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2011 Ford Explorer

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Comments

  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    AND, NHTSA investigated fully, and determined it was the faulty Firestone tires that caused the rollovers. IE; the Explorer did not roll over on other brands. WWest hates Fords, so his bias always defaults to blame Ford.
  • safety9285safety9285 Member Posts: 88
    He must have a lot of time on his hands. I started to review this forum in order to get information on buying one of these vehicles. WWEST has made this another useless forum. Unless the moderators correct incorrect inforamtion on the posts there is no reason to visit here to gather information.

    I do know that the new Explorer could not be different than the old one. So far what I have seen it like night and day.
  • fawltytowers44fawltytowers44 Member Posts: 58
    WWest knows the problems were not with the Explorer but with the Firestone tires. Firestone recalled tens of thousands of their tires as a result of this issue and settled law suits running into the millions.

    He has posted similar disinformation on other sites in regard to other issues as well. Worse; he has sometimes made recommendations to people to make modifications or alterations to their vehicles that would void the warranty, damage their vehicle and/or compromise their safety.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,293
    edited August 2011
    If you buy the crossbars and want to install them yourself, I can you some installation hints.
    You can pop the rear rail covers off without a screwdriver.
    Just pull them straight up form the back.
    If you look at the sliders that connect the cross bars from the front or back, they have an 'H' shape.
    One vertical part of the goes inside the rail and the other outside.
    I tried to put the whole piece except the nubs that connect the cross bars inside of the roof rails. Big mistake.
    The crossbars have the word 'Front' and 'Back' lightly embossed on the top right side.
    If you do it right, it's about 15 minute job.
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Andy - what color are the cross bars? Also how are they shaped and what diameter? I have a Yakima roof box I want to use and the Yakima site shows it will work with the factory bars before I order.

    It seems no dealer has them in stock so I can look at them.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,293
    The cross bars are black and are kind of tear drop shaped from the front edge to the back.
    The have a bit of a bow shape from side to side.
    They look just like This
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Thanks. Have you attached anything to them yet?
  • brwndoggybrwndoggy Member Posts: 41
    Does anyone know if Ford is going to increase production for MY 2012 or keep it controlled as is since it's working for them, rolling out more limiteds than xlt's along with high margin options?

    Glad to see they are a healthy company and am happy to wait for the new model to get kinks worked out.
  • occupant1occupant1 Member Posts: 412
    edited August 2011
    It's irritating to me, because all we want is a Kona Blue XLT with 201A, power liftgate, and we're still on the fence whether to wait for the unknown quality EcoBoost or take the known quantity of the V6. No leather allowed. That's why we can't get a Limited (which has the power liftgate and the 201A package goodies).

    I've found them here and there. Luckily Texas Ford dealers have a site where you can search them all, so if there's one just right way out in El Paso or down in McAllen, I'll be able to see it easily!
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    That is up to the dealers as to what they order. If the dealers want more limiteds then that's what Ford will build.

    If you want something specific just have the dealer order it exactly the way you want it. Should only take 5-8 weeks.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    edited August 2011
    Has anybody read the review on MT?

    I've been following reviews since I was young...never read such a scathing review. I got the distinct impression that if they had the opportunity they would do the folks at Ford bodily harm for producing such a terrible product.

    This was the review with the Ecoboost

    I haven't compared the Explorer to the competition...are there only fans here or do some agree with that review?
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    edited January 2011
    Apparently Ford refused to pay for the TOTY award and now they're seeking retribution. There is no other good explanation for their vitriole. MT is the last magazine I'd use for an objective review (not that the rest are much better).

    Their first drive impression was good (before the TOTY contest). After the TOTY contest it did a 180.

