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Ford was innovative in its own class with the launch of the modern-day SUVs, and the Ford Explorer was the blueprint for the first of its kind.  
 
The idea that a vehicle that wasn’t a van that could be used for family outings, soccer practice, and chasing kids back and forth was innovative in itself. Ford had the idea of the Explorer and unveiled it in 1990 and ready for the 1991 model year. The Ford Explorer was the beginning of what we now know as the modern-day SUV, starting as a 2 door and eventually a standard 4 door SUV that would be replacing the Ford Bronco II. Just like the Ford Ranger, the Explorer took its name from a trim package level in the F-series Ford Trucks in the late 70’s and early 80’s. At its launch, the Ford Explorer followed model trim with the F-Series, the Ford Ranger, the Ford Aerostar, and the Ford Bronco. 
 
As the Ford Explorer advanced, so did the evolution of the SUV we know of today. After the first couple generations of the Explorer, the floor was lowered and that added more cubic room, third row seating was introduced, and the rear liftgate was reshaped, which added an enlarging upper hatch for towing capabilities.  
 
Eventually being the first vehicle to ever be declared with dual rear inflatable seat belts and one of the first SUVs to add Flex Fuel capability to its models, Ford and the Explorer always seemed to be ahead of the curve. With multiple awards and wins in the categories of North American Truck of the year awards and the New Best in Technology Award, the Ford Explorer has always been ahead of the game. 
 
Sharing an engine with the Ford Ranger and the idea of four-wheel drive with the Ford Aerostar, it was eventually offered with the concept of “part-time” four-wheel drive. Now in its sixth generation, an Explorer Hybrid will also be available and will be rear-wheel drive based.  

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The Ford Explorer has seen a lot of different trim packages in its day. The early 90’s Ford Explorer Sport, the early 2000’s Ford Explorer Sport Trac, and countless the Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition of the mid 90’s. Currently the Explorer comes in the Explorer XL, the Explorer XLT, Explorer Limited, Explorer ST, and Explorer Platinum. Standard Ford Explorers now come with 3rd row seating, standard bucket seats instead of a bench seat, better towing capabilities, and smaller engines with Eco-Boost that get better gas mileage to lower the carbon footprint. 
 
It seems like the Ford Explorer is just getting started, even though it’s been around for over 30 years. With the decades of experience under its belt, the possibilities seem endless. If you’re looking to upgrade your old SUV, look no further: we think the Ford Explorer has stood not only the test of time, but is perfect for anyone. We always have plenty of used and new Ford SUV inventory including Ford Bronco, Ford Edge, Ford Escape, and the list goes on and on. Stop into our Ford store today at 925 E Green Bay Ave Saukville, Wisconsin.