2002 Ford Explorer...Continued

More safety systems also apply, including anti-lock brakes as standard issue, optional curtain-style air bags above side windows and the first sport-utility application of sophisticated technologies that Ford labels as a Personal Safety System.

The equipment includes sensors that gather data timed in milliseconds about the type and intensity of a frontal crash. A computer can analyze this data at the onset of an incident and react to it by deploying various safety devices in a manner appropriate for circumstances of the collision.

For instance, sensors track the severity of a frontal crash along with driver's seat position in proximity to the steering wheel, and whether seat belts are in use. The brain may activate pretensioners on belts to hold the rider in place but also decide if the crash intensity warrants deployment of frontal air bags. Set with two stages of force, the air bags inflate with lower energy during a lesser crash but can maximize force for an intense incident.

Later in the year, Explorer will also offer roll-over protection via the curtain-style side air bag that will deploy if sensors detect roll-over movement of the vehicle. Further, Explorer scores with available power adjustable brake and accelerator pedals.

The optional four-wheel-drive Control Trac system also relates to safety, as the mechanism has an automatic mode that monitors grip for all wheels and can selectively distribute traction between front and rear wheels to maintain tire bite on slippery roads. New push-button controls also let the driver lock the system in high or low range of four-wheel-drive for off-road travel.

Yet another optional safety device -- AdvanceTrac -- will be introduced later in Explorer's 2002 model-year with the application of traction control as well as electronic stability (or lateral) vehicle control.

The exterior design for Explorer looks strong with chiseled lines and hard edgework. Thick bumpers and side molding form a visual ring around the base of the vehicle that emphasizes round wheel arches and flared fenders.

Inside, the spacious cabin has new firm bucket seats in front of a second bench in 40/20/40 sections that fold forward quickly and simply, plus the optional two-person third bench. There's far more room inside, due to the expanded chassis plus a smaller driveshaft tunnel that frees floor space for the second row. In the rear, the cargo room expands by seven cubic feet to match size-wise competitors.

Explorer for 2002 rolls out with luxurious equipment increasing through the four trim designations of XLS, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited.