1994 Ford Explorer Review (continued)
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Walkaround

Our four-door Limited was finished in Deep Forest Green Clearcoat Metallic. Despite some prejudices against green, this color really works on the vehicle. While somewhat less stylish than the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, the Explorer Limited makes its own subtle statement well. Monochromatic moldings and bumpers and smartly styled running boards-yes, we said running boards-give Explorer Limited a pleasing yet substantial look and off-road protection as well. An integral air dam under the front bumper houses and protects fog lights. A standard 100-pound-capacity luggage rack may be fitted with an optional ski rack. Our Explorer Limited also had the optional tilt-up or completely removable sunroof-an important factory option for a vehicle meant to be used in the great outdoors.

At the rear of the vehicle, the bumper has a hitch platform for light trailer towing (serious towing should be attempted only with an approved aftermarket hitch). This platform also provides a handy step for entering the cargo area. The rear hatch may be lifted for full access to the rear, or the rear window may be lifted separately for quick, limited access-one of the many nice Explorer touches.

Interior Features

Explorer has the longest wheelbase in its class-112 inches. It pays off in a smoother ride and, especially, in interior room. Fold down the 60/40 split rear seatback and there is six full feet of cargo area length. That's 81.6 cubic feet of volume the roormiest available. This is thanks in part to mounting the spare tire underneath.

Ford listed our four-door Explorer Limited as a five-passenger vehicle. For some competitors who claim five in the same basic configuration, the fifth passenger riding in the rear must be very small and very still. And in the Explorer, entering and exiting is easy-whether you're seated in the front or rear-thanks in large part to those aforementioned running boards.

The Limited package includes standard air conditioning, six-way power front bucket seats, premium leather seating, an electronics group, an overhead console and heated outside mirrors. Everything is there and well thought out. Placement of instrumentation is very good, as are the positions of controls, switches and amenities such as cup holders. Visibility inside and out is excellent.

The Explorer Limited's many safety features include intrusion beams in the doors, a standard four-wheel anti-lock braking system and child-proof rear door locks. One significant item is missing, as it is on most sport utilities in 1994-a driver-side (and passenger side for that matter) air bag. We're told it's coming in 1995. We think it should be here now.