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The smell from heating system is getting real bad. Nearly lost my voice yesterday after an hour drive - got allergy... If Ford knows about it, why they don't install filtration system or something?
Oh, BTW, it also has developed the rear-end whine that is also "normal" and "does not effect vehicle longevity". Hell, I'll even load it on my trailer and pull it to you, so I make sure and get it there.
Venting is ok. :-)
Is it still under warranty and have you investigated lemon laws?
Steve, Host
my '02 has 41k on it, still has green on green/yellow/red scale for tires and brakes. i am happy about this, although i must ready to hit the yellow zone.
Ford takes advantage of the Chicago show to display the Mercury variations of their vehicles, and while Ford could have used the spotlight of the NAIAS (Detroit Show) to display the Explorer, it wanted to give the Mountaineer the spotlight first.
I have been back in the shop five times myself. From the factory, the rear passenger door lock was not operating properly. Later I had the transmission soleniod changed to fix the clunking. I had the front suspension bushings replaced as they were squeaking. I had the transmission fluid added when I got that service letter. One morning, it almost did not start; I had to crank it for about 5 minutes to get it to fire, and even then it ran very rough until it warmed up. That hasn't happened again.
My dealer was fantastic through all of this. Excellent service, good explanations, very willing, loaner car, fixed right the first time, etc. Couldn't be happier. Maybe if they weren't so skilful and accommodating my attitude would be different.
My first post in this forum was just a tribute to the fact that with all of these little problems, not once have I been stranded by the side of the road or placed in a dangerous situation while driving, such as I have before on different vehicles; and that the majority of Explorers are average and not lemons. Really, that's all that got me started debating 02xls. All I wanted to say was that they are overall, on average, good trucks, average in reliability, and they won't leave you stranded. Some are flawless, the vast majority are average, some are problematic. I'm sure that's how it is with all cars.
So unlike some on this board I wouldn't tell others that just because I have had some problems, they'll have them too. I wouldn't recommend that a potential buyer look elsewhere. I know many, on here and in person, who have had no problems whatsoever.
As nvbanker pointed out, you could go buy a Chevy truck and have to deal with piston slap and numerous other severe problems, and not be any better off than you are now. GM is having a terrible time with quality control, look at all of their recent recalls.
I looked at a Honda Accord (though the last one I had was total, total crap), because I am a chronic car buyer (I keep cars 1.6 years, on average, and go back and forth between sedans and SUVS). I went to their "problems and solutions" board, and wow, people are raising Cain over there too. Loud, incessant squeaks & rattles, lousy suspensions (ride deteriorates quickly), electrical gremlins, etc. etc. The Mazda6 board was worse. So I could trade for either one of those on a whim and still go to the shop every now and then for some complaint. But that wouldn't keep me from buying one.
My posts were just meant to show the rest of the story. I'm not going to debate each person. I'm sorry you all have had problems. From now on I'll just let you guys rant and rave regardless of what kind of claims you make about what kind of ownership experiences others will have or Ford overall. It won't have any impact on Explorer sales any ways, but like I care.
I do hope you get your situation worked out to your satisfaction.
Unfortunately, I am not getting the same backing from Ford. While the dealership where I purchased it has been cooperative in repairing some of the problems and trying to diagnose the transmission problem, Ford is not willing to put their money where their mouth is as GM did. I was told by both the service manager and the regional sales manager that their were no problems and vehicle longevity would not be an issue (which I once again accept with skepticism, since they don't even seem to know what's wrong). I was also told that Ford would not offer a free extended warranty on the transmission or rear-end and, that if I had concerns, I should fork out about $1,500 for an extended warranty. It is this lack of standing behind their vehicles that has P'd me off.
While I don't expect every vehicle to be problem free, this is getting rediculous. And, with the number of major problems that I have had from previous Ford vehicles (new tranny at 100K in a '93 Eddie Bauer Explorer, new engine in a '91 F-150 at 100K and the worst vehicle I have ever owned in an '02 Taurus), I am quickly becoming a GM customer.
All I wish is that Ford would put their money where their mouth is. If these aren't problems, then warrant them beyond the 36-month/36,000 miles. I think a transmission and rear-end should last much longer than this!
You can buy an extended warranty that will cover the motor and tranny for $700.00. (Up to 75,000 miles)-that's what I did!
That warranty is now coming in handy at 57K because the differential has gone bad and will be replaced next week.
This is my third Explorer, but unless they improve the driveline components, it will be my last.
i have v8 with towing package. i can get over 400 on a strictly highway trip.
if the low fuel light goes on at 50 miles left, based on a 22.5 gallon tank, you are getting 14.7 mpg.
I gave it an oil change this weekend and realized that they put a whole extra quart of oil in the motor. SIX quarts instead of 5. I drove it for 4,000 miles like this. I know it was too full because I pour the old oil into the 5 quart container the new stuff comes out of, but this time it overflowed and went everywhere. I know it was them because no one has been under the hood but me.
I think our good relationship is on the ropes after this one. What do you guys think, how bad of a mistake was that? The motor seems fine, as far as I can tell.
I was the owner of an 03 TrailBlazer which was recently totaled in an accident. I am now looking for a new SUV and am considering the Explorer as one of my choices. I liked the TB's power and am wondering how the Explorer with the V-6 compares in real world driving situations. Are there any options I should definitly buy or avoid? What are the major known problems with these trucks? Which rear end is best? I think the 3.55 comes standard, with the 3.73 and 4.11 as options. I know on the TrailBlazer, as odd as it seems, the 3.73 would consistently get better MPG than the 3.42 because it was better suited to keeping the engine in its powerband range, and it helped the heavy SUV get moving from a dead stop in city driving, which more than made up for any gain with the 3.42's on the highway. What are you guys with the V-6 and 4WD getting for MPG average? Like I said, I am looking at getting an new SUV very soon and the Explorer seems to have some great deals out on it. What is everyone getting of sticker price? If anyone has any other comments they will certainly be appreciated, and thank you in advance.
I have an '04 XLS 4x4, 4.0L V6.
How does the V-6 drive in the real world? It feels quick at part-throttle. The engine has alot of torque and keeping up with traffic is no problem. Low- and mid-range power is plentiful. That said, over 4,000 RPM the engine seems to lose steam, and gets pretty noisy. Somehow, it feels slower at full throttle. I use full synthetic oil in my V-6, which quieted it down alot and helps it rev smoother. The V-6 is just fine, but get the V-8 if you want great top-end power. It revs very quickly and pulls strongly throughout the rev range.
I don't think there are any must-have options or options to avoid. Get what you would like. The known problems (from this board) are as follows: some people are having some shifting problems with their transmissions very early, but fixes are available. Some are having problems with rear ends after about 30k, which some dealers seem reluctant to fix. A fix is now available from Ford but it is not compatible with the limited-slip option. They are not "major" problems meaning that they do not appear in every vehicle nor do they cause breakdowns. Some have them, some do not. If you have problems with yours, evidently you can pick up an extended warranty before the standard one runs out.
Gas mileage is not good. I get 14-15 city and 20 highway, about what the EPA estimated. I use regular unleaded.
What sold me was the ride, handling, and cargo space. Test drive one and I think you will like it, and yes they are a good deal.
I also recommend the 3rd row seating option, helps with resale since it's an option that many used car buyer's shop for.
If you wait till later in the new, the newly redesigned Explorer/Mountaineer will debut, with more features/power/comfort, etc. Which is why your probably seeing so many good deals on them.
Steve, Host
Thanks again.
Is the difference major? Not really, you lose 1MPG if you compare the EPA on the window stickers. I personally prefer quicker acceleration, to allow the engine to loaf at the desired level, rather than having it rev over and over to acheive the desired speed.
You will also notice the higher axle ratio's on "towing" packages, this helps quite a bit.
Used Explorer's sell best, when equiped with the 3rd row seat, larger engine, and towing package.
I have an 05 Mountaineer AWD V8. With AWD is all 4 tires getting the same amount of power? Also in the message center when you press "System" for AWD there is a selection of "Auto" or "Locked", what is the difference?
Thanks for any help and information.
Better read the manual for info on the Auto or Locked selection info - I'm not posted on the 05s yet.
Happens to me all the time, if I get on I-40 and run 85 for a couple of hours, I'll blow through a tank real fast. Also, did you have a heavy load?
With the Explorer V8, 4:10 axle ratio, My experience has been roughly an improvement of 2MPG since the engine is working at a lower RPM.
You wouldn't know that reading many of the mileage claims on these boards! :-)
tidester, host
Do you have the V-6? What axle ratio do you have? Is it 4WD? 20 MPG is a good number.
Thanks
Please see post #2327 and #2331!
Good luck!