The 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT- You see them everywhere you go. SUV's!! They've taken over the world. Look around, how many of the new ones have two doors? Probably just one, the Explorer Sport. It looks like most manufacturers aren't investing in two-door variations, but not Ford. Ford realizes the depth of the segment, and has utilized the fact that other companies ignored it. Ford carefully manages its top-selling Explorer lineup, and is giving the two-door version-now officially rebadged as the Explorer Sport- a tuneup, both visually and aesthetically, for the '01 model year.

Ford carefully manages its top-selling Explorer lineup, and is giving the two-door version-now officially rebadged as the Explorer Sport- a tuneup, both visually and aesthetically, for the '01 model year.

The platform remains the same (if it ain't broke, why fix it?) : there's much face-lifted sheetmetal and plastic to freshen the look. A sharper and more aggressive fender augment the new frontal fascia, much like the adorned Explorer Sport Trac SUV/Pickup except for the liftgate, there isn't one exterior panel that hasn't been tweaked. With new wheels designs and three new colors, this is indeed a model of its own. Revisions continue inside with reengineered seats (offering an extra inch of travel, thus increased front legroom), door panels with faux-aluminum door pulls, plus grayish gauge faces and other instrument panel materials. Kudos to its new, optional, Pioneer entertainment system that eats six CDs straight into the dash, a new trend that is far more convenient than the conventional changer.

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Ford's delightful 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 has found its way in as the standard power plant: While routed through the five-speed automatic, power is more than adequate. A five-speed manual will be offered beginning this fall. With SUV buyers continuously demanding a more carlike ride from their beasts; the suspension has been retuned with revised shock valving and new two-stage, variable-rate rear leaf springs. The Sport's body-to-frame mounts are now urethane, in a further effort to quell noise, vibration, and harshness.

All the changes add up for the better: The 205-horse V-6 is more than adequate in the four-door, but downright brisk in the lighter Sport. Ford has ingeniously placed the first, second, and third-gear ratios closer together, to keep the motor neatly in the heart of its powerband, for around-town and freeway-onramp kind of situations where a power surge is needed. And there's no question the new springs, shocks, and body mounts make for a quieter, more polished ride-although you still won't mistake the Explorer Sport for anything but a short-wheelbase, truck-spawned SUV. One shouldn't forget that a shorter wheelbase is much appreciated for negotiating tight, off-road trails. There's adequate room in the back passenger area, though it is, of course, a bit more of a hassle climbing back there than it would be in a four-door. The Sport's thick B- and C- pillars may create a blind spot for some drivers.

The cabin of the Explorer hasn't changed much: Ergonomic in design, buttons are large, conveniently placed, and easy to use. The instrument cluster is standard Ford Truck: a Gasoline, oil, temp, and battery gauges frame a two-thirds circle tachometer riding a full speedo. Dual airbags are obvious, and all the power goodies expected from Ford come standard. Plush captains chairs with a very convenient center console hold the front passengers, while a 70/30 split bench cushions the rear riders.

With recent problems with long-standing and respected Firestone, Ford announced plans to begin fitting some Explorers with new Michelin all-season all-terrain tires. Ford wouldn't disclose how many Explorers would get the new tries, however Firestone will not be eliminated completely.

Ford has obviously targeted singles and childless couples who wont use the back seats all that much anyway: If you are a two door SUV kind of person, the 2001 Explorer Sport should fit all your needs perfectly, and in some cases, better than perfect. AZ/AutoNetDirect.com

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