New Cars 2011: Ford Explorer

Way back in 2009, Ford announced that there were plans to "rethink" the Explorer; it cold be possibly be going to a crossover platform instead of continue as a body-on-frame traditional SUV. Most Explorer owners, and the press alike, were shocked. With the general downsizing of SUVs, and push for better fuel economy it made sense. On the downside, switching to a car-based platform meant that the Explorer would lose not only towing capacity, but offroadability as well. But, before this reasoning implies that the new Explorer is garbage, I'll give you something to ponder. When was the last time you saw an Explorer with evidence that the driver left their urban sprawl. If you're like me, it happens once in a blue moon; so Ford's logic makes sense.

COOKIE CUTTER? I THINK NOT

Let's be honest, the Ford Explorer has never really been known to be eye-catching vehicle. In fact, most mainstream SUVs typically aren't. Sure, everyone knows a Jeep when they encounter one on the road; seven bar grille, narrow body structure, and over-the-top square styling. Okay,maybe not the new Grand Cherokee, but you get the idea. When one conjures up the image of Ford's once-perennial best-seller, a haphazardly engineered, Firestone-tired, roll-over machine is quickly brought to mind. Over the course of its life, since 1990, it has earned a very, er, distinctive nickname-- the Fraud Exploder. For 2011, erase all your previous thoughts of what an Explorer is, because this vehicle is completely re-engineered.



Based on these two "teaser" photos, you'd think you were looking at something from Ford's European branch, no/ Well, you'd almost be right. The Explorer is only going to be sold here, but it shares its styling with Fords from across the globe; in an effort to make Ford "united", global styling themes will be merged into one for 2010 onward-- and it shows here. This new Explorer looks remarkably like the Ford Territory sold down under, although it has nothing in common with said vehicle. While the Explorer is based off the Taurus platform, and consequently is FWD, with AWD (4WD) optional, the Territory is based on Ford's legendary Falcon, and is a traditional RWD.






On the pricier side of the Explorer lineup, there is the Limited, a trimline which has been in place since the first generation Explorer; unlike the dark pearl colors, mesh wheels, running boards and grilles of past, this Limited is just equipped with all the techno-goodies in the base, and XLT. In addition to the options plucked from the XLT, this one adds second row console, keyless start, Powerfold third row seat, and a one touch power tailgate; the price for the top-range Explorer, $37,190. Even though, that may seem rather steep for a Ford, remember that the outgoing model didn't have any of those features and costs about the same, and was a much worse vehicle both to look at, and drive.

RENTAL GRADE INTERIOR? EXCUSE ME?




Another one of Ford's notorious low points are their interiors; with the introduction of the 2010 Taurus in the summer of 2009, the notion of cheap interiors was washed away for good. Swathed in rich leathers, smooth, shiny trim, and an abundance of techosavvy features, this new interior feels decidedly upmarket, almost rivaling Audi in terms of fit and finish. Now, I'm not saying it's better than Audi, but the quality is certainly better than Fords of past. Whereas the old interior felt like it belonged in something suited for Hertz, the new one would feel just at home this Explorer as it would in a Lincoln; gone is the plastic "wood", gone is the chintzy "luxury" stitching, and in place is real, quality trim that does not pretend to be overly classy. The seats actually have bolsters, the dash actually looks designed for this car, and the ergonomics are astounding. After sitting in the 2011, and giving it a good once-over, I'm appalled at the lack of quality the outgoing Explorer presented. Firm seats, archaic suspension, bouncing over the littlest imperfections in the surface, and extremely wallowy ride-- not something I expect out of a $35,000 vehicle.
This new one is far better; and it shows. I can only hope potential buyers don't see this as the second coming of the Ford Freestyle and dismiss it; the 2011 Explorer is too good for that, even if its loyal following thinks otherwise.