In 2000, the Americans officially renamed the two-door version of the Ford Explorer in Explorer Sport. The debut took place in Detroit, and the double-cab pick-up Sport Trac, replacing the Ranger Crew Cab range, was introduced in Chicago two months later. Both versions, collected in Louisville, Kentucky, addressed to young buyers, including fans of outdoor activities, as well as women. For sales statistics for 2001, says that more than half sold Explorer Sport went into women's hands. Unlike the five-door Explorer, the Sport and Sport Trac models are designed on an upgraded R platform (Ranger pick-ups): front suspension on torsion bars, behind a continuous axle on leaf springs.
There are external changes. Slightly bulging wings gave a shade of aggressiveness. Three new colors have been added to the existing color scheme. Perhaps only the rear (luggage) door remained unchanged.
From the inside, Explorer is clearly prettier: a new seat design that gives a few extra inches to the legs, new door panels with pseudo-aluminum handles, a gray background of instruments on the dashboard, plus other designer details. In expensive trim levels, there is a six-CD Pioneer system. There have been changes in the range of power units: the 4-liter SOHC V6 engine will now be standard on Ford's two-door SUVs. Transmission - 5-speed, automatic or manual. The body-frame system is now reinforced with urethane, which significantly reduces noise and vibration.
Considering Explorer Sport in terms of safety, we note the presence in the car not only of traditional frontal and side airbags, but also of protective inflatable curtains that can protect passengers both during side impacts and when tilting. Six-cylinder engine with a power of 205 hp Many will find it more suitable for a massive four-door, but in the light Explorer Sport it becomes a source of extraordinary vitality and agility. Well-chosen gear ratios make the transmission comfortable in the city and on the highways.
And, no doubt, thanks to the new springs and shock absorbers, coupled with a more rigid frame, the car became quieter and the ride more comfortable. In 2003, the interior was slightly modernized. The standard equipment included a two-color seat trim, lumbar support adjustment and heated front seats, door-colored paint in body color, extra hooks in the trunk and a 12-volt outlet. Combination of instruments with white "sport" scales. The fabric finish has become more practical due to the new, easily washable fabric, but leather upholstery can still be ordered. Improved holders for bottles and glasses.
The driver's seat is equipped with six adjustments and recesses in the back, which increased the space for the legs of the rear row passengers. All seats are equipped with three-point seat belts, and the front airbags are made consistently open. The front doors are equipped with built-in illumination housings mirrors, triggered by central locking. The upper console is equipped with an individual "navigator" light, a outside air thermometer and a box under the remote control for the garage door. The moonruf’s large roof hatch opens with a single touch. The back seat on the Explorer Sport folds down at 50:50, and on the Sport Trac pickup - 60:40, and it can be adjusted in four positions.
Both Explorer Sport and Sport Trac are offered in XLS, XLT and XLT Premium versions. Naturally, the XLT Premium version is maximally equipped, the basic package of which includes power accessories, anti-theft systems, original aluminum wheels, etc. The trim and equipment of the cab of the Sport Trac pickup are the same, but there is also a special version of the Adrenalin edition, complemented by a 485-watt Pioneer TM audio system with an 8-inch subwoofer and 9 speakers, as well as new 16-inch wheels with aluminum wheels.
Of the exclusive accessories, there is only the new Canopy TM safety side curtain system and special “Berber” type floor mats with a company logo. You can order a set of fog lights and a cargo platform fence that allows you to carry long loads. The Explorer Sport and Sport Trac models are now equipped with a single 4-liter V6 with a capacity of 207 hp, and the transmission can switch to full drive mode automatically. The maximum allowable weight of the trailer is 2.4 tons.
