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Comments
Who else comes close to matching the Explorer in both utility and family-friendliness? How many Pilots do you see pulling a bass boat or even a U-Haul? I've hooked a trailer to our 04 Mountaineer several times and it is always more than capable - even with the V6.
I think Ford has hit another homerun with this new Explorer. My prediction is that if gas prices go back down even a little bit, Ford may well set a sales record with this new Explorer.
Gee, ya think??!! In case you haven't noticed, Honda and Toyota SUV sales have fallen off a cliff, too - Honda still has plenty of '05 Pilots sitting on dealer lots collecting dust while the '06's are sitting in back. Pilot sales are down 26% year-over-year in Honda's latest sales report. The downturn in SUV sales is impacting all carmakers, not just Ford.
As for the "designed for females" remark - whatever that means - that's only "obvious" to you. Nobody in their right mind buys an SUV if MPG is a major concern, so, if the less powerful Honda and Toyota's SUV's would suit you better, then go for it.
And comparing and Explorer with a Pilot ? - get real. The Pilot nice a nice car for your wife, with it's "adequate" V-6 power and minivan-based ride. But the Explorer will out-haul, out-tow and can go many places place your Pilot would get stuck in. That is, if you want a real SUV, not one based on a minivan platform , ala the Pilot. The '06 Explorer interior is largely based on the very successful F-150 series design. It almost too lacey-britches IMO, and maybe that will appeal to the ladies more.
The Pilot and Explorer are really made for two audiences. When the Explorer has a little mud on it, it looks like it's been doing what is was designed for. When the Pilot has mud on it, it just looks dirty -and gosh, what would the neighbors think with a dirty Pilot in your dirveway?!?. Must have driven through a puddle in the Barnes and Noble parking lot!
As someone said earlier, the Pilot is fine car for general driving and weekend trips to the Home Depot, but leave the real work that an SUV was designed for to an Explorer. IF your buying an SUV just to sit up high and look cool, look elsewhere. There are lots of converted mommy-mobiles made to look like SUV's that may appeal to you. The Explorer isn't one of them - although it it still the best selling SUV in history...and now more powerful AND quieter than a Pilot. Gosh darn that Ford!
I've had 5 of the Explorers since 94, they're so awful.
1) Explorer in a beautiful clean outdoor scene with a blue sky and a few clouds
2) Accord Hybrid in a dirty industrial site photo with a smoggy sky
3) Voice over which asks "Do you want a vehicle with lower emissions? Then asks "Did you know that the new Ford Explorer has lower emissions than the Honda Accord Hybrid?"
4) Then more about the Explorer
hah sitting in front of a ford explorer in traffic. somewhat dark fumes exiting from the honda, going into the explorer, and exiting the back of the explorer as a lighter color.
The 06 Explorer is rated at the same low emissions standard as the Ford Hybrid Escape and lower than the Honda Accord Hybrid.
I like the simplicity of the Pilot options. Ford seems to have so many options, and many of the Explorers come with a sunroof which seemed to cut down on my headroom. The cabin (especially the back seat) made me feel slightly claustrophobic in the Explorer w/ sunroof.
I test drove a Pilot and really liked it. As a big guy, 6' 4", it has plenty of room, more leg room and head room. Very nice. I must say after sitting in the 06 Explorer, the front is comfy, and I like the look of the SUV and chrome. I was not wild about the fake leather on the doors or center console, and the handle on the door was also tough to grab. Maybe after I drive it for a while, I will get used to the handle.
My question is how is the quality of a Ford Explorer? Will it hold up as good as a Honda Pilot?
So, it depends on what you want - you decide.
Just look at how many 10 year old Explorers you see out on the road.
The big issue is going to be what you'll use it for. If it's going to strictly be mom's taxi then just go with what you like the best. (I personally think the Explorer is a much nicer looking vehicle. IMO there is nothing exciting about the Pilot.)
On the other hand, if you think you're going to be pulling a trailer I'd go with the Explorer. BTW, the Explorer with a V8 and tow package can pull two Pilots. One Pilot can't pull another.
