- • New Cars
2000 Ford Explorer Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2000 Ford Explorer Review:
2000 Ford Explorer Review
America's best-selling SUV adds a new body style, blending a 4-door SUV cabin with a pickup-truck bed to create the Explorer Sport Trac. A 2001 model, Sport Trac is 15 inches longer overall than the 4-door Explorer, with a 14-inch-longer wheelbase. A 4-foot-long open bed with a drop-down tailgate replaces the enclosed cargo area. The composite plastic cargo box has a molded-in bedliner. An optional tubular cage "extends" the bed 23 inches with the tailgate down or flips to secure objects with the gate up. Inside the bed is a 12-volt powerpoint; a locking 2-piece hard tonneau cover is optional. Sport Trac's interior has new low-back front bucket seats, a removable pouch that doubles as a console storage bin, and a split-folding 3-passenger rear bench seat. Twisting a dashboard knob powers Sport Trac's rear window fully up or down; tapping it drops the glass 1.5 inches for ventilation
Also making an early 2001 debut was the revamped 2-door Explorer. Again called the Sport, it uses the Sport Trac's front-end appearance and white-faced instruments. Sport and Sport Trac come in a single trim level. The mainstay 4-door Explorer offers XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited versions.
Antilock brakes are standard on all Explorers and front side airbags are optional on all but Sport Trac. All models are available with rear- or 4-wheel drive. XLS and XLT come with a 160-horsepower overhead-valve V6. Optional on XLT and standard on all other Explorers is an overhead-cam V6 rated at 205 hp in Sport and Sport Trac, 210 elsewhere. Optional on XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited is a 215-hp V8. Manual transmission is standard on the XLS, Sport, and Sport Trac. A 5-speed automatic is optional with V6s, though it's standard on XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited. The V8 comes with a 4-speed automatic. V6 4x4s get Ford's Control Trac system with 4WD that need not be disengaged on dry pavement. V8 4x4s have permanently engaged 4WD.
Optional on 4-door models (except Sport Trac) is an audible Reverse Sensing System that warns of obstacles when backing up. Rear load-leveling is an option for 4WD XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited models. Mercury markets a slightly retrimmed version of the 4-door Explorer as the Mountaineer. Due in January 2001 as '02 models are redesigned 4-door versions of both, which will be slightly larger than today's models and offer three rows of seats.
Also making an early 2001 debut was the revamped 2-door Explorer. Again called the Sport, it uses the Sport Trac's front-end appearance and white-faced instruments. Sport and Sport Trac come in a single trim level. The mainstay 4-door Explorer offers XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited versions.
Antilock brakes are standard on all Explorers and front side airbags are optional on all but Sport Trac. All models are available with rear- or 4-wheel drive. XLS and XLT come with a 160-horsepower overhead-valve V6. Optional on XLT and standard on all other Explorers is an overhead-cam V6 rated at 205 hp in Sport and Sport Trac, 210 elsewhere. Optional on XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited is a 215-hp V8. Manual transmission is standard on the XLS, Sport, and Sport Trac. A 5-speed automatic is optional with V6s, though it's standard on XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited. The V8 comes with a 4-speed automatic. V6 4x4s get Ford's Control Trac system with 4WD that need not be disengaged on dry pavement. V8 4x4s have permanently engaged 4WD.
Optional on 4-door models (except Sport Trac) is an audible Reverse Sensing System that warns of obstacles when backing up. Rear load-leveling is an option for 4WD XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited models. Mercury markets a slightly retrimmed version of the 4-door Explorer as the Mountaineer. Due in January 2001 as '02 models are redesigned 4-door versions of both, which will be slightly larger than today's models and offer three rows of seats.
Competition
This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys include the Ford Explorer, the Lexus RX 300, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Explorer and M-Class are more traditional SUVs with full off-road capability and V6 and V8 engines. RX 300 is a car-based SUV that lacks a low range in 4WD mode, but is the most carlike to drive.
Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the slightly more expensive Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.
If you are on a Budget take a look at the old standby Jeep Cherokee. It is cruder than the rest but offers go-anywhere ability, utility, and a low price.
Our Recommended choices are all traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the slightly more expensive Explorer clone Mercury Mountaineer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined but expensive Toyota 4Runner.
If you are on a Budget take a look at the old standby Jeep Cherokee. It is cruder than the rest but offers go-anywhere ability, utility, and a low price.
