I’d compare it more to something like an MK1 Mazda MPV.  Still have our family’s old ‘89 in the fleet, that thing is truly incredible on back roads.  Scary as hell to passengers along for the ride, but as a the drive the balance of the thing and confidence it gives you is unreal.

Did you put snow tires on the Pilot?

Well then the wheel was set wrong on the shaft splines.  I dunno dude, this isn’t an inherent Explorer problem.

Pics?

“steering wheel was at almost 90 degrees from center when the car was going straight”

Uh, he should have gotten it aligned? 

“Those engines aren’t amazing but have no major flaws besides not being the 302"

Timing cassettes, several of which are mounted on the BACK of the motor.  Engine-out job to fix.  It’s a major flaw if ever there was one.  Having said that, there’s plenty of these that ran to 200k and beyond even with all sorts of chain…

Uh, plenty of people.  You should visit a pick-and-pull yard some time.

Ok.

My ‘96 4Runner has the janky spindly folding-origami holders at the top of the dash, which effectively block both the center vents and HVAC controls when in use.  Later in the third gen run they rearranged the center console to fit the cupholders down low.

I absolutely am

You’d be surprised, check out what clean third gens go for out in CO/UT, even with well over 100k miles. I have a much better chance of getting $7500 for my e-locked ‘96 Limited than this (very cool) oddball JDM Mazda 

This is NOT based on any kind of Ranger.

Modern cloth is scratchy garbage.

*Cheaper than a 20 year old 4Runner

Absolutely the same approach as the JKU. Wheels pushed out to minimize approach/departure angle, at a cost of a worse breakover. My 3rd gen 4runner achieves its interior/cargo room through a shorter (105 inch, same as an FJ) wheelbase but a longer overhang, which dings departure angle pretty good.

The hatch struts on my ‘96 4Runner are still holding, although less so in the cold these days. But I had to replace the struts on both my ‘96 ES300 and ‘00 Maxima when I purchased them (in 2016).

Most people won’t open their own hoods except to add washer fluid a few times a year.

The old wound metal springs seemed to work fine back in the day.  And yes, the two older cars I owned with hood struts (‘96 ES300 and ‘00 Maxima) both needed strut replacement when I bought them.

More likely than not the hood is aluminum.  My wife’s Town&Country’s hood is aluminum and supported by a prop, it’s light as a feather.

Guy wants something more fun, you’re suggesting something even more boring and staid?

No less a snoozefest than the Outback he’s currently in