Power

• Ford's 1997 line of Explorers came equipped with three types of engines, including a 4-liter V-6 with 211 horsepower at 4,600 rpm and 240 foot-lbs. of torque at 3,000 rpm and a 4.9-liter V-8 with 211 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 240 foot-lbs. of torque at 3,000 rpm.
  
  

Transmission and Mileage

• Eight of the 1997 Explorer trims featured a five-speed manual transmission, while the other seven came with either a four- or five-speed automatic overdrive transmission. Gas mileage for the 1997 Explorer ranged from 14 to 18 mpg in the city and 18 to 23 mpg on the highway.
  
  

Exterior

• The 1997 Ford Explorer trims ranged from 178.6 to 188.5 inches long, 66.8 to 66.9 inches tall and a uniform 70.2 inches wide. Cargo bed lengths measured between 29.2 and 38.1 inches long and a uniform 46.9 inches wide a the bed wall. Each of the trims featured rack-and-pinion steering, individual front and live rear suspension and a turning diameter that ranged from 34.6 to 37.7 feet.