, and helps get rid of that bouncing/skipping back end. The rear seat is pretty comfortable, and it folds away, instead of having to remove it (the new expedition will have this feature too). Overall, I'd say that Ford's reliability is pretty good, and customer service is also excellent. I'd take the 02 Explorer (or the upcoming Lincoln Aviator) with a V8 in a heartbeat, if I had the cash.

Just my opinion though.

[RickyP]

The really nice thing about the 02 explorer is the independent rear suspension along with the lower vehicle profile. They ride so much better than the previous models. As far as the 3rd row seat is concerned, it is ok for young children but that's about it. Very difficult to get in and out of and there is NO leg room at all. I think if I were towing over 3k lbs I would go with the F150 Super Crew. I know the engine on the Explorer will tow more but the suspension and shorter wheelbase tend to make it less than desirable for heavy towing.

[Markman]

Actually, the in-line six is a much better towing/hauling motor than a small V-8, which anything smaller than a 350 is. This is from years of experience working on these vehicles. Also remember to check the gear ratio in the rear end for all tow vehicles. 3.73 is the highest I would go, or your tranny will really get a workout shifting on every ant hill. GOOd luck with whatever you go with

[JH]

How do the older Explorers and S-10 blazers (92-94)pull boats. Like a mr pike 17 with a 115 merc. Is it hard on the motor and trannies?