News
Though still far and away the sales leader among midsize sport-utility vehicles, Explorer slipped a bit year-over-year in calendar 1999, but was still comfortably above 425,000 units. Orders in the first third of 2000 ran ahead of the '99 pace by nearly 20,000. But Ford knows competitors aren't resting. That's why it introduced the new 2-door Sport and pickup-like Sport Trac as early 2001 models.
Ford will follow up by giving the mainstay 4-door wagon a thorough overhaul. The revised model was originally planned as a 2001 entry for introduction this fall, but Ford announced in late May that "normal quality and fit and finish issues" will delay the new wagon to the first quarter of '01, when it goes on sale as an early '02 arrival.
Regardless, the redesigned Explorer wagon will have a new body that's two inches wider and somewhat longer. Wheelbase also swells by two inches. The larger package allows stuffing in an available third-row seat, likely in response to the Dodge Durango. Industry gossips have also confirmed Explorer's first-ever independent rear suspension, which should yield a smoother, more controlled on-road ride and perhaps improved off-road agility as well. The wagon will reportedly dump overhead-valve engines and offer just two overhead-camshaft designs: the current 4.0-liter V6, and the 4.6-liter V8 borrowed from the larger Expedition, tuned for about 240 horsepower. Both will reportedly team only with 5-speed automatic transmission.
Meantime, Ford says the new Sport Trac is flying out of showrooms, so don't expect dealers to be in a discounting mood. Buyers may also have to wait a while for delivery, as Ford recently said it does not plan to add any new factory space for building Sport Tracs or any other of its cars and trucks.
Ford will follow up by giving the mainstay 4-door wagon a thorough overhaul. The revised model was originally planned as a 2001 entry for introduction this fall, but Ford announced in late May that "normal quality and fit and finish issues" will delay the new wagon to the first quarter of '01, when it goes on sale as an early '02 arrival.
Regardless, the redesigned Explorer wagon will have a new body that's two inches wider and somewhat longer. Wheelbase also swells by two inches. The larger package allows stuffing in an available third-row seat, likely in response to the Dodge Durango. Industry gossips have also confirmed Explorer's first-ever independent rear suspension, which should yield a smoother, more controlled on-road ride and perhaps improved off-road agility as well. The wagon will reportedly dump overhead-valve engines and offer just two overhead-camshaft designs: the current 4.0-liter V6, and the 4.6-liter V8 borrowed from the larger Expedition, tuned for about 240 horsepower. Both will reportedly team only with 5-speed automatic transmission.
Meantime, Ford says the new Sport Trac is flying out of showrooms, so don't expect dealers to be in a discounting mood. Buyers may also have to wait a while for delivery, as Ford recently said it does not plan to add any new factory space for building Sport Tracs or any other of its cars and trucks.
2000 Ford Explorer Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (ohc V6, V8) | Ride |
| Cargo room | Fuel economy |
| Visibility | Engine noise (ohv V6) |
| Build quality | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
The overhead-cam V6 is the best overall Explorer/Mountaineer engine. Smoother and stronger than Explorer's gruff base V6, it doesn't match the V8's muscle, but is thriftier.
| Sport 2WD | Sport Trac 4WD | XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.4 |
The overhead-cam V6 is the best overall Explorer/Mountaineer engine. Smoother and stronger than Explorer's gruff base V6, it doesn't match the V8's muscle, but is thriftier.
Fuel Economy
Expect to average around 15-16 mpg with either V6, versus the abysmal 12.4 mpg we got in a test of an AWD V8 model.
| Sport 2WD | Sport Trac 4WD | XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3.6 |
Expect to average around 15-16 mpg with either V6, versus the abysmal 12.4 mpg we got in a test of an AWD V8 model.
Ride Quality
Not harsh, but 4-door and Sport models are less-forgiving and have a more trucklike ride than the Chevrolet Blazer, GMC Jimmy, Dodge Durango, or Jeep Grand Cherokee. Sport Trac has a 14-inch longer wheelbase than 4-door Explorers and rides far more comfortably.
| Sport 2WD | Sport Trac 4WD | XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
| 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
Not harsh, but 4-door and Sport models are less-forgiving and have a more trucklike ride than the Chevrolet Blazer, GMC Jimmy, Dodge Durango, or Jeep Grand Cherokee. Sport Trac has a 14-inch longer wheelbase than 4-door Explorers and rides far more comfortably.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Explorer and Mountaineer corner confidently, with less body lean and more precise steering than many rivals. Sport Trac's newer, stiffer frame and specially tuned suspension helps it ride and handle better than other Explorers.
| Sport 2WD | Sport Trac 4WD | XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
| 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
Explorer and Mountaineer corner confidently, with less body lean and more precise steering than many rivals. Sport Trac's newer, stiffer frame and specially tuned suspension helps it ride and handle better than other Explorers.
