2002 Ford Explorer
Edona, Ariz. - Ford says
90 percent of Explorer own­
ers would purchase a new
version of the sport-utility if
it were not equipped with
Firestone tires. If they did,
they would find a night and
day difference between the
old and new Explorer.
The 2002 Explorer has a
new indeuendent rear sus-
pension that gives the sport-utility a much smoother ride than
the previous model. The new version is also 2.5 inches wider,
with a wheel base that is two-inches longer. Both changes
increase stability and provide more interior space.
The new Explorer will be available with an optional third row
of seats.
Ford dumped the Explorer's 5.0-liter V8, which provided an
anemic 210 horsepower and replaced it with the corporate 4.6-
liter, 240-horsepower V8. This more modern engine makes a lot
of difference when a little extra oomph is needed.
A 210-horsepower V6 is the standard engine for the 2002
Explorer, which is quieter and more ergonomically friendly than
the current model. The new Explorer's base price is $24,620.
- Frank S. Washington
2001 Audi allroad quattro
Colorado Springs, Colo.
- Don't let the "allroad"
part fool you. While Audi
talks about it like it’s an
SUV or some new
hybrid, it really is a con­
temporary station wagon
that wants to be an SUV.
And Audi made it as
SUV-like as it could without making it an SUV.
As standard equipment, the Audi allroad has a four-level air
suspension with four different ride heights and automatic ride
height control. So if you want to sit up high and have the feel of
a SUV, you can do so. Standard is Audi's permanent four-wheel
drive system (quattro).
You can take it off-road, and I did. It didn't start shaking and
quaking over rough terrain, and it wasn’t jostling and bouncing
over smooth terrain.
It's a welcome change for those who are tired of the sport-ute
craze, but don't want to give up some of the attributes.
African Americans On Wheels
Tlie’^.^-irfer V6 bifurbo pumps"?50 bhp. That's right, this
vehicle responds effortlessly. At the rear of the allroad quattro, the
double-wishbone suspension has been designed for compact
dimensions and maximum directional stability. Taking a curve
posed no problem for this station wagon, oops, I mean allroad.
Seriously, this is a nice alternative to a sport-ute. It looks sharp;
think of a muscular A6 Avant. The interior is inviting and it's
comfortable, whether you are navigating the road in the front seat
or leisurely taking in the sights in the rear.
The base price is $41.900
- Jacqueline Mitchell
2002 Bravada, Envoy a TraiWazer SUVs
Cabo San Lucas, Mex. - Aiming to own the mid-size SUV seg­
ment, the General introduces a triumvirate of vehicles that
should appeal to every facet of that market. The Chevrolet
Trailblazer, GMC Envoy and Oldsmobile Bravada.
Using an all-new 270-horsepower in-line six as the heart of the
new model range was a great start. The engine is remarkably
smooth, has prodigious torque and excellent power. Bolted into an
all-new chassis, it is a superb complement to these three vehicles.
While the three share basic engineering, they all manage to
have separate personalities and should appeal to different buy­
ers. The beautifully styled Bravada, for example, is optimized for
on road performance. It comes standard with street tires, and a
rear air suspension that not only smoothes out the ride but also
gives it front to rear - as well as side-to-side - leveling abilities.
The Chevy TrailBlazer lives up to the Chevrolet credo "Like
A Rock." The vehicle is ruggedly styled, and its appointments
are more workmanlike.
A great performer both on and off road, the TrailBlazer is a
tremendous step forward from the Blazer it replaces.
Bridging the gap between the luxurious Bravada and the util­
itarian TrailBlazer is the GMC Envoy. Handsomely tough in a
sophisticated way, the Envoy is both stylish and ready to take a
punch. It's the Muhammad Ali of SUVs.
GM hadn't announced prices at press time.
. Randi Payton
www.onwheelsinc.com