Specifications for a 1999 Ford Explorer XLT
by Harry Havemeyer
The Ford Explorer was originally introduced in 1991 and quickly became a sales success, making the vehicle a ubiquitous SUV on American roadways. The second-generation Explorer was introduced in 1996 and featured updated styling, yet still employed the same underpinnings of the original. For the 1999 model year, Ford revised some of the styling of the second-generation Explorer as part of the vehicle's mid-cycle refresh.
4.0 L 160hp V6 Engine
The 4.0 L 160 hp V6 engine was offered as the standard engine on 2WD and 4WD variants of the Explorer XLT. This 12-valve engine has a 3.95-inch bore, 3.32-inch stroke and a compression ratio of 9 to 1. Output for this motor is 160 hp at 4,200 rpm and 220 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,000 rpm.
4.0 L 210hp V6 Engine
The 4.0 L 210 hp V6 engine was offered as an optional powerplant on the 2WD and 4WD variants of the 1999 Explorer XLT. This 12-valve SOHC has a 3.95-inch bore, 3.32-inch stroke and a compression ratio of 9.7 to 1. Output for this motor is 210 hp at 5,100 rpm and 253 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,700 rpm.
4.9 L 215 hp V8 Engine
The 4.9 L 215 hp V8 motor was offered as the only engine choice for AWD Explorers of this vintage and as an optional powerplant on the 2WD model. This 16-valve motor has a 4-inch bore, 3-inch stroke and a compression ratio of 9.1 to 1. This motor generates 215 hp at 4,200 rpm and 288 ft.-lbs. of torque at 3,300 rpm.
Transmissions
The 2WD Explorer came with a standard 5-speed automatic transmission with a 4-speed automatic available as an option. The 4WD variants were sold exclusively with the 5-speed automatic gearbox, while the AWD models were sold exclusively with the 4-speed automatic transmission.
Towing Capacities
Maximum payload towing capacity for the 2WD 1999 Explorer is rated at 6,740 pounds, while the 4WD version offers a maximum towing payload of 4,680 pounds and the AWD's maximum towing payload is rated at 6,520 pounds.
Dimensions
The 1999 Explorer sits on a 111.6-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 190.7 inches and a width of 70.2 inches. Depending upon drivetrain options, the Explorer's height measures between 65.5 inches and 65.7 inches. Ground clearance for all models is 6.7 inches. The Explorer's cabin offered 43.5 cubic feet of cargo volume while still offering seating for five.
Curb Weight
The 2WD Explorer's weight measures 3,932 pounds while the 4WD version weighs in at 4,169 pounds. The AWD Explorer's 4,347 pound curb weight made it the heaviest of the models from this vintage.
Fuel Economy
The V6 variants of the 1999 Explorer offered fuel economy between 15 and 16 mpg city and 19 to 20 mpg highway. The V8 variants yielded 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.
References
Writer Bio
Harry Havemeyer began writing in 2000. He has written articles for the "San Antonio Express-News" and the "Tulane Hullabaloo." Havemeyer holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and philosophy from Tulane University.
