1999 Ford Explorer's New Features
Make Every Trip More Fun

Ford Explorer gets even more fun this year with a host of new state-ofthe-art features.

New convenience features added for 1999 include:
The Reverse Sensing System, a short-range rear warning system that alerts drivers to certain objects  near the rear of the vehicle when backing up.

Side air bags, designed to provide enhanced head and chest protection during certain sideimpact crashes.

Homelink, enabling operation of up to three remote control units, such as a garage door opener, home security system or home lighting, from inside the car.

Travelnote, an electronic message organizer that records and plays messages.

"Our customers continue to seek the attractive combination of Explorer's sportiness, roominess and versatility," said J.C. Collins, Ford multipurpose vehicle brand manager. "By adding options such as front-seat air bags and a reverse sensing system, Explorer maintains its best-in-class reputation for feature content - a major reason Explorer is so popular."

 

New Look, New Series for Lineup:
America's best-selling sport utility vehicle (SUV) also takes on a new look and a new XLS series for 1999. Explorer offers a more aggressive, contemporary appearance, while retaining its traditional strengths: a comfortable, well-appointed interior; an abundance of room and cargo capacity; and safety and security features.

Explorer's new XLS option group brings some of the sporty, stylish appearance of the two-door model to the four-door at a price below that of the four-door XLT. Sales of the two-door Explorer Sport model increased more than 60 percent in the first half of 1998 and now account for one out of every four Explorers purchased.

And, this year, under Ford's sweeping low-emission program, all Ford Motor Company SUVs - including the Ford Explorer and Expedition - and the Ford Windstar minivan will be sold nationally as low-emission vehicles (LEVs). The 1999-model Explorer will not only beat emission standards for trucks, it will be cleaner than most passenger cars on the road today, emitting 40 percent less smog-forming emissions than before.

1999 CHANGES
A detailed description of new convenience and safety features and other 1999 highlights follow:

Reverse Sensing System

The Reverse Sensing System, a new convenience feature for 1999, is an optional short-range warning system that helps alert the driver to the presence of certain objects near the rear of the vehicle when backing up. The system works using sonar. Four ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper detect obstacles from 10 inches to approximately 6 feet to the rear. The driver is alerted by a beeping sound that increases in frequency until the obstacle is less than 10 inches from the rear bumper. Then the tone becomes continuous.

Side Air Bags

Housed in the side bolster of the driver and front passenger seats, the optional side air-bag system is designed to provide occupants with enhanced head and chest protection during certain side-impact crashes. The combination air bag inflates a bag for both the head and chest within 30 milliseconds of a side impact.

Sensors near the front-seat cross members or B-pillars trigger independent deployment of the air bags, which inflate and tear through the fabric covering on the outward-facing side bolster of the seat.

Homelink with Travelnote

Homelink is a transmitter that allows three devices such as a garage opener, home security system or home lighting to be activated from inside the car. Travelnote, an electronic message organizer, is a solid state device that records and plays back driver messages. Its simple controls (record, playback and delete) help the driver access, manage and retrieve information.

A new front bumper and round fog lamps, new body-side moldings, roof rack and liftgate trim enhance Explorer's appearance for 1999. All models feature new sew patterns and fabric for improved seating appearance and comfort.

XLS Series

A new XLS option group, offered as a four-door model, has been added to the Explorer series. "With the XLS, we're building off the XL series and bringing the premium sport package of the two-door to the fourdoor," Collins said. "We've added a color-keyed grille, wheel-lip moldings, a four-door step bar, power windows, locks and mirrors, platinum bumper and chrome wheels at a price below XLT."

A removable sport bag that fits in the XLS console adds extra function to the interior.

Like XLS, the Eddie Bauer model features new rocker, wheel-lip and body-side moldings. A new paint scheme introduces tan along the rocker panel molding instead of from the body-side molding to the rocker panel. The paint stripe has been eliminated, and a new Eddie Bauer emblem is in place.

Like XLS and Eddie Bauer, Limited assumes a more aggressive stance thanks to new wheel-lip moldings. New 16-inch wheels and tires complement the look. On the inside, simulated wood grain on the door trim and console provide a look of luxury.

Heated front seats are standard on Limited, optional on Eddie Bauer. Both models receive lighted running boards.

Load leveling, which prevents rear-end sagging during towing, is now optional on all four-door 4x4 XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited models.

More Horses

Explorer's powertrain lineup remains virtually the same for 1999. A modified intake manifold on the four-liter SOHC V-6 boosts its horsepower to 210 at 5,250 rpm and torque to 240 foot-pounds at 3,330 rpm. Previous ratings were 205 hp at 5,000 rpm and 250 foot-pounds at 3,000 rpm. The engine is linked to a five-speed automatic transmission.

It has a cast iron block reinforced for increased durability and improved noise and vibration characteristics. Improved bore roundness, aided by three-layer steel gaskets, helps reduce emissions and oil consumption.

The standard 4.0-liter OHC V-6 is mated to a five-speed manual or fivespeed automatic and produces 160 hp at 4,200 rpm and 225 foot-pounds of torque at 2,750 rpm.

For extra low-end torque, the 5.0-liter OHV V-8 with a four-speed automatic transmission delivers 215 hp at 4,200 rpm and 288 lip at 3,300 rpm. Major engine components include stainless steel exhaust headers and a high-tech ceramic exhaust manifold shield. It also has high-performance cylinder heads and an induction system that includes a largecapacity upper and lower intake manifold assembly.