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  The Explorer is a mid-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV) that was introduced by Ford Motor Co. for the 1991 model year. The Explorer was available with six-cylinders and either two- or four-wheel drive. The Explorer was restyled for the 1995 model year, and Ford added an eight-cylinder engine as an option in 1996. The 5.0-liter V-8 engine was available only in two-wheel drive, four-door Explorers in 1996, but an all-wheel-drive system was available with the V-8 in 1997.
  
  

Engine

• The 5.0-liter (302 cubic inch) displacement V-8 used in Ford Explorers starting in 1996 dates back to the late 1960s. Originally a carbureted engine, the 5.0-liter engine as used in the Explorer had electronic multi-port fuel injection. Output is 210 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque in 1996 and 1997 models with a compression ratio of 8.5-to-1. Input was raised to 215 horsepower and 288 foot-pounds of torque in 1998, 1999 and 2000 models with a compression ratio of 9.0-to-1. Cylinder bore was 4 inches and crankshaft stroke was 3 inches.
  
  

Exterior Dimensions

• The 1996 through 2000 four-door Explorer 5.0-liter has an overall length of 190.7 inches with a wheelbase of 111.6 inches. Overall width is 70.2 inches. Overall height is 67.5 inches, while the ground clearance is 6.7 inches. Front and rear track is 58.5 inches. The turning diameter is 37.3 feet. The fuel tank has a 21-gallon capacity.
  
  

Interior Dimensions

• The front headroom is 39.9 inches, while the front legroom is 42.4 inches. The front shoulder room is 56.7 inches, while the front hip room is 51.9 inches. The rear headroom is 39.3 inches, while the rear legroom is 36.8 inches. The rear shoulder room is 56.8 inches, while the rear hip room is 51.9 inches. The rear cargo capacity is 41.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and 79.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
  
  

General Information

• 5.0-liter Ford Explorers are available in XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited trim packages. The trailer towing capacity for the 5.0-liter V-8 engine was 6,620 lbs., several hundred pounds heavier than the base six-cylinder powered Explorers. Although six-cylinder Explorers were available with five-speed manual transmissions, the 5.0 Explorer was only available with a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission.