All New 2002 Ford Explorer Now Available in Puerto Rico

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News of May 09, 2001

All New 2002 Ford Explorer Now Available in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico welcomes Next-Generation of the Best-Selling SUV, Redesigned from Customer Input

Ford Explorer

Photo: GM

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The all-new 2002 Ford Explorer made its eagerly anticipated debut in the Puerto Rico market today. With major improvements in interior space, driving dynamics and safety, customers will welcome the next generation of the best-selling SUV in the world.

"The new Explorer is an example of the best getting even better," said Hal Dewsnap, district manager for Ford operations on the island. "Initial customer feedback on the new Explorer has been overwhelmingly positive. They enjoy the smoother ride from the independent rear suspension and the many other new features the 2002-model has to offer."

The Ford Explorer is the best selling full-size SUV on the Island and has maintained its leadership position in the United States since its introduction more than 10 years ago. It also has been among the top-10 best selling vehicles – car or truck – since its introduction in 1990 for the 1991 model year.

"The Explorer redefined the SUV segment in the 1990's, and the 2002 model is poised to do it again," added Dewsnap. "We can confidently say, with more than 3.5 million Explorers sold worldwide over the past ten years, that it has been a significant catalyst in the unprecedented growth of the SUV segment in the past decade."

Almost every refinement on the 2002 model was based on customer input. Explorer buyers span a wide range of lifestyles, but the one vehicle trait they all desire is versatility.

More than any other SUV, Explorer is comfortable in any situation, whether making a trip to the video store, taking a weekend boating trip, or going out to dinner at a fine restaurant. No other SUV in its price range has so successfully combined a real off-road capability with world-class on-road driving comfort and safety – the 2002 Explorer does it all well.

Smoother Ride

A smoother ride was at the top of the Explorer customers' wish list. This priority has been directly addressed by offering an independent rear suspension.

Explorer's new fully independent suspension and exceptional fully-boxed stiff frame – 350-percent stiffer than the previous model – give it firm, responsive road manners. An all-new, coil spring front suspension provides the best conduit to steering input and effectively dampens road surface irregularities.

Not only did these engineering improvements change the ride quality and driving dynamics of the Explorer, but it gave way to other major changes to the 2002 model.

Third Row Seating – More Space

The use of the independent rear suspension allowed for another important customer-driven feature -- third-row seating. Thanks to the new suspension, the step-in height was lowered and the floor pan was dropped seven inches. Combined with a 2-inch longer wheelbase and a 2.5-inch wider overall stance, this allowed designers to offer a more efficient interior package – a roomier Explorer with the option of seven-passenger seating capacity.

"Many mini-van owners told Explorer researchers that they would move into an SUV if they could get the extra space," said Dewsnap. "Ford engineers responded by putting in a third-row seat that accommodates children, as well as adults. The end design offers not only best in-class head and leg room in the third seat, but also best in-class shoulder and leg room in the front and second row seats as well."

The second and optional third row seats also fold down to create a flat-surfaced cargo area. Access to the third seat also was made simple by using a one-step, one-handed control system that flips the seat down or back into place by just pulling a lever.

More Power

Explorer owners also wanted more power, so a new 239 horsepower, 4.6-liter, SOHC V-8, all-aluminum engine is an option to the improved 210 horsepower, 4.0-liter, SOHC V-6 engine which is now standard in all models. The V-8 engine generates 280 foot-pounds of torque, while the V-6 offers 250 foot-pounds of peak torque. The Explorer 2002 has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. Both engines meet Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) standards and, despite the increase in size, the fuel economy has been held constant.

Safety

The 2002 model-year Explorer will set a new benchmark in SUV safety, with side-impact curtain air bags that deploy over first and second row seats to protect occupants in side-impact situations. Bumper rail compatibility, safety belt pretensioners and load limiting belt retractors are also featured in the new model. In addition, Ford's Personal Safety System, including driver and passenger dual-stage air bags and deployment characteristics, keep passengers protected.

Later in the model year, Explorer will expand that protection when it offers the Safety Canopy – a system that combines a rollover sensor with the side-curtain air bags.

Design

The original, simple body style, functional interior and go-anywhere capability of the Explorer have evolved into a bolder, confident, more refined vehicle that is ready to take customers anywhere – from a day at the beach to a night at the opera.

"The goal was for the new design to be instantly recognized as an Explorer from any angle and at any distance," said Dewsnap, "to maintain its familiarity, functionality and athletic stance, while adding new refined, more polished touches." Some of the new design elements and passenger comfort features include:

New grille featuring the familiar egg-crate insert of the Ford No Boundaries family
More robust and easier to use door handles
A redesigned larger rear liftgate and lower liftover height makes it easier to fit cargo into the vehicle.
Larger door openings and lower step-in height aid ingress and egress
Optional adjustable pedals. Longer front-seat travel improves the seating position for taller and shorter passengers.

Tilting and telescoping steering wheel
Optional auxiliary climate control

Models

The 2002 Ford Explorer is available in the XLS, XLT and Eddie Bauer models and is featured in five new colors.

(May 3, 2001)

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