12/01/2000 – 2002 Ford Explorer Prices Begin At $24,620

DEARBORN, November 8, 2000 – The 2002 Ford Explorer is the next generation of the best-selling sport utility vehicle in the world. The new Explorer is redesigned from the ground up – with major improvements in package, suspension, powertrains and safety.

The base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices for the 2002 Ford Explorer range from $24,620 (including destination and delivery charges of $600) for the XLS series to $28,380 (including destination and delivery charges) for the XLT series to $32,690 (including destination and delivery) for the Eddie Bauer and Limited series’.

The volume model, an XLT 4×4 equipped with the standard 4.0-liter V-6 engine and optional premium electronic AM/FM stereo/clock/single CD will carry a base MSRP of $30,475 (including D&D charges).

The New Explorer “The Ford Explorer redefined the sport utility segment and pioneered the way for the entire industry when it was introduced in 1990. For more than 10 years running, Explorer has been the best-selling SUV in the world,” said Jim O’Connor, Ford Division President. “But we’re not resting our laurels. The all-new Explorer for the 2002-model year continued to innovate – with technological improvements in safety, roominess, ride and comfort, all intended to lead the industry into the future.”

Explorer is designed to be rugged and contemporary to complement the Ford “Outfitters” SUV family. The new four-door Explorer has a clear, powerful vehicle stance and proportions enhanced by simple, rounded forms that build on the vehicle’s classically popular design theme.

With a new independent rear suspension (IRS) system and unique “porthole-in-frame” design – allowing for a lower step-in height and a third row seat – Explorer is designed to offer an improved ride and more comfortable, user-friendly package. Ford Explorer also offers customers many standard and optional features that make it stand out from the competition. Some of those product features include:

• 2.5-inch wider stance and 2-inch longer wheelbase than current model for improved appearance, handling and roominess – while maintaining the same vehicle length and height.
• Larger door openings and lower step-in height for better ingress and egress.
• Optional adjustable pedals (optional on XLT, standard (with memory) on Eddie Bauer/Limited), a tilting and telescoping steering wheel (standard on Eddie Bauer/Limited only) and Reverse Sensing System (optional on all) for better driver comfort and convenience.
• Improved Control Trac™ four-wheel-drive system.
• Better off-road capability with increased ground clearance and better approach and departure angles.
• New all-aluminum 4.6-liter SOHC V-8 engine as an option to the improved 4.0-liter SOHC V-6.
• New automatic and manual transmissions.
• New side-impact curtain air bag system, as well as rollover protection sensors (available later in 2001).
• New AdvanceTrac™ interactive vehicle system combining the benefits of traction control and electronic stability (yaw) control (available later in 2001).
• Ford Personal Safety System, including driver and passenger dual-stage air bags and deployment characteristics (available later in 2001).
• Lower front bumper for better SUV compatibility with other vehicles on the road.
• Substantially stiffer bodyshell and thousands of noise control measures for better NVH.
• 15-percent reduction in annual operating costs thanks to easier serviceability and longer intervals between scheduled maintenance.

Available in dealerships beginning in early 2001, the 2002-model Explorer will be built at Ford Motor Company’s Louisville, Ky., and St. Louis, Mo., assembly plants. Production begins in late 2000.