Quietness
Not car-quiet, but not excessively loud for a truck-based wagon. Only the ohc V6 is really smooth, while tire and wind noise rise markedly with speed.
| Sport 2WD | Sport Trac 4WD | XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.6 |
Not car-quiet, but not excessively loud for a truck-based wagon. Only the ohc V6 is really smooth, while tire and wind noise rise markedly with speed.
Controls
Straightforward and logical. Explorer and Mountaineer are among the few compact SUVs to offer automatic climate control. Sport Trac's rear window powers up and down at the touch of a dashboard button.
| Sport 2WD | Sport Trac 4WD | XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Straightforward and logical. Explorer and Mountaineer are among the few compact SUVs to offer automatic climate control. Sport Trac's rear window powers up and down at the touch of a dashboard button.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good leg and head room, but like other compact SUVs, the interior is no wider than that of a midsize car, so the broadest-shoulder occupants may feel confined.
| Sport 2WD | Sport Trac 4WD | XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Good leg and head room, but like other compact SUVs, the interior is no wider than that of a midsize car, so the broadest-shoulder occupants may feel confined.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Three fit with some squeezing, but the bench has a split seatback that is firm and lacks shoulder support. Sport Trac has more rear leg room than most midsize SUVs and its rear-seat room and comfort far suprassed that of any compact crew-cab pickup truck.
| Sport 2WD | Sport Trac 4WD | XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
| 2 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
Three fit with some squeezing, but the bench has a split seatback that is firm and lacks shoulder support. Sport Trac has more rear leg room than most midsize SUVs and its rear-seat room and comfort far suprassed that of any compact crew-cab pickup truck.
Cargo Room
Good, thanks to undercarriage spare-tire storage. And the split rear seatback folds in a single motion without removing the headrests. Liftgate's rear glass opens separately. An available cargo cage effectively extends Sport Trac's 4-foot cargo bed by 23 inches.
| Sport 2WD | Sport Trac 4WD | XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 7.5 |
Good, thanks to undercarriage spare-tire storage. And the split rear seatback folds in a single motion without removing the headrests. Liftgate's rear glass opens separately. An available cargo cage effectively extends Sport Trac's 4-foot cargo bed by 23 inches.
Value within Class
An array of engine and 4WD choices, sound ergonomics, and competitive prices keep Explorer and Mountaineer among our Best Buys. But competition is tough, and redesigned versions are coming, so angle for a good deal. A slew of SUV/pickup crossovers are on the horizon, but Sport Trac is currently without direct competition, so while its base prices are reasonable, don't expect much of a discount on this newest Explorer.
| Sport 2WD | Sport Trac 4WD | XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
| 2 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3.8 |
An array of engine and 4WD choices, sound ergonomics, and competitive prices keep Explorer and Mountaineer among our Best Buys. But competition is tough, and redesigned versions are coming, so angle for a good deal. A slew of SUV/pickup crossovers are on the horizon, but Sport Trac is currently without direct competition, so while its base prices are reasonable, don't expect much of a discount on this newest Explorer.
Total Score
| Sport 2WD | Sport Trac 4WD | XLT 4WD, V6 | Limited AWD, V8 | Class Average |
| 40 | 51 | 48 | 45 | 46.4 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 46 | |
| High Score | 61 |
2000 Ford Explorer Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/05/2000
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2000 XLS 4-door wagon, 2WD | $23,480 | $21,242 | $575 |
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| 2000 XLS 4-door wagon, 4WD | $25,360 | $22,897 | $575 |
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| 2001 Sport 2-door wagon, 2WD | $21,840 | $19,147 | $575 |
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| 2001 Sport 2-door wagon, 4WD | $23,860 | $21,836 | $575 |
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| 2001 Sport Trac 4-door crew cab, 2WD | $21,665 | $19,882 | $575 |
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| 2001 Sport Trac 4-door crew cab, 4WD | $24,435 | $22,347 | $575 |
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| 2000 XLT 4-door wagon, 2WD | $27,375 | $24,670 | $575 |
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| 2000 XLT 4-door wagon, 4WD | $29,340 | $26,400 | $575 |
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| 2000 XLT 4-door wagon, AWD | $30,090 | $27,060 | $575 |
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| 2000 Eddie Bauer 4-door wagon, 2WD | $31,930 | $28,679 | $575 |
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| 2000 Eddie Bauer 4-door wagon, 4WD | $33,895 | $30,408 | $575 |
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| 2000 Eddie Bauer 4-door wagon, AWD | $34,310 | $30,773 | $575 |
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| 2000 Limited 4-door wagon, 2WD | $32,185 | $28,904 | $575 |
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| 2000 Limited 4-door wagon, 4WD | $34,150 | $30,633 | $575 |
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| 2000 Limited 4-door wagon, AWD | $34,565 | $30,998 | $575 |
Price note: XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited require a Series Code Pkg.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
XLS
Powertrain
4.0-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, dual front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, cloth front high-back bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, power liftgate release, variable intermittent wipers, tachometer, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, map light, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, passenger-side visor mirror.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 235/75R15 all-terrain white-letter tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: Control Trac full-time 4-wheel drive, transfer-case skid plate.
Sport/Sport Trac adds to XLS:
Powertrain
4.0-liter ohc V6 engine.
Safety
Rear drum brakes (Sport Trac).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt steering wheel, cloth front low-back bucket seats (Sport Trac), cupholders, AM/FM/CD player, power rear window (Sport Trac).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, rear cargo box (Sport Trac).
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4-wire trailering harness, 235/75R15 white-letter tires, styled steel wheels (Sport Trac), deletes power liftgate release, 4WD adds: Control Trac full-time 4-wheel drive, transfer-case skid plate, front tow hooks (Sport Trac).
XLT adds to XLS:
Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth sport front bucket seats w/manual lumbar support, 6-way power driver seat, high series floor console (armrest, cupholders, rear radio/air conditioning controls), overhead console (compass, outside temperature display, front and rear reading lights), remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD models add: Control Trac full-time 4-wheel drive, transfer-case skid plate, AWD adds: permanent 4-wheel drive, 5.0-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Eddie Bauer adds to XLT:
Powertrain
4.0-liter ohc V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, steering wheel radio/climate controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, Travelnote digital memo recorder, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Illuminated running boards.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
255/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires, 4WD adds: Control Trac full-time 4-wheel drive, transfer-case skid plate, AWD adds: permanent 4-wheel drive, 5.0-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Limited adds to Eddie Bauer:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated power mirrors w/puddle lights, wood interior trim.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: Control Trac full-time 4-wheel drive, transfer-case skid plate, AWD adds: permanent 4-wheel drive, 5.0-liter V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Comfort Group
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Sport, Sport Trac
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$935
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$795
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Front low-back bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, overhead console, outside temperature indicator, compass. Requires Convenience Group.
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Comfort Group w/leather upholstery
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Sport, Sport Trac
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$1,495
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$1,271
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Leather upholstery, front low-back bucket seats, 6-way power driver seat, overhead console, outside temperature indicator, compass, high series floor console, rear climate controls, rear radio controls. Requires Convenience Group.
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Premium Sport Group
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2WD Sport
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$550
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$468
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4WD Sport, Sport Trac
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$700
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$595
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Side step bars, fog lights, front tow hooks, 235/75R15 all-terrain white-letter tires (2WD Sport), 255/70R16 tires (4WD Sport, Sport Trac), bright cast alloy wheels (4WD Sport, Sport Trac). Sport requires Convenience Group.
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Convenience Group
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Sport, Sport Trac
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$750
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$638
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Cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry, auto lock/relock, puddle lights.
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Convenience Group, XLS
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XLS
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$750
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$638
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Tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cargo cover, rear privacy glass.
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Sport Group
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XLT
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$1,095
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$931
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Color-keyed grille, platinum-colored bumpers and wheel lip moldings, side step bars, limited slip differential (w/5.0-liter engine), special axle ratio, Eddie Bauer-style wheels, 255/70R16 tires.
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Series Code Pkg.
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Limited
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$1,870
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$1,590
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AM/FM/cassette/CD player, Mach Audio System, leather upholstery, heated front seats, power passenger seat, driver seat memory.
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1500-lb Payload Pkg.
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2WD Sport Trac
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$100
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$85
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1460-lb Payload Pkg.
