Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
The "model years" boards tend to either get lost in the topic titles where new members can't find them or they get diluted and auto-archived.
One thing we're trying is sticking new models in the Future Models board, and when they hit the showrooms, move them to the "regular" boards.
It's just housekeeping and not that big of a deal; we're just trying to keep things somewhat organized so people (especially newbies) can find the appropriate discussion among hundreds.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
What do you think of this car? Anyone drive both the Explorer and Pathfinder that can tell me about differences I'll notice?
Thanks!
Differences (and this is between the 2000 PF and Explorer): controls on the steering wheel weren't on my PF, but I think they're on yours - I LOVE this! Adjustable pedals on the Exp. - I'm short so this really helps. I didn't get the Aux Air on the Exp, but there's still a vent that gives air to the back seat - didn't have that on the PF (just had the floor vents for heat). Smoother ride in the Exp, IMHO. There's less headroom in the Exp. in the front seat (a 6'3" friend of mine used to fit fine in the PF is cramped in the Exp.). 8 way power seats in the PF, 6 in the Exp. - makes a difference when you're short, but the adj. pedals help. I got the canopy airbags in the Exp, so there's a little more protection than the front and side airbags in the PF. THERE'S NO ASHTRAY IN THE EXPLORER! I don't smoke, but I'm used to having somewhere to put gum wrappers and such :P The power outlets in the Exp. stay on - they didn't in the PF. The gas door is on the opposite side - I've pulled in the wrong way a few times I think the seats are stiffer in the Exp. but it could be that 3 years in the PF broke the leather in a bit. You might have the AWD, I had the 4WD on my PF, so I was looking for a car that had 4WD, so I liked the Exp. for that. There's no cargo net in the Exp I live on a very steep hill so I'm going to have to come up with a way to keep the groceries from falling with the Exp. There's no sunglasses case with the sunroof on the Exp. - I kept little things in there, so I miss it. There's no low and high setting on the heated seats on the Exp. You don't have to remove the headrest to put the back row seats down on the Exp. like you do on the PF, BUT they also don't lie as flat. I prefer not having to remove the headrest 3rd row is nice on the Exp. You have to get used to having the gear shift on the steering wheel, the emergency brake you set with your foot, and the cruise control on the opposite side of the steering wheel You sit a little higher off the road in the Exp. The liftgate on the Exp. is a LOT nicer because there's metal at the bottom instead of just glass. I always thought I was going to break the glass closing it on the PF so I hardly ever used it. Now I hardly ever open the whole door - I just use the glass part. The radio on the Exp. is miles better than the PF, but I think they changed the PF radio in 2001 - ditto with the antenna - my 2000 has the electric one which I really liked, but I think I recall the 2001 had a stationary one like the Exp. I like the climate control on the PF a LOT more than I like the one on the Exp. I like having the entry keypad on the Exp for times I don't want to carry my keys. I didn't like the automatic door lock on the Exp, but you can disable that.
Overall, except for the power - and I admit I've never driven the 240 hp PF, so there might not really be a big difference - I like the Exp. more than the PF. I'm a little worried about the quality problems as this (and the Ranger I bought also)is the first American car I've bought after buying 10 imports. Already the Ranger's gone in for a gage light and the Exp. is going in for an AC problem.
Sorry this is so long, but I hope it helps
Power-wise both are good. I would change the PF with the Explorer in a heartbeat.
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
if you have the VIN on any paper, you can play these guys against your dealer for quotes and try to slip him down.
I put up a "Ford Extended Warranties" thread a few weeks ago.
geoffd1 "Ford Extended Warranties" Aug 22, 2002 7:54am
Can you please disclose all the details of you lease?
$398 a month sounds very good.
Thanks.
Both are great SUVs. Exp has more people/cargo room (do you need 7 seats or have more than 2 adults in a regular basis?), can tow more and has more safety features (side canopy airbags, better crash test rating, and available stability control). Pathy is more nimble, has better quality and reliability record, and resale value is better.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Russ
"Anyhoo - now I have a grand total of 112 miles on it and find that sometimes when it's in first gear and I'm starting off, it hesitates - almost like I'm in neutral. A few times a "whirling" sound has accompanied it, and strangely, the AC stops blowing cold air during these few seconds that it happens. We've been having days in the 90's, so I have the AC usually blowing directly on me, which is why I've noticed it. Any ideas?"
I don't have the hesitation, but I do hear the whirling around 20 or 30 mph and the decrease in the AC. My wife still thinks its my imagination. Anyone else had this problem? What was the cause? I would like to have an idea of what the problem is before the dealer tries to tell me there is nothing wrong.
Another issue that I am unsure of is around 60mph I feel a vibration. Slower or faster it goes away. Also if I turn the OD off it seems to go away. Maybe it is just the engine in to high of a gear for the speed?
Any thoughts anyone may have would be great.
Another question, the fuel computer never seems correct unless I hit the reset button andthen I get an accurate reading, is this the best way to do it? I know my Volvo is always right in that regard.
Love the truck!
