Did SUVs Originate With Henry Ford's Weekend Camping Trips ?

By Wayne S. James


The Ford model Explorer is the successor of Bronco II. The production of this auto started in 1990 and after almost a year this was made available in the auto market in 1991. Ford explorer models that were fabricated during the year period of 1991 up to 2010 were categorized under the mid-sized Sports Utility Vehicle or SUVs. In 2011 though a reclassification of the Ford Explorer happened placing it under the full-sized SUV cross over. Apart from reclassification, Ford Explorer 2011 also gained the recognition as Truck of the Year in North America.

The Ford Explorer model line was believed to be a key player on the increased in the demand of SUV's. In 1991 up to 1994, the first generation of Ford Explorer was released in the market. The styles available for these early models were three and five doors. There are two possible choices for transmission for this generation of Ford Explorer namely manual five speed transmission and the automatic four speed transmission. The entire line up is powered by the V6 4.0 L Cologne engine. Manufacturing centers situated in Missouri, Louisville, Valencia, Venezuela Kentucky and Saint Louis were the ones that fabricated this first generation Ford Explorer. Within the period of 1995 up to 2001, the next generation of Ford Explorer was released in the auto market. Still the styles offered are three and four doors. The earliest second generation (1995) models were the pioneers in terms of neon stop light that is present central and high mounted at the lift gate. The transmission options are 4R55E automatic four-speed, 4R70W automatic four-speed, 5R55E automatic five-speed and M5OD-R1 manual five-speed transmission. The two alternatives for engine are the V6 4.0 L Cologne and the V8 5.0 L Windsor.

After the 2nd Ford Explorer generation models comes the 3rd which were manufactured beginning 2002 up until 2005. This time, the entire line-up only displays one style which was five doors. The engines on the other hand were of three variants the traditional 4.0 L Cologne V6 as well as the 4.6 L and the Modular V8 16 valve engine. Conversely the transmission was also of various alternatives like manual M5OD-R1HD five-speed, automatic 5R55W five-speed, and automatic 5R55S five-speed. Come 2006 another Ford Explorer models were released in the market which lasted until 2010. All are in five door styles and powered by any of the following engine such as Cologne V6 4.0 liter or 4.6 liter and the 24-valve Modular V8 engines. The gearboxes options of this model then were automatic five-speed 5R55S and 6R six-speed. What takes this model apart from all other earlier version was its larger built, the presence of monitory system of tire pressure, much tougher chassis and mechanically driven collapsible seats on the third row.

The  most recent Ford Explorers were released and introduced both 2012 & 2013 models. The complete line-up of these five-door automatic six-peed SUVs were built in the Chicago, Illinois manufacturing center. Engine choices for this model include the 2.0 EcoBoost 14 as well as the 3.5 Duratec V6. The built of the body is well contoured with aerodynamics coupled with tail and head lights that are stepped like in style. In addition, this newest generation was given advanced features such as mechanically driven lift gates, push button as well as remote controlled engine start, thermo regulated front seats, windshields that are sun tinted and provided with wipers that are triggered by rain and the built-in-the-dash system for navigation. The front - wheel drives along with smart all-wheel drives are the accessible power train.

Starting from its release date, the Ford Explorer has been an authority in the auto market and up till now it was able to sustain even heightened its popularity because of its reasonable price coupled with dependability. Among the noteworthy features of this auto are security, stability, and suitability.






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