Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Most popular vehicles
Popular New Cars
- New Acura MDX
- New Acura RDX
- New Audi Q5
- New BMW 3 Series
- New BMW X3
- New Buick Enclave
- New Cadillac Escalade
- New Chevrolet Equinox
- New Chrysler 300
- New Dodge Challenger
- New Ford Edge
- New Ford Escape
- New Ford Expedition
- New Ford Explorer
- New Ford F-150
- New Ford Focus
- New Ford Mustang
- New Honda Accord
- New Honda Civic
- New Honda CR-V
- New Honda Fit
- New Honda Odyssey
- New Honda Pilot
- New Hyundai Elantra
- New Hyundai Santa Fe
- New Hyundai Sonata
- New Hyundai Tucson
- New Jeep Compass
- New Jeep Grand Cherokee
- New Jeep Wrangler
- New Mazda 3
- New Mazda 6
- New Mazda CX-5
- New Nissan Altima
- New Nissan Maxima
- New Nissan Rogue
- New Porsche Cayenne
- New Ram 1500
- New Subaru Crosstrek
- New Subaru Forester
- New Subaru Impreza
- New Subaru Outback
- New Tesla Model S
- New Tesla Model X
- New Toyota 4Runner
- New Toyota Camry
- New Toyota Corolla
- New Toyota Highlander
- New Toyota Prius
- New Toyota RAV4
- New Toyota Sienna
- New Toyota Tacoma
- New Volkswagen Jetta
- New Volvo XC60
- New Volvo XC90
Popular Used Sedans
- Used BMW 5 Series
- Used Chevrolet Impala
- Used Chevrolet Malibu
- Used Chrysler 200
- Used Dodge Charger
- Used Ford Fusion
- Used Ford Taurus
- Used Honda Accord
- Used Honda Civic
- Used Hyundai Elantra
- Used Hyundai Sonata
- Used Tesla Model S
- Used Toyota Camry
- Used Toyota Corolla
- Used Volkswagen Jetta
Popular Used SUVs
- Used Acura MDX
- Used Acura RDX
- Used Ford Edge
- Used Ford Explorer
- Used Honda CR-V
- Used Honda Pilot
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe
- Used Jeep Compass
- Used Lincoln Navigator
- Used Mazda CX-5
- Used Nissan Rogue
- Used Subaru Crosstrek
- Used Subaru Forester
- Used Tesla Model X
- Used Volvo XC90
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
C'mon ANT! Your saying there have been NO ISSUES WHATSOEVER??
(SEE BELOW)
Quality Woes Plague Five Hundred, Freestyle and
Montego Launch"
September 28, 2004
Given that these models were launched (JOB1) on August
10th at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant (CAP), and were
originally slated for shipment on August 23rd, dealers
were expecting larger stock levels by now. However,
shipments of these early units were halted with
quality concerns, though many have since been cleared
to leave the plant following inspections and repairs,
though only at a trickle.
Internal Ford Motor Company documents recently
furnished to a well known Ford enthusiast site,
indicates that there are serious quality issues with
the early-build Ford Five Hundred, Freestyle and
Mercury Montego models. While the documents detail
everything from build costs to assembly concerns, the
most troubling area that these documents detail are a
high number of quality issues plaguing the D3 platform
vehicles.
According to the documents, these early D3s have
possibly suffered from one or more of sixty-five (65)
quality concerns, from defective platforms to faulty
CVT gearbox and paint quality problems. In addition,
employees at the Chicago assembly plant have been
voicing their concerns on the message boards of the
Ford enthusiast site since September 25, 2004.
However, according to the source, the sheer number and
serious nature of several of these problems is
abnormally high, and potentially cause for
consternation, particularly for buyers of
early-production Five Hundred, Freestyle and Montego
models.
For a company that has already been stung in the press
and the court of public opinion for a high number of
recalls and perceived quality lapses, fundamental
component concerns like the quality of Ford's CVT
transmissions have Dearborn executives and company
loyalists alike reaching for the antacid.
While the Freestyle is about the same size as an Explorer, it really sounds like they need something larger than both of these vehicles. Who wants "three little ones" sitting three abreast, especially on long trips.... and then there is the luggage, stroller, baby bag, etc. issues.