Gas mileage might also be a factor to consider. I know the new Explorers are supposed to get better than the older ones, but I don't know how they compare with the Pilot.
(Used to have a 2001 Ford Escape XLT 4x4 V6)
1st off... I LOVE IT!!
The ride (smooth but firm, not floaty luxo barge), the V8 power, (mileage is better than expected for brand new break-in), space (wow lots of cargo space!), comfort (seats are great and seat heaters!), stereo (full range and a nice bump-bump)....
Easy to drive and park (reverse sensor is very handy)
Steering wheel controls AWESOME!!
Needs attention...
Tailgate rattle at slower speeds (to be completed)
Over sensitive passenger seat belt (to be completed)
Wish was designed a little different..
"angle" or bend of turn/wiper stalk (too much bend and too high, but getting used to it).
Wish the center storage console was a little larger (was in the Escape)
Garage door opener storage in overhead (with a sunroof, not an option... was in the Escape..)
Why since the shifter was moved to center console, could the wiper stalk NOT be moved to the right side of steering wheel?
More to come soon....
OTOH, you don't see too many 20 old Explorers out there, because Ford didn't start making the Explorer until 91. You do see a ton of 15 year old Explorers still out there though, and you can't find one in a junkyard. I tried, when I had my 94 with 140,000 miles on it last year. There were none anywhere in the county.
and about the junkyard thing, no comment on that since I have never needed to look for anything in the junkyard.
Quiet, Outstanding transmission, excellent paint job, (Cashmere) decent ride & handling, excellent fit & finish.
Something that baffles me is the location of the overdrive on/off switch. It is ergonomically AWFUL!! Tomorrow I will make a serious effort to relocate it to a position that doesn't require contortions of my right hand/wrist.
Does anyone else have thoughts on this?
How long is your right thumb?
However, one glaring drawback: The tone quality of the voice guidance is atrocious! Sounds tinny, like from the cheapest speakers made. It's very difficult to understand the street name that 'she' announces. It's so cheap sounding that I'm embarrassed to demonstrate the system to friends.
I've driven one other '06 Mountaineer with Nav. Same sound.
I believe the Pioneer aftermarket system is essentially the same: http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/article/0,,2076_3149_269505659,00.html
A bit pricey, eh? I saw it advertized in today's paper for $1695.
let me guess - its not on the transmission shifter stalk where it should be?
English
Spanish
French
English is marginally more informative for me than the other two.
Try resting your palm on top of a yardstick and see how far down the stick your thumb will reach.
Probably OK for Shaq, but my thumb falls an inch short of even touching the button.
I do have a fix, however.
I can post a couple of photos if someone tells me how.
An inadvertent play on words, NV?
and when i drive, i don't like to rest my hand on the tranny shifter, whether it's a manual or auto. not saying you do or you don't, just saying it's the way how i drive. and when i need to turn on and off the O/D, i'd just reach for the switch.
but then everyone is diff and of course you're entitled to your opinion. :shades:
I like the door release, but one thing I'm confident the engineers didn't consider (but my wife detected immediately) is the inability to control the outward swing of the door once unlatched from the inside. A hand grip in the arm rest would help a lot. (A wood block attached to top of arm rest with drywall screws? Nah; doesn't meet my standards for sanitary.)
We've become acclimated to the location of the handle for closing the door from the inside. Just takes a bit of habit forming.
The 2006 Mountaineer has a few warts, but really is an excellent vehicle and I'm very pleased with it.
About 50 of my first 100 miles were on washboard mountain roads. No rattles before or after. Also, it does an exceptional job of smoothing out the washboard.
Does the 6 cyl have enough power for the hills and passing? I don't intend to tow anything so I don't really need the lower MPG V8.
Trying to decide between a Pilot and another Mountaineer. My '97 Mountaineer has served me well but at today's gas prices, MPG is a concern. I know that SUVs will never be economy cars but some are better than others.
Thanks.
i would have to move up in vehicle size to at least match that feature. looking at plan b if i change vehicles.