Explorer vs 4Runner?
Question:
the Explorer is faster then the 4runner if you like alot of pick up the v8 Explorers have it
Response:
The Explorer comes with two V-6’s: There’s the old 4.0 that cranks out around 160 horses (which I think is going away) and the SOHC V-6 (I think they call it the Dura Tech) that cranks out 215HP (the V-8 turns about 220). There is only a small sacrifice in torque vs the V-8 but the HP difference is neglgible considering the V-6 has better fuel economy and the truck is a bit lighter so, the newer V-6 is also an option. If Ford decides to put the SOCH 4.6 V-8’s in, then that’s the way to go. I beleive they’re still installing the 5.0s. Carl > the Explorer is faster then the 4runner if you like alot of pick up the v8 > Explorers have it
Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
> The Explorer comes with two V-6’s: There’s the old 4.0 that cranks out > around 160 horses (which I think is going away) and the SOHC V-6 (I > think they call it the Dura Tech) that cranks out 215HP (the V-8 turns > about 220).
215 for the V8, 210 for the SOHC V6. Torque is the biggest difference between the SOHC V6 and the V8… V6 torque comes in to peak (lower peak) at a higher RPM than the V8… V8 has more torque and it is available at a lower RPM… HP doesn’t get you moving, torque does. V8 will tow better, SOHC V6 will accelerate better on the highway with no load. > There is only a small sacrifice in torque vs the V-8 but > the HP difference is neglgible considering the V-6 has better fuel > economy and the truck is a bit lighter so, the newer V-6 is also an
Mileage is pretty much the same between the two, as mileage (Fuel consumption) doesn’t care about number of cylinders or displacement… takes the same amount of fuel to make 210 HP regardles of the engine. > option. If Ford decides to put the SOCH 4.6 V-8’s in, then that’s the > way to go. I beleive they’re still installing the 5.0s.
It’ll never happen… Ever seen the 4.6 in a mustang? way too wide to fit under the hood of an explorer… 5.0 is almost too big… it was a stretch
Response:
I have a 94 Explorer Sport. My friend has a 95 Toy. I’ve got a 108K on the ol’ odo and have had ZERO problems (minor stuff like light bulbs and the occasional brake job don’t count) My friend’s Toy has had the cooling system replaced, a timing belt, alternator (voltage regualtor actually but since they’re all intergrated now…) and had to have the rear bumper relainged and actually tightened this time. He only has 53K on the odo. Your call. Numerous articles I have read lean toward the automatic as the tranny of choice for off-roading…mine, too. Autos tend to be more bullet proof than you’d expect and actually more reliable than manuals (the guy with the Toy runs a garage and gave up this info). Plus there’s no time wasted fighting the shifter and clutch. Good luck with whatever you get Carl > This probably comes up but I am new here. > I have owned an ‘85 and now a 1992 Toyota
4Runner SR5 (4-door). But > I am thinking of upgrading to either a newer
4Runner (think the 95+ has > the higher HP moto) or perhaps the Explorer
since both seemed to have > good Consumer Report records. To be honest the Explorer is less > visually apealling but they do seem a bit
cheaper than the Toy > counterpart. > I am interested in any later developments in
the Explorer (latest hi- > HP motor)? Much difference b/w the last few
year models? I am also > thinking of the auto although I live in CO now
and expect to take it > offroad a little. How does the auto stand up?
Are the Eddie Bauer’s > just cosmetically different? Anyone have
personal experience b/w the > 4Runner and Explorer? > I am even considering a new model as I think Ford is having 0.9% > financing. > Thx! > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
Hello. My 1996 and 1992 Explorer XLT’s have both been almost trouble free. The 1996 has only had one problem. That was the truck being too light in the back. The 1992 is a 4×4 and i had a problem of the A/C compressor quiting, and the right power window going down and not coming back up. But all is well, my 92 is heading for 200K. 96 has 31K. My uncle has a Limited Toyota 4 Runner with the V6. The only reason he bought it was he works for Toyota. There is nothing my XLT’s don’t have that his Toy has. The Explorers are less. His Toy was $32,000 my 92 was $23,215, and the 96 was $27,000. Hope you go with a Ford
Response:
Ok this is skewed logic. Lets look at some numbers: a 1999 base XLT 4×4 lists at $28965. At .9% (for 1999 clearance "sale") for 60 months this is $615.00 in interest (payment is $493.87). (**Of course the actual payments on such a low interest rate loan is usually limited to 36 months, which brings down the total interest paid to $403, [at $815/mo]**) If you are saying that a 2000 is only $110 more, then the list price is $29075. At a normal finaning interest rate of 7.25% (source is Boeing Employees Credit Union, www.becu.org) for the same 60 months the interest total is $5665! (payment is 579.16) So by waiting to buy a 2000 to get the extra goodies, you have paid $5050 more in interest! To me the extras are not worth that kind of $$$ **Of course the actual number of payments on such a low interest rate loan is usually limited to 36 months, which brings down the total interest paid to $403, (payments= $815/mo)**
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > The reason they are having .09% financing is because who in their right > mind would buy a 1999 one month before the 2000s come out, which will only > be $110.00 more expensive but with more goodies on it? > Remember, you never get something for nothing, and Ford ain’t doing this > out of the goodness of their hearts. They got to keep the factories > rolling and sales up while they get ready to ship the 2000s.
Response:
My parentals had a 92 Toy 4Runner that was a constant problem. Electrical (charging, and dash lamps/gauges), and mechanical (transfer case replaced) were the main complaint. They also did not like the lack of power from the 3.0L V-6. They ended up selling it in 93. I have had a 93 Exp since new. Now 62k miles. No problems at all. Just needed a new cluctch at 50k miles (my fault for trying to pull my brothers high centered jeep out of a mud bog) But hey, just cause my parents had problems with thier Toy, and I have had no problems with my Exp really is not a good sample of all the vehicles out there. The 3 reasons that I would choose an Explorer over a 4Runner today are: 1) V-8 available in Explorer! 2) Made in USA (although it has some foreign parts like the trans). Just simple economics. *Just my mumble opinion* 3) Price. -Paul
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Had a 90 4Runner and now have a ‘97 Explorer > At 38000 the Toy. broke a timing belt on I-85. > After that it was pure agony, I did not have any confidence on taking this > machine on any long trips. > A second timing belt went at 46000, followed by the front crank bearing, cv > boots, and a host of > other problems, all at <50,000 miles. They are not cheap to repair and the > limited number of > Toy. dealers made it tough on my personal schedule. > My ‘97 Explorer has 17,900 and so far the only major problem is a > rat-tat-tatting noise from > the cam tensioners. This is addressed in earlier posts within this > newsgroup. The Ford is > about 90% of what the Toy. is in regards to fit and finish quality but I am > happy with it so > far. It is cheaper to work on and insurance costs is a little less. > P.S……96 and 97 4Runners were having problems with the coolant system > seal failing resulting > in large puddles of antifreeze in the parking lot.
Response:
For the record, My 1996 Eddie Bauer has been almost trouble free. I change the oil every 3k, and the only problem involved a run-in with some slippery ashpalt and a concrete median Rob Maybach 1996 Eddie B. Ex 1972 Porsche 911
Response:
This probably comes up but I am new here. I have owned an ‘85 and now a 1992 Toyota 4Runner SR5 (4-door). But I am thinking of upgrading to either a newer 4Runner (think the 95+ has the higher HP moto) or perhaps the Explorer since both seemed to have good Consumer Report records. To be honest the Explorer is less visually apealling but they do seem a bit cheaper than the Toy counterpart. I am interested in any later developments in the Explorer (latest hi- HP motor)? Much difference b/w the last few year models? I am also thinking of the auto although I live in CO now and expect to take it offroad a little. How does the auto stand up? Are the Eddie Bauer’s just cosmetically different? Anyone have personal experience b/w the 4Runner and Explorer? I am even considering a new model as I think Ford is having 0.9% financing. Thx! Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
Had a 90 4Runner and now have a ‘97 Explorer At 38000 the Toy. broke a timing belt on I-85. After that it was pure agony, I did not have any confidence on taking this machine on any long trips. A second timing belt went at 46000, followed by the front crank bearing, cv boots, and a host of other problems, all at <50,000 miles. They are not cheap to repair and the limited number of Toy. dealers made it tough on my personal schedule. My ‘97 Explorer has 17,900 and so far the only major problem is a rat-tat-tatting noise from the cam tensioners. This is addressed in earlier posts within this newsgroup. The Ford is about 90% of what the Toy. is in regards to fit and finish quality but I am happy with it so far. It is cheaper to work on and insurance costs is a little less. P.S……96 and 97 4Runners were having problems with the coolant system seal failing resulting in large puddles of antifreeze in the parking lot.
Response:
Any opinions? I have a 93 Eddie Bauer and am considering buying another SUV? I have been happy with the Explorer- anyone tried out both cars? Thanks.
Response:
Well… Me & the wife and 3 kids went "SUV" shopping B4 we purchased a ‘98 xplorer XLT 4dr! Our "unofficial" test results… Dodge Durango: AWESOME power plant, but… A bit too pricey…and it’s a Dodge. Toyota 4runner: With 3 kids? Ya, right! (Maybe good for a single person, or a "small" family) Very peppy when my wife stepped on the gas! GM Models (Yukon, Jimmy, Tahoe, Blazer): Seemed like they were "cheaply" built (as compared to the Ford products) But the GMC Jimmy was our 2nd choice! Ford SUV’s: By far the BEST we tried! (And I’m a true blue Pontiac man!) We chose the xplorer because it fit our needs. All others: WAY TOO SMALL for our application! Hope this helps?!?! Crazy Pickle ‘98 XLT 4dr 4.0 SOHC K&N Filter More to come…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Any opinions? > I have a 93 Eddie Bauer and am considering buying another SUV? I have > been happy with the Explorer- anyone tried out both cars? Thanks.
Response:
Yes! Just went through the same question myself. Toyota has a reputation for great reliability which appears to hold true as I have several friends with 4-Runners and the most common problem is a saggy rear end. BUT the Toyota is VERY VERY expensive compared to the FORD. To get a selective 4WD system like Ford has you must purchase the top of the line "Limited" 4-Runner. Gas mileage and towing ability are comparable as is the ride. The Explorer has far more features available at a lower price. I personally found the 4-Runner a bit small, the seats are short and offer less support for tall occupants. Due to the 4-Runners narrowness the passenger gets the sensation that the vehicle is going to tip during sharp left hand turns. I recently purchased a off lease 97 XLT with all the bells and whistles for my wife who is a typical SUV crazed mom while I’m a die hard "car" fan, but I must say that the Explorer rides very well for being a "truck". When I came right down to it no SUV was perfect but the Explorer was the best of the bunch for us. You can buy an Explorer and an extended warranty and still save a few thousand versus buying the Toyota! PY – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Any opinions? >I have a 93 Eddie Bauer and am considering buying another SUV? I have >been happy with the Explorer- anyone tried out both cars? Thanks.
Response:
I tried them both in ‘98 and got the Explorer 4 door because (most importantly) the 4Runner didn’t have enough inside length for my needs but the Explorer also had a much better paved road feel. Ben >Any opinions? >I have a 93 Eddie Bauer and am considering buying another SUV? I have >been happy with the Explorer- anyone tried out both cars? Thanks.
– Ben Kaufman Do not send SPAM. I will send it back to your de-hacked ISP with a letter of complaint. Section 301 does not apply because you have been forewarned! For all others, change the domain name to pobox
Response:
I personally think that the explorer looks a ton better, especially an Eddie Baurer. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Any opinions? > I have a 93 Eddie Bauer and am considering buying another SUV? I have > been happy with the Explorer- anyone tried out both cars? Thanks.
Response:
Judging from all these yuppie " jeeze, I love my Explorer" comments, you really need someone to tell you the truth. Buy the Toyota and you’ll never regret it. 200,000 miles easy, dependable,you might need 3 sets of tires in those 200,000 miles, compared with all them plastic geegaws on the ford. I ain’t never seen so much un-needed junk to satisfy some peoples pushbutton mentality as you’ll find on fords. Power windows, power antennas, power mirrors, power lumbar fartseat, power locks, some kind of radio that even the factory don’t know what all the buttons do,power 4wd engage button? ? ? Transmissions that loose a little rubber plug and then quietly drain all the transmission oil out and then self-destructs. Someone just a few lines up or down from your posting was complainin about his ford leans to the side, the reasons ranged from an overweight mother-in-law to too much fuel in the tank(? ? ? ) to a bad attitude from ford to poorly designed torsion bar suspension( which is probly the cause) This stuff always breaks, if you don’t believe me, just scroll down on this list ,take an unbiased look at all the postings on breakages, or failures. Seriously now, you really do need to read these squawk sheets about the big and little headaches these cars cause. And pay attention to them what know, they’re tryin to tell you something, Do your homework, afterall it’s your $30,000, do you really want it to be a bad choice ? * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
Response:
Even the lowest powered Explorer, with the oldest engine design has more torque than the newest 4Runner with their best engine. 225 ft/lb of torque on the basic Explorer vs 217 ft/lb on the 4Runner SR5 – AND – the Ford engine makes that torque at just 2750 RPM while the Toyota has to rev up to 3600 RPM to make it’s peak. HP figures are misleading because they scale with RPM, while torque is actual measureable ability of the engine to move weight. Of course, I’m sure it’s just coincidence that Japanese companies love to turn out cars with good HP numbers but crazy high RPM and low torque. What does this mean? Well, quite simply, the Explorers are real utility vehicals with torque at low RPM, where you need it. The Toyotas are vehicals for around town – very reliable – as long as you don’t actually try to do anything with them. Their transmission and differential designs are also not suited to heavy use. Not to mention their electronic traction control system that eats breaks if you actually use it off road. It’s all stuff that would be fine on a car, or maybe a minivan, as long as you don’t actually try to load it up with 2 weeks worth of stuff for camping (if it would fit) and actually go up in the mountains with it. Toyota also pulls stunts like measureing their "ground clearance" from a higher point under their vehicals instead of the lowwest point like all the US companies do. In addition, their commercials showing the guy tearing it up off road in a Toyota have a tiny line at the bottom of the screen that say "professional driver on a closed course, do not attempt" But wait, there’s more! The Toyota warentee has a paragraph that explains that the entire warentee is void if the vehical is actually used off road. Ahem. And if that isn’t enough. Skip past the list of safety features designed by Toyota’s marketing department and parroted by Consumer Reports and instead head on over to the actual insurance industry association real world death rates. Oh wow, what a surprise! Even the Blazer (which Consumer Reports says is so dangerous they can’t recomend it) has a much lowwer death rate than the 4Runner, which they do reccomend. http://www.highwaysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ddr/ddr_util.htm Jeep Grand Cherokee 42 Ford Explorer 4 door 4×4 43 Chevrolet Blazer 4-door 4×4 66 Nissan Pathfinder 4×4 83 Toyota 4Runner 136 X
Response:
As usual, someone doesn’t put down all of the facts. If you will go to the site provided, you will see that none of the vehicles tested, marked by an X, had airbags. This data was for 1991-95 models, published, September 1997. Ron Jeep Grand Cherokee 4×4 42-30-57 Ford Explorer 4-door 4×4 43-23-66 Chevrolet Blazer 4-door 4×4 66-25-113 Jeep Grand Cherokee 75-56-95 X Nissan Pathfinder 4×4 83-30-143 X Toyota 4Runner 93-44-149 X Toyota 4Runner 4×4 136-57-225 X Nissan Pathfinder 201-68-351 http://www.highwaysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ddr/ddr_util.htm
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Even the lowest powered Explorer, with the oldest engine design has more > torque than the newest 4Runner with their best engine. 225 ft/lb of > torque on the basic Explorer vs 217 ft/lb on the 4Runner SR5 – AND – the > Ford engine makes that torque at just 2750 RPM while the Toyota has to > rev up to 3600 RPM to make it’s peak. HP figures are misleading because > they scale with RPM, while torque is actual measureable ability of the > engine to move weight. Of course, I’m sure it’s just coincidence that > Japanese companies love to turn out cars with good HP numbers but crazy > high RPM and low torque. > What does this mean? Well, quite simply, the Explorers are real utility > vehicals with torque at low RPM, where you need it. The Toyotas are > vehicals for around town – very reliable – as long as you don’t actually > try to do anything with them. Their transmission and differential > designs are also not suited to heavy use. Not to mention their > electronic traction control system that eats breaks if you actually use > it off road. It’s all stuff that would be fine on a car, or maybe a > minivan, as long as you don’t actually try to load it up with 2 weeks > worth of stuff for camping (if it would fit) and actually go up in the > mountains with it. > Toyota also pulls stunts like measureing their "ground clearance" from a > higher point under their vehicals instead of the lowwest point like all > the US companies do. In addition, their commercials showing the guy > tearing it up off road in a Toyota have a tiny line at the bottom of the > screen that say "professional driver on a closed course, do not attempt" > But wait, there’s more! The Toyota warentee has a paragraph that > explains that the entire warentee is void if the vehical is actually > used off road. Ahem. > And if that isn’t enough. Skip past the list of safety features > designed by Toyota’s marketing department and parroted by Consumer > Reports and instead head on over to the actual insurance industry > association real world death rates. Oh wow, what a surprise! Even the > Blazer (which Consumer Reports says is so dangerous they can’t recomend > it) has a much lowwer death rate than the 4Runner, which they do > reccomend. > http://www.highwaysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ddr/ddr_util.htm > Jeep Grand Cherokee 42 > Ford Explorer 4 door 4×4 43 > Chevrolet Blazer 4-door 4×4 66 > Nissan Pathfinder 4×4 83 > Toyota 4Runner 136 > X
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Judging from all these yuppie " jeeze, I love my Explorer" > comments, you really need someone to tell you the truth. >Yuppie, my ASS! F.O.D. little one…. >Born and raised in the "Good ole USA" and ONLY purchase USA name plates! >But, I understand that the TOYota may be assembled in the USA, but STILL has >the stigma among our biker buddies as being JAP SCRAP! And after out test >drive in the TOY, we will stick by our phrase…JAP SCRAP! >As for putting 200K miles on a TOY…. >Help me out guys….MOST miles on your xplorers? Our ‘98 just turned 27K! >Don’t wanna ’cause no ruckus…. >Just trying to put out the facts! >Pickle
Pickle, you seem to be more than just a little ahh. . . sensitive. . . , to bein called a yuppie. Why is that ? * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
Response:
Young? Upwardly Mobile? ProfessionaL? nope…NOT me! Make me feel like a "tie wearing" desk driver! I work 70+ hours a week driving an 18 wheeler….. NO YUPPIE HERE!
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> Judging from all these yuppie " jeeze, I love my Explorer" >> comments, you really need someone to tell you the truth. >Yuppie, my ASS! F.O.D. little one…. >Born and raised in the "Good ole USA" and ONLY purchase USA name > plates! >But, I understand that the TOYota may be assembled in the USA, > but STILL has >the stigma among our biker buddies as being JAP SCRAP! And > after out test >drive in the TOY, we will stick by our phrase…JAP SCRAP! >As for putting 200K miles on a TOY…. >Help me out guys….MOST miles on your xplorers? Our ‘98 just > turned 27K! >Don’t wanna ’cause no ruckus…. >Just trying to put out the facts! >Pickle > Pickle, you seem to be more than just a little ahh. . . > sensitive. . . , to bein called a yuppie. Why is that ? > * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * > The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
Response:
I will present the Toyota side of the story because this is a ford newsgroup. I owned a 96 4Runner for three years. I know quite a few people with explorers but I personally have never been impressed with their ride nor their off-road prowess. The 4 Runner is quite large for a compact SUV, especially when compared to a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and is quite similar in size to the Explorer except that it is much narrower, in fact it felt narrower than the Grand Cherokee. Unless you’re small, I think that you’ll find it cramped in the front and not really wide enough in the back for three. I found the seats quite comfortable however I had the Sport Interior, however during long rides the seats did not offer as much support as I would like. Reliability-wise, the truck was impeccable, not a single failure of any kind in approximately 60k miles, not unusual for Toyotas. Engine wise, well i felt it was severly underpowered, the engine was real busy when accelerating. They might have upgraded the engine power, but ours only had like 184HP (3.4L DOHC). Ride comfort wise, the ride on the highway was good (we had the small tires on 15" alloys) however on bumpy roads the truck was very bumpy, the Jeep Grand Cherokee had a much more forgiving ride. Price-wise, I found the truck quite over-priced. Ours stickered out at just over 32g and it was missing many creature features. All-in-all if you want a truck that is gonna last 300k miles and never complain about it and you dont mind the harsh ride, go for it, otherwise look elsewhere. Adam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Any opinions? > I have a 93 Eddie Bauer and am considering buying another SUV? I have > been happy with the Explorer- anyone tried out both cars? Thanks.
Response:
Sometimes you just have to live with the facts. Ron
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I will present the Toyota side of the story because this is a ford > newsgroup. I owned a 96 4Runner for three years. I know quite a few people > with explorers but I personally have never been impressed with their ride > nor their off-road prowess. The 4 Runner is quite large for a compact SUV, > especially when compared to a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and is quite similar in > size to the Explorer except that it is much narrower, in fact it felt > narrower than the Grand Cherokee. Unless you’re small, I think that you’ll > find it cramped in the front and not really wide enough in the back for > three. I found the seats quite comfortable however I had the Sport Interior, > however during long rides the seats did not offer as much support as I would > like. Reliability-wise, the truck was impeccable, not a single failure of > any kind in approximately 60k miles, not unusual for Toyotas. Engine wise, > well i felt it was severly underpowered, the engine was real busy when > accelerating. They might have upgraded the engine power, but ours only had > like 184HP (3.4L DOHC). Ride comfort wise, the ride on the highway was good > (we had the small tires on 15" alloys) however on bumpy roads the truck was > very bumpy, the Jeep Grand Cherokee had a much more forgiving ride. > Price-wise, I found the truck quite over-priced. Ours stickered out at just > over 32g and it was missing many creature features. All-in-all if you want a > truck that is gonna last 300k miles and never complain about it and you dont > mind the harsh ride, go for it, otherwise look elsewhere. > Adam > Any opinions? > I have a 93 Eddie Bauer and am considering buying another SUV? I have > been happy with the Explorer- anyone tried out both cars? Thanks.