You still won't have enough luggage room on long trips.
Mark
Some examples...Hondas CRV's fires related to leaking oil onto a hot component in the engine bay. Toyota has it's engine sludge problem on the 3.0L V6, transmission failures on it's Aisin AW units, faulty rear lightbulbs. GM has the OHV piston-slap ticking problems in it's Vortec V8's.
The above stated are examples that have not prompted the manufacturer to issue a recall, but it's "an issue" to look out for.
On the above stated article (which I'm quite familiar in more ways than one), those were units that were built, under "build and hold". The article was released for the authors "gloom and doom" senario of the week. He fails to mention that this same senario takes place with all new vehicle launches, by ALL manufacturer's, even Toyotas. (And I even discussed that here, at the time it was published).
Six Sigma combed over the vehicle with a fine tooth comb and made sure that anything that wasn't perfect, would be held and rectified before release. It's like viewing a home your about to purchase, and the inspector gives you a list of things he had a problem with, yet the list was compiled as if were problems across the line...NOT specific unit related like it originally should have been.
This is a normal procedure for all newly engineered vehicles.
A recall was recently released a few weeks ago under: 05V515000 which pertained to a strap that could corrode, for the fuel tank bladder. This is something otherwise unsuspecting and not something a customer would complaint about, rather, the supplier altered the part in a way that didn't meet Ford's criteria, therefore Ford issued a recall for it.
As for issues that are driven by customer complaints, there hasn't been any really to substantiate investigating by NHTSA for a recall.
The fact remains that 500/MGO/FS were surveyed by JDPower, and rated in the top 3 of it's segment on Initial Quality. Hence, the majority of the issues were ironed out prior to the vehicles being shipped. Granted, there's always some that will develop the issue after the customer has bought the vehicle.
My wife and I just bought a 2006 Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x2. Great new interior, 50/50 split-fold third row seat (you can get power-fold), easier access to the third row by flattening the second row seat closer to the floor, great ride and handling, Roll Stability Control, etc. We have two young children, but my 7-year old is always having friends over, so the third row is used quite a bit. Plenty of room for the kids and plenty of cupholders. Anyone who says the third row seat is cramped needs to sit in other third row seats in this segment. We did and we felt like it had the most room.
I heard the 2006 Mountaineer has all the underpinnings of the 2005 Lincoln Aviator. I drove one for a year. Great vehicle, too. If the 2006 Mountaineer rides anything like the Aviator, it's got to be a winner, also.
Yes, two CHILDREN IN THE MIDDLE SEAT AND ONE IN THE THIRD. And the 3rd seat folding in half is of no use if someone sits back there (even a child) because it is CONFINING! You want the kids NOT TO SIT NEXT TO EACH OTHER ESPECIALLY ON LONG TRIPS!! (Yikes!)
The head rests in most minivans are completely unfunctional.
The way I see it, getting rear ended is about the only type of accident I cannot control other than geting slide slammed by someone running a light or stop sign.
Mark
I hate to tell you this Mark, but you can't control an accident-that is why it's called just that--an accident!! I have no doubt you a very good driver, but I have to tell you there are many yo-yos out they that can rear end you-sandwich you (i.e. side impact at an intersection). So in reality-the only control you have is over yourself. I guess I am suicidal, I don't even consider the crash ratings when I buy a car. But maybe if I had "little ones" as passengers I would!
I feel like I at least have a chance to take evasive action. If someone is going to rear end me, there is not much that I can do.
I've gotten rear ended before by some one who rear ended a car into me.
Mark
I also rear ended another car, I was driving my 93 Explorer down the highway at about 55, and without warning, a car stopped on the side of the road suddenly backs out onto the road, plows into the side of my right rear door, and he rips out my rear axle, I fly down the road sideways with no brakes and no steering control, into the back of another car. Nothing I could do about that one either. I think it was a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Finally, something we agree on, Chuck - you cynic you :P
I believe that MOST ctashes can be prevented. It's not likely that the rear-ender while stopped can be avoided.
Is it possible that a higher level of situational awareness could have avoided the crash that occurred when the car backed onto the road?
Thanks for any input
It was bound to happen......
Ask: What engine does it have?
If he answers anything but a V8, say 'No thanks'.
