1991-2001 Ford Explorer. They are basically Ranger SUVs, but with a much nicer ride than a Ranger and better weight distribution in slippery conditions. They also have poor resale value compared to the Ranger and 4Runner.
For what you describe, a 5.0L V8 AWD model from 1996-2001 would probably be the ideal find. Very reliable, and probably not much worse fuel economy than a V6. The OHV (pushrod) 4.0L used from 1991-2000 is also very reliable. I'm a little wary of 1997-2001 SOHC 4.0s due to the early timing chain issues, but if I knew it had been repaired I might consider it.
The transmissions get a bad rap online, but I've had nothing but great service from them, even the early A4LDs. I think they are about like the GM 4L60E...you don't hear about the millions of good ones nearly as much as the bad ones.
Explorers don't rust on the frame as much as Rangers, but they do get worse body rust. Check the rockers and quarter panels for rust.
I prefer the 1991-1994 models, but they are getting very old and clean 4WDs are hard to find. Not everyone likes the way the Twin Traction Beam front end handles either, though some prefer it and it's certainly much more capable off road. 1995-2001 has a more conventional independent front suspension with rack and pinion steering, so they have more car-like handling. 95-01 is a more refined vehicle in general, but there's just something about the first gens that I love. I plan on keeping my rust free 1994 4x4 for a very long time.
For what you describe, a 5.0L V8 AWD model from 1996-2001 would probably be the ideal find. Very reliable, and probably not much worse fuel economy than a V6. The OHV (pushrod) 4.0L used from 1991-2000 is also very reliable. I'm a little wary of 1997-2001 SOHC 4.0s due to the early timing chain issues, but if I knew it had been repaired I might consider it.
The transmissions get a bad rap online, but I've had nothing but great service from them, even the early A4LDs. I think they are about like the GM 4L60E...you don't hear about the millions of good ones nearly as much as the bad ones.
Explorers don't rust on the frame as much as Rangers, but they do get worse body rust. Check the rockers and quarter panels for rust.
I prefer the 1991-1994 models, but they are getting very old and clean 4WDs are hard to find. Not everyone likes the way the Twin Traction Beam front end handles either, though some prefer it and it's certainly much more capable off road. 1995-2001 has a more conventional independent front suspension with rack and pinion steering, so they have more car-like handling. 95-01 is a more refined vehicle in general, but there's just something about the first gens that I love. I plan on keeping my rust free 1994 4x4 for a very long time.
