Is the Ford Explorer unibody or body-on-frame?
The Ford Explorer has been a popular choice among SUV enthusiasts since its debut in the early 1990s. Understanding its construction type is essential for potential buyers and current owners alike, as it affects performance, handling, and repair considerations. In this article, we will explore whether the Ford Explorer is built on a unibody or body-on-frame architecture.
Understanding Vehicle Construction Types
Before diving into the specifics of the Ford Explorer, it's important to understand the two primary types of vehicle construction:
- Unibody: In a unibody construction, the body and frame are integrated into a single piece. This design is typically lighter and offers better fuel efficiency, improved handling, and enhanced safety in collisions.
- Body-on-Frame: This traditional construction method involves a separate body mounted on a rigid frame. It is commonly used in trucks and larger SUVs, providing greater durability and the ability to handle heavy loads.
The Ford Explorer's Construction
The Ford Explorer is built using a unibody construction. This design choice has been consistent since the model's redesign in 2011, which shifted away from the previous body-on-frame architecture used in earlier generations. The unibody design contributes to a more car-like driving experience, offering better handling and ride comfort compared to traditional body-on-frame SUVs.
Advantages of Unibody Construction
Choosing a unibody construction for the Ford Explorer comes with several advantages:
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: The lighter weight of a unibody structure typically results in better fuel economy.
- Enhanced Safety: Unibody vehicles often perform better in crash tests due to their integrated design, which can absorb and distribute impact forces more effectively.
- Better Handling: The lower center of gravity in unibody vehicles contributes to improved handling and stability on the road.
Conclusion
In summary, the Ford Explorer is a unibody SUV, which offers a range of benefits including improved fuel efficiency, safety, and handling. This construction type aligns with the modern trends in SUV design, catering to consumers who prioritize comfort and performance. Whether you're considering purchasing a new Explorer or maintaining an existing one, understanding its construction can help you make informed decisions about care and usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What years did Ford make the unibody?
Ford's unibody trucks were only available from 1961-1963, and only on Ford's F-Series “styleside” pickups. The idea was to make the cab and the bed one long continuous piece. Even though they're referred to colloquially as unibody trucks, it's a bit of a misnomer.
What is the most reliable year of Ford Explorer?
Best Ford Explorer Model Years
We recommend buying a used Ford Explorer beginning with the fourth generation, or model years of 2006 to 2010. In particular, we'd single out the 2009 and 2010 editions as among the more reliable earlier model years.
Which is better unibody or body-on-frame SUV?
Unibody frame cars tend to be lighter in construction than body on frame vehicles, which means they get better fuel efficiency right off the bat. This is a major reason why so many Orlando Toyota crossovers and SUVs use this type of frame construction. Safer. Unibody frame vehicles also offer a high degree of safety.
Is Ford Explorer built on Ranger frame?
The Explorer ceased sharing the same chassis as the Ford Ranger but retained its body-on-frame design. In 2002, the two-door version of the vehicle ceased production, making the Explorer a four-door exclusive SUV.
What is the biggest problem with the Ford Explorer?
The most significant issue with the Ford Explorer 2023 has been the recall of approximately 230,000 vehicles due to a faulty rear axle bolt. This defect can cause the vehicle to lose power and potentially roll away, posing serious safety risks.
What is better, Ford Expedition or Explorer?
If you're trying to decide between the Ford Explorer vs. Expedition, both SUVs have pros and cons. If you need more room and a high tow capacity, the Expedition is probably the better choice. However, you'll need to consider that it delivers less gas mileage and is harder to maneuver.
What year Explorer to stay away from?
What Are the Least Reliable Ford Explorer Years? No generation in the history of the Ford Explorer was plagued with more problems than the third generation, specifically the 2002-2006 models.
Are expeditions built on truck frames?
Built with body-on-frame construction, the 2022 Ford Expedition has more in common with the Ford F-150 than it does with other Ford SUVs.
Are Ford Explorers full frame?
In a major change, Ford moved the Explorer from a truck-based, rear-wheel-drive body-on-frame platform to a car-based, unitized front-wheel-drive platform. Though still marketed as an SUV, it was now more accurately a crossover. The largest engine was a V-6, while turbocharged four-cylinders.
Is the Ford Explorer body-on-frame or unibody?
However, this design can also result in a heavier and less agile vehicle. While earlier versions of the Ford Explorer featured a body-on-frame design, the shift to a unibody structure in later models highlights the industry trend toward crossover design.