Reason: The V8 engine & Transmission are MUCH MORE reliable, they will last well over 200,000 miles with proper care.
Maintenance: Mobil 1 Syn motor oil and Mobil Syn oil filter every 7,500 mi and Auto Trans filter and fluid flush every 30,000 mi. 4 wheel drive is more expensive to maintain at high mileage.
References: I've got 2 of them, a 1997 XLT V8 with 142K miles and a 2000 XLT V8 with 112K miles, both are 2 wheel drive and both run like brand new.
Has anyone else replaced their OEM BF Goodrich tires on their Mountaineer? What did you choose?
Ninety five percent of my driving is around town on paved roads, but I do have a country lane on a slight grade I travel twice daily (to and from work, and usually the last road in the township to be plowed after a snow storm).
I don't really want to go with an all terrain tire with a more aggressive looking tread.... would like to find something though that is decent in snow, has better tread life, but not sacrifice handling and noise level. When I say snow, I'm just talking 3 to 4 inches of unplowed snow... this is probably the most I would get caught in unexpectedly (as if let out of work early to make the 8 mile drive home because winter storm has started). If it's 8 to 10 inches fresh snow, I'm not driving anywhere until roads are plowed... or I'll drive my 96 Explorer AWD V8 with the Wrangler ATs.
I've narrowed it down to the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza only by good reviews I've read and photos. Going into the tire store today to just have a look. The BF Goodrichs I have have 29.9" tire OD, Section Width 9.6" & 696 REVS per mile, the Alenza would be 29.4", Section Width 9.5" and 709 REVS per mile ... I'm guessing everything on these cars is computer syncronized, is this difference anything to be concerned about? All the other specs are in line.
From what I read, the Alenzas are being put on some upper end SUVS (Navigator, Suburban, Lexus, Tahoe).
Any thoughts, recommendations welcome!
While folks may like theirs, can't you find something 2002 or later within your budget, considering they depreciate like a rock???...maybe I am silly, but I would just avoid any pre-2002 Explorer, IMO...
Exactly what the epa sticker rating was. The highway is at 65-70 mph, no more. I'm hoping as it wears in those #'s will improve a little. BTW, this is a great tow vehicle- I had a '97 Explorer 5.0 V8, a 2000 Expy 4.6 V8, and this '05 is better than both, with no rear-end sag like the '97 and better power delivery than the Expy. So far, no problems to report but it's VERY early still!
IMHO your very lucky if you can have 200K trouble free miles. If you look at some of the posts on the "problems board" you will see many vehicle with high miles, but with the owners chasing "gremlin problems" that can't seem to be diagnosed,and therefore can't be fixed.
I get rid of my vehicles just before they hit 100K and let guys like you deal with the problems that are sure to come.
Of course, the problems are minimized if you have an Accord or Camry!
with all the millions of explorers sold, there are of course what seems like a lot of owners posting problems.
What I mean by the low maintenance is NO HEAVY Maintenance, and not much of it, such as any major engine work or any major transmission work. I'm getting too old for that stuff anymore, I don't want to be pulling any engines, pulling any heads, or pulling any trannys. What I mean by low maintenance is LIGHT maintenance. I can handle a water pump, radiator, brakes, alternator, starter, easy stuff like that. The 97 XLT has required a few things that I considered to be quite minor, such as replacing the Radiator, cost about $180 at parts house. Also replaced the multifunction switch, a common problem on the Expl. That is so easy to replace, it's almost TOO easy! And only on $65 out of pocket for the part from the Dealer, not bad. Another minor thing that had to be replaced on the 97 Exp is the Cruise Control Switches, the plastic parts just started to disinegrate and fall apart, I thought it was a very odd, an uncommon failure. I replaced that easily, but it requires a higher skill level, as the Air Bag has to be removed, and the steering wheel has to be removed. Parts were $65 at the Dealer. I think most mechanics can do it if they are smart enough to disconnect the battery and wait five minutes before they start on it, and if they have the correct steering wheel puller and know how to use it. But I could NOT recommend that the owner do that repair, as the Air Bag is potentially dangerous.
