'94 vs '95 – Which year to buy?
Question:
I am looking at buying a new used vehicle, and have been considering the Ford Explorer (XLT model). I am new to SUV’s and would be new to Ford. My price range puts me somewhere around the 1994 or ‘95 model year. Apart from the change in body style, can someone tell me what else has changed between these years. I understand that the Explorer’s got a power boost at some point around this time. Was this done for ‘95? The ’95s seem to be quite a bit more money up here in Canada – around $19,000+ compared to $14,000+ for the ‘94 model, same features, comparable mileage (CDN$1.46 = US$1.00). I’m trying to understand the differences to help justify the added cost. I have also been looking at the GMC Jimmy’s and Blazer’s, the 1995 and ‘96 models. Has anyone done a comparison of these vehicles (GMC to Ford) that might help me in making a decision? I know I’ll have biases asking the question here. Someone must have looked at both before buying their Explorer. Thanks to all that reply. Please post to group and not by email. TJ
Response:
>1994 or ‘95 model year. Apart from >the change in body style, can someone tell me what else has changed between >these years.
I think along with the body change wasn’t the front end suspension redone? Also the higher horsepower comes from the SOHC v6 just look under the hood you’ll know it its SOHC.
Response:
> The ’95s seem to be quite a bit more money up here in Canada – around > $19,000+ compared to $14,000+ for the ‘94 model, same features, comparable > mileage (CDN$1.46 = US$1.00). I’m trying to understand the differences to > help justify the added cost. > I have also been looking at the GMC Jimmy’s and Blazer’s, the 1995 and ‘96 > models. Has anyone done a comparison of these vehicles (GMC to Ford) that > might help me in making a decision? I know I’ll have biases asking the > question here. Someone must have looked at both before buying their > Explorer.
I have a ‘94 XLT and really love it. I like the styling much more than the newer models but that’s just my preference. My brother has a ‘94 Blazer and it seems much smaller inside with less legroom, cargo capacity, etc. Another friend with a Blazer now wishes he had bought the Explorer instead.
Response:
Your ‘95 will still have the 4.0L, 160hp, OHV that is in the 91-4. The V-8 didn’t enter until the ‘96 model year and ‘97 was the first year for the SOHC. Front suspension went from coil spring to double wishbone in ‘95 and I believe the frame went to uni-body. A previous post mentioned that the 91-4 Explorers are more suited for offroad and 95 and later are more suited for comfort. I believe this is a fair generalization. Regards, Bob
Response:
the 94s are the fastest, that would be my choice, and better off road, a little smaller then 95 i think but not sure
Response:
This is pretty much correct. The 91-94 Explorers had the twin traction beam front suspension which can be highly modified for off road use, though at the expense of on road driving (not to mention a good amount of $$). If you intend to do a lot of off-roading, the 94 would be the choice. On the other hand, the front suspension on the 95-99 models is more car-like in that it uses upper and lower A arms with torsion bar springs. Not much lifting is available (about 1.5 to 2" by means of adjusting the torsion bars), but on road driveability is greatly improved. Still, you can raise the 95 enough to accomodate 31" or maybe even 32" tires, so it has a fair amount of off-road capability. Just don’t expect to make a rock climber out of it. 
If you are pretty much sticking to on road use, go with the 95. Tom
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Your ‘95 will still have the 4.0L, 160hp, OHV that is in the 91-4. The V-8 > didn’t enter until the ‘96 model year and ‘97 was the first year for the SOHC. > Front suspension went from coil spring to double wishbone in ‘95 and I believe > the frame went to uni-body. > A previous post mentioned that the 91-4 Explorers are more suited for offroad > and 95 and later are more suited for comfort. I believe this is a fair > generalization. > Regards, > Bob
Response:
>have been considering the >Ford Explorer (XLT model). I am new to SUV’s and would be new to Ford. >I have also been looking at the GMC Jimmy’s and Blazer’s, the 1995 and ‘96 >models.
First right off the bat, Blazer’s and Jimmy’s are a piece of garbage, don’t even try to compare the Explorer to these inferior vehicles. As for the 94 or 95, what eveyone else said in this post is true. 95 has new body style over 94, and it rides smoother due to suspension redesign. But no matter which year you pick, it is better than the Blazer and Jimmy
Response:
If you are looking for a bigger interior, maybe a little more plush, get an Explorer. If you are looking for better performance, braking and handling get the Blazer/Jimmy. In the event you go for an Explorer the 95 is the only way to go. The 94 has too many faults too list which were improved upon in the later models.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->have been considering the >Ford Explorer (XLT model). I am new to SUV’s and would be new to Ford. >I have also been looking at the GMC Jimmy’s and Blazer’s, the 1995 and ‘96 >models. > First right off the bat, Blazer’s and Jimmy’s are a piece of garbage, don’t > even try to compare the Explorer to these inferior vehicles. > As for the 94 or 95, what eveyone else said in this post is true. 95 has new > body style over 94, and it rides smoother due to suspension redesign. > But no matter which year you pick, it is better than the Blazer and Jimmy
Response:
I believe the ‘95 also added rack and pinon steering, disc brakes to rear and ABS all around. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I am looking at buying a new used vehicle, and have been considering the > Ford Explorer (XLT model). I am new to SUV’s and would be new to Ford. My > price range puts me somewhere around the 1994 or ‘95 model year. Apart from > the change in body style, can someone tell me what else has changed between > these years. I understand that the Explorer’s got a power boost at some > point around this time. Was this done for ‘95? > The ’95s seem to be quite a bit more money up here in Canada – around > $19,000+ compared to $14,000+ for the ‘94 model, same features, comparable > mileage (CDN$1.46 = US$1.00). I’m trying to understand the differences to > help justify the added cost. > I have also been looking at the GMC Jimmy’s and Blazer’s, the 1995 and ‘96 > models. Has anyone done a comparison of these vehicles (GMC to Ford) that > might help me in making a decision? I know I’ll have biases asking the > question here. Someone must have looked at both before buying their > Explorer. > Thanks to all that reply. Please post to group and not by email. > TJ
