Did you know that the SUV isn’t a modern design but was actually introduced nearly 90 years ago in the 1930s? While Ford can’t take credit for introducing the first SUV, the American automaker can certainly pat itself on the back for contributing to the SUV’s growing popularity thanks to models like the Ford Explorer. Don’t believe us? Just venture over to your Ford Explorer dealer, and you’ll see dozens of Explorers lining the lot as demand grows from drivers looking to get behind the wheel of Ford’s top-selling SUV.
So, what inspired the trend? In the 1990s, American drivers grew tired of the station wagon and minivan, which set the stage for a new type of vehicle - a utility vehicle that would be functional, stylish, and luxurious. Enter SUVs like the Explorer that proved drivers could have it all - the spaciousness of a minivan and the capability of a truck without sacrificing one or the other. Add in the fact that it didn’t look like a station wagon or the dreaded minivan, and Ford had the golden ticket to success as both history and the newest Explorer show us.
The same era that gave us crop tops, pleather, acid-washed jeans, side ponytails, and classic films like Forrest Gump also paved the way for the modern SUV courtesy of models like the Ford Explorer. This was prompted years before in the late 1980s when Ford faced the truth and acknowledged that the Bronco II was a complete flop since customers hated the two-door design. Ford’s answer came in the 1991 model year with the debut of the Explorer, and drivers responded in kind.
Touted as an adventure-ready SUV, the first-generation Explorer was meant to attract outdoor enthusiasts with its spacious cabin, powerful engine, and available four-wheel-drive. To make this point even clearer, the Explorer’s highest-tier trim was named the Eddie Bauer and offered every bell and whistle imaginable, from premium upholstery to an exclusive two-tone exterior. While the Eddie Bauer name doesn’t mean much today, it signaled the pinnacle of outdoor performance at the time.
Ford released the second-generation Explorer in the mid-1990s, which marked a turning point in the SUV market for the American automaker. The new Explorer replaced the old boxy design with a more modern exterior, offered even more power under the hood, and added models like the two-door Explorer Sport and the Explorer Sport Trac pickup truck to the lineup. By 2006, however, drivers were anxious for a redesign, and Ford answered the call with a mid-cycle refresh that also included an update to the Sport Trac.
The Explorer made the transition to the crossover segment with its fifth-generation debut in 2011. This four-year production run included new powertrains and advanced safety and technology before Ford returned to the drawing board in 2016 for another refresh to the Explorer. This time, Ford hit the nail on the head with the Explorer’s modern exterior that sent sales skyrocketing and got drivers excited to get behind the wheel of this adventure-ready and family-oriented SUV.
Check Out a New Ford ExplorerThe Ford Explorer has certainly come a long way since the early 1990s. Today, the Ford Explorer offers seating for seven, includes the most advanced safety and connectivity features, and the utmost in comfort and convenience. The real icing on the cake is that it’s also affordably priced, which makes it an attractive option for drivers looking for a spacious and capable SUV that carries the reliability of the Ford brand. The Explorer offers a progressive suite of standard and available features that range from intelligent four-wheel drive and a terrain management system to a large touchscreen display that gives drivers a clear view of in-vehicle apps, navigation, and more.
One of the more notable Ford Explorer options is the ST. This is a performance-oriented trim of the Explorer, which offers an EcoBoost engine, a unique interior, and newer models can allow you to try out the Ford Performance ST SUV Experience Driving School that is based in Utah and North Carolina.
Beyond its power and capability, the Explorer also offers a suite of advanced technology that ranges from connectivity to safety. You can get models equipped with a blind spot information system, a rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlamps, and a lane-keeping system. Other features you can get are Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Ford+Alexa, and more. Check out the available equipment packages as well to max out your towing capacity, giving you exactly what you need out of your Ford Explorer.
As your Ford Explorer dealer, you’ll find that doing business with us here at The Faricy Boys Ford is an experience like no other. Why? Family-owned since 1942, we take great pride in running our business on family values like honesty and integrity, which means you won’t find a high-pressure sales environment when you visit the dealership. Instead, you’ll find real salespeople who are ready and excited to change your opinion of the car-buying experience.
Our commitment to you begins the moment you drive onto the lot. Our knowledgeable sales team is here to walk you through our unmatched selection of new, used, and certified pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as answer any questions you may have. Our goal is to help you find the vehicle of your dreams and the one that best meets your needs, which is why we’re here to guide you through the process as we talk about options, financing, and leasing, as well as what happens after the sale.
While most dealerships are all about making the sale, we believe that our relationship with our customers doesn’t end there. That’s just the beginning. We’re here long after the sale to make sure your car, truck, or SUV is running its best. That’s why we offer an exceptional warranty program as well as a service department that can handle all your needs, from routine oil changes to more complex repairs. We’re here to help with it all!
Are you ready to get behind the wheel of Ford’s best-selling SUV, the Explorer? Are you excited to see The Faricy Boys in action? We hope you answered “yes” to at least one of those questions, which means that it’s time to visit The Faricy Boys Ford dealership and meet our team.
Here at The Faricy Boys Ford, we don’t believe in making the car-buying experience any more stressful than it already is. We also know that buying a vehicle like a Ford Explorer is a big deal, which is why we take great pride in guiding you through each step of the process, from your initial search to maintenance and beyond. To deliver the best service and instill confidence in each and every customer, you’ll find that our staff is well-versed in every aspect of our inventory just as our finance department can field any questions you have about our leasing and financing options as well as our warranties and dealer incentives.
If this sounds like a car-buying experience you can actually enjoy, we encourage you to stop by the dealership and see it firsthand. We’re ready to meet you and learn about your vehicle needs. What are you waiting for? Let’s start the process that ends with you driving home happy!
