ELVIS PRESLEY, JAMES DEAN, CLINT EASTWOOD—men with very different backgrounds, and yet, all have become at least during a part of their lives, the epitome of American cool.  Despite their varied styles of performing, they’ve managed to engrave themselves into the hearts and minds of one of the world’s finickiest markets: the United States.  Even more remarkable is how their topics of rebellion, realization and self-preservation translate so well even to the Filipino setting.

Then again, the Philippines is no stranger to American culture.  Movies, food and Spam—you name it, and the Filipino has embraced it with a combination of love and mystery.  The steady sales of the Ford Expedition and the cult-status enjoyed by the F-150 are some testaments to this fact.  Despite becoming the new status of prestige and power, neither vehicles are real-world practical with their huge bulk and Iraq-conquering V8 engines.  Now, what if, the typical American SUV characteristics of unstoppable power, excellent accommodation and a flexible interior were molded into a more manageable size?  It should get pretty interesting.  And it did, with the arrival of the Ford Explorer.

Before getting into the nitty-gritty details, let’s get one question out of the way: is it any good?  Yes, definitely.  Nameplate and prestige aside, the Explorer is the perfect balance of bulk and practicality for seven adults.  It is, by far, one sophisticated transport that’s good enough both town and out-of-town use and whose immense popularity is well-deserved.

Slotting itself between the Escape and the Expedition in terms of size, the Explorer is just as visually long as any Japanese mid-sized sedan.  That said, the Explorer still manages to get the lion’s share of the attention, sending security guards frantically saluting and waving, as if a VIP just went by.  The blue-oval maybe the new symbol of prestige, power and unlimited gasoline resources here, but in the case of the Explorer, it carries it to a new level.  It shouts: “I’m rich; I’m going places; get out of my way.”  In terms of styling details, the Explorer looks perfect, combining styling cues seen in both the Expedition and Escape.  The chunky body and upright lines connote utilitarianism without being too austere.  It remains subdued, but imposing enough for the golf club.

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