I worry a little about the 2002 on up models because of all the whinning rear axle problems. We are due to replace the 97 Expl in 2008, and that would put us in the market for about a 2003 model. But if I find a 2003 with 100K on it, and it runs quiet, it will probably hold up. If not, I could rebuild the rear axle, I did on the 97. The rear axle is about the heaviest work that I would be willing to do now. OR we might have to make a more fuel efficient choice of vehicles, depending on the price of gas and the economy at that time.
Overall, I think the V8 Explorer is a joy to drive, has a very strong engine and transmission combination. My V8 is the 5.0L, an engine with a time proven reputation, as well as the 4R70W transmission with an excellent reputation. It's powerful, smooth, and I Love it. I believe the 4.6L V8 are very good also. But I think when I am ready to replace the 2000 Expl in 2011, I'll likely have to make a more fuel efficient choice. I'll have to wait and see what that will be and how the economy is at that time.
Chuck, I don't think there is ANY comparison between a Camry or Accord to an Explorer, they are just two different type animals.
And, I don't have any Gremlins! No Check Engine Lights! But I did have a Flat Tire.
Didn't mean to say that the Accord and Camry were similar (to the Explorer), just wanted to state many people get a lot of miles out of vehicles such as these with few problems because of build qulaity.......
tamaraster, "Any Questions for a Car Dealer?" #14959, 13 Dec 2005 8:19 am
Steve, Host
A while back I traded in a wrecked car with the agreement that the dealer would get the insurance check (it was a $3500 repair on an almost new car worth about $40,000). Well, the insurance company came up with some bogus weay of weaseling down the check to the dealer. After about two weeks of haggling, the dealer let me know that this was going on. They stated right up front that they understood that this was THEIR problem. But it wasn't right and I turned up the heat on my insurer and the dealer got his money. Will it get me a better deal next time? Probably not. But my reputation is more important to me than beating up a dealer (or even merely passively letting him get screwed over in my case).
(Boy am I gonna get flamed, by BOTH the Ford enthusiasts AND the feminists, on this one).
The biggest problem I have with the Mountaineer is the gas mileage. On average we get about 15 around town and about 20 on the highway. Most of our driving is local with the occasional road trip. I believe on these short excursions the V8 would have done just as well on gas mileage.
If I had it to do over again I'd have paid the few extra dollars to get the V8, and if I were looking at an 06, I'd definitely go with the new V8.
My wife owned an '02 with the V6 for two and a half years. Thats the mpg she got. Isn't that the same figures stated on the factory sticker? I said this once before and was slammed, but I will tell you I cannot account for some of the "legendary mileage" some claim on this board with these very same vehicles. It baffles me. If it's true....
My wife drives an '05 Volvo S40 T5 that would kick the pants off most cars on the road and gets around 33 on the highway and mid-20s in the city. So what, it can't tow anything and the trunk is tiny. That is why I have my Mountaineer with V8 and towing package.
You cannot compare a station wagon, which is clearly what the V70 is, to any truck based SUV. I see people driving around with their tall wagons with trailer hitches on them and I have to wonder what in the world they would tow with it, one jet ski? I could tow your wagon and my wife's car at the same time and the truck would ask if that was all I had for it to do!
As far as putting stuff in your vehicle, I guarantee that a whole lot more will fit in the back of my Mountaineer than you could fit in your V70.
The other side of the coin is that you probably paid the same or more for your V70 than we do for our SUVs and you need premium gas with your Turbo. In the end you will spend more money to own and operate than we will.
To each his own, but please compare apples to apples.
Because there are more similarities than differences? (both round, are fruit, have seeds, grow on trees, etc.).
People cross shop between all sorts of cars around here everyday. There's a CR-V v Accord board in the archives for example.
.
More topical would be this discussion and it invites comparisons:
Station Wagon vs SUV
Steve, Host
BUT, most of us then ask the counter-question, if the deal was $15K, but the contract said $18K, and the payments were calculated by an $18K contract, would the dealer be ethical enough to call and say that the buyer was overcharged by $3K, come back and we will redo the amounts...most of us believe the dealer would never do that, altho we all want to believe the dealer would do it...YMMV...
If I missed the point of the post, then my post will make no sense whatsoever...it could even sound like a lawyer who "talks" just to hear the "sound" of his own (posted)voice...
Steve, Host