One of the most popular sport/utility vehicles ever built is the Ford Explorer, a medium-sized model which has successfully competed with the industry standard bearer, the Jeep Cherokee, while dominating the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, the second which has since been retired. The Explorer was a family favorite during the 1990s once the SUV craze peaked, a profitable truck based people hauler that helped to bolster the Ford Motor Company.

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Unibody Construction For The Brand new Explorer

Generation x Explorer is a clear departure in the current model, employing unibody construction to offer a more car like ride. Thus, current users who like to take their Explorers off-road for heavy duty work may find the light duty part of the new Explorer isn't to their liking. Ford intends to keep real truck like driving alive using the F-Series and maybe Expedition, but the Explorer won't offer the same level of off-roading capabilities in future models.

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Besides not an off-road workhorse, the brand new Explorer promises to change SUV perceptions forever as the style is anticipated to be closer to the Ford Flex with perhaps more enjoyable roof pillars and a swoopier front end. Ford has been silent in regards to what perseverence the Explorer, but this we do know: no V8 engine is going to be offered. Instead, expect the same EcoBoost 3.5L V6 making its way into Ford vehicles now to find its way into the Explorer. Talk of the smaller, lighter engine has also surfaced, maybe even a powerplant along the lines of a 2.0L I4. Now won't that be a dramatic change!

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Spacious Interior, And can The Sport Trac Survive?

Interior space is anticipated to be generous with seating as many as seven passengers. Towing capacity might end up being fairly decent particularly with the EcoBoost engine offered. But, not sure as to whether the Sport Trac model can survive, the attractive Explorer having a short pickup bed attached behind the sedan like doors.

Manufacture of the next generation Explorer was expected to begin Summer 2010 at Ford's Torrance Avenue plant in Chicago. However, that start is going to be delayed by a number of months as Ford seeks to remedy supplier issues.

At this time, Ford is busy readying the brand new Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKT, and is trying to getting the Ford Fiesta and other small models online by next year and the following. Thus, Ford has its hands fulls redefining its image in a bid to get a leg up on which the competition is doing.