I've also noticed while driving that the AC "cycles" - going from cold to barely cool, to cold - constantly. I thought perhaps it was because I had the auto climate set and it thought it was 72 degrees in the car (which I doubt since it was 95 degrees outside and I hadn't been out that long), so I turned the auto off. It didn't SEEM to cycle as much, but it still cycled.
I haven't had time to take it into the shop, but I'll be doing it next week. I'll let you know what they tell me - hopefully it's not a "feature" )
Replaced orafice tube, O-ring at condenser, and the low pressure switch. They evacuated and recharged the system.
They couldn't duplicate the whirring noise - hopefully whatever they fixed AC-wise fixed it. I only drove it home, but it seemed to be OK. I'll be taking it down to Atlanta and back in a couple of days and will see how it goes.
Hopefully it's fixed
what matters is how close to the wholesale price the dealer paid you get. use whatever report services you feel comfortable with (edmunds, CR, etc.) if you really get close to a car and a package of gimmees so you know what they are paying, what the average retail price is expected to be, and dicker. have you checked your credit yet, so you can stand them down and still have an expectation that they will make the last move into your price zone? the last of the month is a good time to wrangle with dealers, and especially with the 0 percent financing deals going away end of this month, if you're going fishing, know if your bait is good.
I seem to remember that 92% of sticker was what CR figured the exploders were going for this year. not including advertising zone office fees, transport from the factory, tax, title, and license, expect the dealer is NOT going to go below something like $350-500 over the wholesale in the worst case, and if sales have been strong maybe even up to $1000 over wholesale. they gotta eat, too. and company paybacks etc. are included in those estimates I have heard over the years.
good one ;-)
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
In case your wondering, there are still some great deals available on 2002 Explorers. I was going to wait until March 2003 and get a new model, but the 0% finance deal for 60 months is too good to pass up. The only catch is that you have to be flexible with your equipment/colors. I was originally looking for a EB without any options, wound up with:
2002 Explorer XLT (Gold/Tan Interior)
- Leather
- 3rd Row Seat
- Aux climate control
- Safety Canopy System
- 6 CD Changer
- Adjustable Pedals
- Reverse Sensing System
- Trailer Tow Pkg
Sticker for the vehicle was $33,100. Paid $30,300 for the vehicle (not including NC State Sales tax). I also opted for Ford Credit's GAP insurance for $250. Final transaction price of $31,521.
I financed that for 0% for 60 months. I figure I've saved over $5,000 in Interest charges over the period. As long as you are planning to keep the vehicle for the duration, the depreciation factor (you've already lost 1 year as it's now 2003 model year) is a non factor.
Happy Explorer Hunting.
1. They changed the middle seat in the back without warning (or I might have bot an '02). On the '02, the back folds down neatly into the floor after the seat is flipped up. The kids can use the middle then as a little table. Now it won't fold flat at all because they added a 3 point seat belt.
2. The rear hatch window will only close if pressure is applied DIRECTLY to the center over the Mercury logo. I noticed a neighbor's '02 Explorer and it appears that Ford changed the entire closing mechanism...but it only "catches" when you apply the pressure as noted or "slam" it shut with extreme force.
Any comments?
Daryll40, Pittsburgh
It mentioned that the middle rear seat (the 20% portion of the 40-20-40 rear seat has a "large plastic storage bin and elastic-bound slot".
I just got my Explorer this weekend (build date of 3/02) and I do not see what they are referring to?
The middle rear cushion does not fold forward, just the seatback of the middle folds forward. I peered under the middle rear seat and do not see any storage container.
Am I missing something, or was this feature deleted mid year due to cost cutting? Does anyone else have this mysterious rear center storage bin on their truck?
I am looking at 2003 Explorers and Expeditions but I will wait until Oct to see if they sweeten the deal. Does this info ever leak out ahead of time?
Thanks for any rumors or insight.
I believe that this feature must only be included on Eddie Bauer, Limited and Mountaineer models. It is not on my XLT. The review I read where it first mentioned this hidden storage area dealt with the First Drives of an Eddie Bauer and Mountaineer models.
Oh well, I guess you've got to get something for the $$ premium for those trim levels.
Another reason to stick with Ford over the competition.
Nissan used to have the keypad option on its Maximas. Another option they had that I never thought I'd like, loved, then they stopped, was the windows that rolled down with the keyfob. In Hotlanta, that sure was nice!
I have the 2002 EB and since I haven't actually LOOKED for it, I don't know if I have storage bin! When (if) it stops raining, I'll check. My seats don't fold as flat as my Pathfinder, but I also had to do more to get them down (remove headrest, lift up seat, then fold back down). There's rarely anything I need to lay completely flat anyway.
Does anyone know where I can find a cargo net for the EX? My hill is VERY steep and as a result, groceries come crashing down. I've been putting them in the back seat, but that's a pain to load and unload. I still have mine from the Pathy, but there's no where to hook it up I can also leave the 3rd seat up and wedge things in there, but I have trouble seeing as well out the back with the seat up. Thanks!