Colorado Ford Explorer Dealer
Are you old enough to remember the 1990s? In a decade where bands like Nirvana made grunge cool, the 1990s were marked by a spectrum of trends from Doc Martens and chain wallets to Beanie Babies, Friends, and AOL Instant Messenger. The automotive industry experienced its own shift in trends as the station wagon, which was made popular thanks, in part, to the Griswolds in the National Lampoon film series, suddenly became a faux pas. Families wanted more than a station wagon–they wanted something stylish and capable. But what does any of this have to do with us, Faricy Automotive, and our role as your Colorado Ford Explorer dealer? We’re glad you asked.
Ford knew the stakes were high in the 1990s as drivers demanded more capability, comfort, technology, and power from vehicles. Ford answered these demands in 1991 with the debut of the Explorer, which replaced the two-door Bronco II. The four-door Explorer launched the SUV craze of the decade and laid the foundation for what would become one of the best-selling SUVs in the industry.
It’s this legacy that we’re proud to continue at Faricy Automotive, where you’ll find an extensive selection of Explorers on our lot. Like Ford, we know that our customers rely on us especially when the stakes are high, and, like Ford, we answer that call time and time again. We continue to raise the standards of customer service by putting your first every step of the way. That’s what it means to choose The Faricy Boys as your Colorado Ford Explorer dealer.
Ford Explorer History
Just as the 1990s saw the gradual demise of the station wagon, Ford experienced a minor setback when the Bronco II failed to impress. Despite the popularity of the larger Bronco, the two-door Bronco II was smaller and less capable. At a time when drivers wanted more room and capability, the Bronco II failed to meet those demands and was a huge flop for Ford.
Just as the word “sport utility vehicle” was gaining momentum, Ford unveiled the 1991 Explorer as an adventure vehicle. Larger and more capable than the Bronco II, the Explorer was available as a two or four-door rig and featured a more aerodynamic design that made it more efficient, responsive, and fun to drive. Ford capitalized on the popularity of the Eddie Bauer brand among outdoor enthusiasts, naming the Explorer’s top-tier trim after the brand. The SUV featured premium upholstery and luxury features that proved roughing it didn’t have to be rough at all.
With the Explorer outselling the Jeep Grand Cherokee and launching the SUV craze of the decade, Ford hurriedly got to work on the Explorer’s next generation. Introduced in 1996, the second-generation Explorer delivered more power and boasted updated design features. Ford also introduced the two-door Explorer Sport and, by the new millennium, added the Explorer Sport Trac truck to the lineup.
The Explorer officially distinguished itself from the Bronco II in 2002 with its new rear-drive platform and optional four-wheel-drive. The Explorer Sport was discontinued, but drivers barely noticed thanks to ongoing updates to the Explorer’s design and powertrain over the next decade. Ford made even bigger changes to the Explorer in 2011, exchanging its truck-based platform for a unibody that marked its transition from a traditional SUV to a crossover.
As Explorer sales soared, Ford focused on the future of its best-selling SUV and gave drivers more of what they demanded–better performance and the latest in technology, luxury, and conveniences. The updates ushered in the sixth generation Explorer that made its official debut in 2020 with updated powertrains, state-of-the-art technology, and the first-ever Explorer Hybrid. The hybrid promised greater efficiency and more torque to deliver better capability and handling, while the Explorer ST focused entirely on performance with a beefier engine and sport-like handling.
2022 Ford Explorer
The popularity of the Explorer ST is the inspiration for the SUV’s 2022 lineup, as we see with the addition of the Explorer ST rear-wheel drive model that’s designed for customers looking for better on-road performance rather than the off-road capability of a four-wheel drive model. Ford also adds the ST-Line to the fleet, which is built on a rear-wheel drive platform and offers four-wheel drive capability to deliver optimal power and performance on any terrain. The ST-Line features unique design details that reflect its focus on performance with a sport-style steering wheel, red accent stitching, and a suite of premium technology like wireless smartphone charging and a 360-degree camera.
Aside from the addition of the Explorer ST rear-wheel drive and the ST-Line series, the 2022 Explorer will include the off-road-ready Timberline trim and the luxurious King Ranch and Platinum trims. Ford also gives you the option to select the second-row seat that best fits your needs–captain’s chairs or a bench seat– at no extra charge. Other updates to the SUV include two new exterior colors–Burgundy Velvet and Stone Blue–as well as a new seat trim on the XLT Sport Appearance Package.
Why Shop With Us
How do you respond in the face of failure? Do you learn from the experience and move forward? Ford certainly did after experiencing a minor setback in the 1990s with the unpopular Bronco II. Taking that lesson to heart, Ford built the Explorer from the Bronco II’s shortcomings and designed a vehicle that launched the SUV craze of the decade. In short, Ford persevered.
Here at Faricy Automotive Salida, we share Ford’s perseverance and are proud not only to carry the Ford banner but to also continue the legacy of the Faricy name. Like Ford, we know what it means to dig our heels in when the stakes are high, and that’s why we’re different from other dealerships in the area. We know the responsibility we have to our customers, our community, and our heritage.
As part of that responsibility, we deliver a unique car-buying experience at our dealership. Our team isn’t focused on commissions or sales quotas. Instead, we’re here to build a relationship with you because our customers are the heart and soul of our business. To do this, we offer transparent pricing and a friendly, small-town environment where you can relax and enjoy every step of the experience, from browsing our extensive inventory to relying on our certified service technicians for all your maintenance and repair needs.
Your Explorer Is Right Here: Shop Faricy Automotive
The Ford Explorer is an integral part of America’s automotive landscape. As station wagons became a thing of the past in the 1990s, Ford introduced drivers to a new genre of vehicles that combined capability with comfort and convenience. The Explorer and competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee marked the birth of the sport utility vehicle, igniting a craze that would continue for many generations. Today, that legacy continues as the Explorer holds its title as one of the best-selling SUVs in America.
Are you ready to join this legacy and experience everything the Explorer has to offer? If so, it’s time to venture over to our dealership. You’ll find our extensive inventory has something to offer everyone, whether you’re looking for a reliable pre-owned model or the newest in the Explorer lineup. Our friendly team can answer all your questions, ride along for a test drive, and help you secure the most competitive finance rates available. You’ll also find we offer the best prices in town without any hidden fees. What you see is what you get with Faricy Automotive, and we’re certain that you’ll like what you see!