History of Ford Explorer

March 15, 1990

Ford Explorer is introduced

The Ford Explorer was introduced to the public on this day. One of the first generation sports utility vehicles released by the Big Three in the early 1990s, the Ford Explorer became one of the company's best-selling models almost immediately. Like sports cars before them, "Sport Utility Vehicles" (SUVs) became the chosen automobiles for the glamorous world of entertainment, and their virtues were even extolled in pop music. Ice Cube rapped, "I put the petal to the floor of my two-tone Ford Explorer," in his song "Down For Whatever."

The Ford Expedition was introduced to vehicle buyers in 1997. It is a full-size SUV that offers consumers a model choice between the Ford Explorer and the larger Ford Excursion. These types of vehicles became very popular starting in the 1990s, even though they are expensive to fill up at the pumps.

Similar to the Lincoln Navigator, the Expedition has sold a million units since 2004. Consumers appreciate this model's spacious interior, generous space for hauling cargo, and impressive towing capacity. Fire departments and law enforcement agencies have been buying a version of the Ford Expedition, known as the Special Service Vehicle, which has been modified to suit their needs. The Expedition is built at Ford Motor Company's plant in Wayne, Michigan.
The Expedition was put in the market as a replacement for the Ford Bronco. This vehicle can carry up to eight people comfortably if the third rear seat is used. Drivers can tow up to 8,000 lbs.

For the 1999 model year, the Expedition was given an upgrade. Engines (4.6L and 5.4L) offered more power while delivering the same fuel efficiency (14 mpg combined city and highway) as previous versions. The front fascia and grill were updated. The bumper was equipped with fog lamps.

The 2003 Ford Expedition was built on the same platform as the Ford U, which gave this model an 8,300 lb. towing capacity. Power folding third row seats and turn signal mirror lights were introduced at this point. Another change for this model year was an upgraded rear axle and suspension, which resulted in a smoother ride.

Starting in 2005, the 4.6 L V8 engine was discontinued. All Ford Explorers are powered by a 5.4 L V8 engine instead. The latter has been updated to include 24-valve technology. An optional feature available starting in 2005 was the AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control.
A third generation of Ford Explorers became available starting in August of 2006. It was based on the T1 platform. A 5.4 L Triton V8 engine provides 300 hp and gives this model a towing capacity of 9,100 lbs. This introduced at the Houston Auto Show because a significant number (20 percent) of Ford Explorers are sold to vehicle buyers in Texas.

The first new 2007 model Ford Expedition to come off the assembly line was donated by the company to a family featured on the television show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The show, featuring the Peter family from Jamaica, Queens, New York, was broadcast on May 7, 2006. Wondering if the 2008 Fred Expedition has made any concessions with the current fuel crunch? They are minimal with a current 16 mpg for city and highway driving combined.