The result, as with this week's subject, is often interesting enough to persuade large numbers of folks not to wait. Even in the auto biz, you sell the sizzle, then the steak. The one rap against the Explorer from the beginning has been its rather bland appearance, although there may have been some method to the madness . Happily, though, the less obvious changes are even more appealing. Front legroom has been increased by an inch, and a CD player and center console are now standard.
Standard transmission is a five-speed automatic.
Ford claims ride and handling have been improved, in part by a change to dual-stage rear springs, and the interior noise level is said to be lower. Those brags, I found, are true. This is the same engine as was used in the Sport Trac tested here recently. It felt more robust, breathed better and was more willing to run out to its redline, like a good little overhead-cammer. Of course the Sport is much less massive than the Trac or any four-door Explorer variant.