The world of the SUV as we know it today might not have come to fruition had it not been for the Ford Explorer. While several variations had existed before the Explorer entered production, such as the Ford Bronco and Chevy Blazer, the Explorer proves that the vehicle class could be beneficial for a wider audience and could be just as valuable for the family-oriented driver as it was for the passionate off-roader. The staying power and exceptional capability of the Ford Explorer are such that it's still in production today and continues to be the standard-bearer of excellence…