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4WD Sport Trac
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$100
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$85
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Trailer Towing Prep Group
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XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited
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$355
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$302
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Wiring harness, heavy-duty flasher, limited-slip differential, special axle ratio.
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Powertrain |
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4.0-liter ohc V6 engine
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2WD/4WD XLT
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$540
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$459
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Requires 5-speed automatic transmission.
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5.0-liter V8 engine
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XLT 2WD
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$775
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$659
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Eddie Bauer 2WD, Limited 2WD
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$421
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$358
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Requires 4-speed automatic transmission, Trailer Towing Pkg., AM/FM/cassette/CD player.
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4-speed automatic transmission
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XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited
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$0
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$0
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NA 4WD. Requires 5.0-liter V8 engine.
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5-speed automatic transmission
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Sport, Sport Trac, XLS
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$1,095
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$931
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NA with 5.0-liter engine.
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Limited-slip differential
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Sport, Sport Trac
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$355
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$302
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Safety |
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Front side-impact airbags
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XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited
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$395
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$336
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Sport
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$390
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$332
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Sport requires Comfort Group.
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Reverse Sensing System
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XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited
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$255
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$217
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Cloth sport bucket seats
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XLS
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$280
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$238
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Leather sport bucket seats
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XLT
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$950
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$808
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Includes power front seats.
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Heated seats
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Eddie Bauer
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$255
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$217
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Automatic day/night mirror
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XLT
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$185
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$158
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Includes automatic headlights.
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Power sunroof
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Sport, Sport Trac, XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited
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$800
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$680
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Includes front overhead console with rear reading lamps. Sport and Sport Trac require Comfort Group, Convenience Group.
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AM/FM/CD player
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XLS
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$100
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$85
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AM/FM w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
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Sport Trac
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$270
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$229
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AM/FM/cassette/CD player
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XLT
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$665
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$565
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XLS, XLT
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$130
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$111
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Includes Mach Audio System.
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Pioneer AM/FM/cassette
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Sport
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$510
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$433
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Includes in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
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6-disc CD changer
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XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited
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$395
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$336
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Universal garage door opener
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XLT
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$215
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$185
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Includes Travelnote digital memo recorder.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Side-step bar
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XLS
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$295
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$251
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Running boards
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XLT
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$395
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$336
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Cargo cage
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Sport Trac
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$195
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$166
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Locking tonneau cover
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Sport Trac
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$590
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$502
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Rear privacy glass
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XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited
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$295
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$251
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2-tone paint
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XLT
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$120
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$102
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Engine-block heater
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Eddie Bauer, Limited, Sport/Sport Trac, XLS, XLT
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$35
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$30
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Rear load leveling suspension
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XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited
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$350
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$298
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NA 2WD, AWD. XLT requires leather sport bucket seats.
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Skid plates
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4WD, AWD
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$125
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$106
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2000 Ford Explorer Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Ford Explorer 2-door wagon | Ford Explorer 4-door wagon | Ford Explorer crew cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 101.7 | 111.6 | 125.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 180.8 | 190.7 | 205.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.2 | 70.2 | 71.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.2 | 67.7 | 70.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3975 | 4128 | 4365 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 71.4 | 81.6 | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 750 | 900 | 1500 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.5 | 21.0 | 20.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 6 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.4 | 39.9 | 39.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | 42.4 | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.1 | 39.3 | 38.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.6 | 36.8 | 37.8 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| ohv V6 | sohc V6 | ohv V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.0 /245 | 4.0 /245 | 5.0 /302 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 160 @ 4200 | 210 @ 5250 | 215 @ 4200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 225 @ 2750 | 240 @ 3250 | 288 @ 3300 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Optional |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 5-speed manual | 18/23 | --/-- | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | --/-- | --/-- | 14/19 |
| 5-speed automatic | 16/20 | 16/21 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Ford Explorer 2-door wagon | Ford Explorer 4-door wagon | Ford Explorer crew cab |
| Collision | 3 | 3 | NA |
| Collision (HLDI) | 116 | 90 | NA |
| Front Impact, Driver | NA | 4 | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | NA | 4 | NA |
| Injury | 3 | 4 | NA |
| Injury (HLDI) | 85 | 70 | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | NA | 5 | NA |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | NA | 5 | NA |
| Theft | 2 | 3 | NA |
| Theft (HLDI) | 149 | 110 | NA |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance |