Ford Australia
had been making do with the Ford Maverick -
a rebadged Nissan Patrol GQ -
as its full-size four wheel drive.
From late 1996 it has its own Ford Explorer 4x4 (right).
It's a bit softer, or you could say less crude, than
the Patrol / Maverick with independent front suspension.
Dual air-bags, anti-lock brakes
and air-conditioning are standard.
The five speed automatic gearbox is an interesting option for a 4x4 -
it could be a first.
Prices start just a touch over the magic 40K at 42K (Aus)
and go all the way up to 60K.
Right is a Ford Explorer Ltd at
the 1997 Melbourne Motor Show,
it looks like a good way to turn an adequate four wheel drive
into a boulevard cruiser.
Ford Explorer 1996.
Ford Explorer 4x4 went on sale in Australia in late 1996.
Manufacturer's figures:
station wagon, 5-seats, 4-doors, dual air-bags, ABS
Ford Australia
had been making do with the Ford Maverick -
a rebadged Nissan Patrol GQ -
as its full-size four wheel drive.
From late 1996 it has its own Ford Explorer 4x4 (right).
It's a bit softer, or you could say less crude, than
the Patrol / Maverick with independent front suspension.
Dual air-bags, anti-lock brakes
and air-conditioning are standard.
The five speed automatic gearbox is an interesting option for a 4x4 -
it could be a first.
Right is a Ford Explorer Ltd at
the 1997