2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x2

An integral part of this design involves routing the rear halfshafts through (rather than under) the frame rails using an elongated slot to accommodate the necessary travel clearances. This innovative approach allows the rear floor to be lowered by more than six inches, permits fitment of a third-row seat and nets an additional inch of ground clearance. It also yields benefits for off-road partisans in the form of improved approach and departure angles.


Although its tautish character does permit a bit more road noise and impact harshness to be transferred back into the new Explorer's passenger compartment, the added control and controllability afforded by its upgraded suspension is a tradeoff well worth the modest cost engendered. Still, some classic "legacy traits" do live on. Press hard into a tight corner and the Explorer's nose will still push wide; drop the throttle or tap the brakes with the suspension loaded and it responds with a bit of gratuitous tail scoot. However, there's also a poise and predictability to the Explorer's responses that make it palpably more fun to drive than many other SUVs in its class. (We didn't sample the optional AdvanceTrac stability system, which selectively applies the brakes when wheel slippage is detected and reroutes torque to the wheels that have traction.) Fit an Explorer with the optional tow package (which also adds an engine oil cooler, limited-slip 3.73:1 rear differential, heavy-duty flashers as well as the upgraded hitch) and trailering capacity rises from the standard 3,280 pounds up to 7,160 (7,000 pounds in 4WD).

The Eddie Bauer edition interior features two-tone leather trimmed upholstery and power-adjustable front bucket seats.

Matching its numerous recent engineering advances, the current-generation Explorer also gets a commensurate boost in the people-pampering department. Its interior boasts a classy overall appearance and straightforward ergonomics, including welcome touches like a low step-in height and variable-position shoulder belt anchors for the second row of seats. Opting for three rows of seats changes the split ratio on the second row from a 60/40 to 40/20/40. While the position and rake angle of the back are fixed, its outboard elements do feature a nifty flip-up/flip-forward design that makes access to the rearmost tier surprisingly hassle-free. More likely to be used by the younger set, that modest two-place perch has enough head- and legroom to handle a pair of modestly scaled adults on shorter treks and still leaves a serviceable 13.8 cubic foot rear mini-bay.


While both 5- and 7-passenger Explorers feature a completely flat rear floor, the former boasts 46.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second seat; the latter only offers 44.5. Those figures rise to 88.0 and 81.7, respectively, when each is deployed in its maximum cargo-hauling configuration. No matter how you set the mix, the Explorer's large decklid with bumper-level lower margin and low-cut flip-up back glass makes any loading/unloading chore much easier. Also, the Expedition's rear-seat DVD entertainment system is now an Explorer option.


As the midsize SUV segment grows more competitive by the day, the Explorer's quest to remain the dominant power will not go unchallenged. But bolstered by the popularity of last year's redesign, the even-more-contented 2003 Explorer's chances for holding onto the primo sales spot appear pretty good. (www.fordvehicles.com)