    Go drive it yourself and make up your own mind.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    I'm skeptical myself.... I'm in the market for a 2012 Limited myself right now, and am going for the 6. 1 more mpg is not nearly enough incentive to pay $995 more for the 4cyl Eco, with less power and more risk.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,293
    edited August 2011
    MT locked themselves into hating it after their first review.
    If you opt for the upgraded electronics, there is a learning curve, just because there are so many ways to do things.
    For example, with MyFord Touch, if you want to change the fan speed, you can use the rotary knob, the main screen after bringing up the climate control view, the screen to the right on the speedometer using the steering wheel control buttons, or by voice control.
    Also, the seating position is different than a lot of other vehicles, so you sit more upright. If you are like me and put the seat in low position, the leg room seems cramped, the door sill seems high and there is a ton of headroom.
    I raised the seat, never have done this before, and it becomes more normal.
    Look at the incentives, which one has the least?
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,293
    I have a pretty big Thule cargo box. It's about 7 ft long, weighs 44lbs and holds 18 cubic feet.
    Had a lot of problems with it moving around the first time I used it, better but still figuring it out after the second time.
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • a4b5a4b5 Member Posts: 17
    Do you have the link to this site where you can search all dealer inventory? Looking for a 4wd explorer in TX and am having trouble finding anything.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    ford.com
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited October 2011
    If you have 2011 Explorer questions, please pick it up here:

    2011 Ford Explorer
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    A reporter is interested in talking with someone who considered buying a small car, but instead bought a Ford, GM or Chrysler SUV or truck after deciding that the size sacrifice wasn't worth the savings at the pump. If your experience fits this description, please send a brief overview and contact information to pr@edmunds.com by Sunday 11/27.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Most (st,d)ealers, at the beginning/introduction of a new model, year, etc, will only order fully loaded models initially... and why not...

    But it could be that those (st,d)dealers have now found that a Ford Explorer on a FWD "base" (Taurus X, FreeStyle) is a bit if a hard sell. In that case it is much easier to sell "stripped" down, "CHEAP", models to the unwary, unknowledageable.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited November 2011
    Please, let's not continue down this line any more. No one is going to change anyone's mind around here anyway.

    Real life incidents don't appear to support the arguments. When the NHTSA weights in, we can open a whole topic devoted to the subject. Or heck, knock yourselves out over in 4WD & AWD systems explained.

    Back on topic, is anyone test driving or buying a new Explorer?
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Back on topic, is anyone test driving or buying a new Explorer?

    Yes, drove one (ecoboost) as a potential replacement for our 2005 mini-van.

    I loved how it drove, and the very generous head room (6'3"). I thought the dash interface that everybody hates was very intuitive and easy to use. I was expecting something harsh and buzzy but was very surprised how refined it was.

    The price just ended up too high when we added all the options...even with the rebates...or more accurately you can get a new mini-van equipped better, for cheaper; if you're so inclined to go the mini-van route that is :)
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    edited November 2011
    Irrespective of what Willard said, the Explorers are flying off the lots faster than Ford can make them, so I don't think they're much of a hard sell.

    And, thusly, I recently bought one for the Misses, have almost 5,000 miles on it, and two road trips. It is the Limited with everything you can get. I love the Touch that some people are "touchy" about, although, true to the maker who provides it (Microsoft), it does crash once in a while, but will reboot if you restart the car and give it a minute. It's easy to use, attractive, and very functional. As for the drive, it's amazing. Compared to the other 7 Explorers we have owned, it's a dream to drive on a trip. Even after an 800 mile day, I feel fine. It's larger than the former model, quite a bit wider. Plenty of power out of the six, don't know about towing yet. May suck then, we'll see. Transmission is buttery smooth. It's actually quieter than my Lexus! I don't know how they did that. 0 wind noise. Very little road noise. Excellent quality inside, leather is rich and substantial, seats very supportive. Third row is extremely versatile. I had my doubts about a FWD platform, but am pleasantly surprised. We'll see how it holds up. My experience has varied with the other 7 I have had. Some have gone for 140,000 miles without a major issue, others not so much. I still believe Ford has the best SUV design first every time, others then copy it. But the Asian makes usually last longer, go further with fewer issues. Still, I buy the Fords because of their engineering and design. And what don't I like about it? The doors open to about 80 degrees, really wide, and they hit my other car in the garage! Grrrrrr. Nice when you're loading the grandbaby in the car seat, murder on the paint of the neighbor..... ;)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Too bad they don't make sliding doors an option on SUVs. So much more practical. Too much stigma I suppose.
  • occupant1occupant1 Member Posts: 412
    texasford.com

    basically you search by your zip code and it'll bring up the closest dealers, much like on the ford.com site, but in the dropdown box, EVERY Ford dealer in Texas is listed, in order, by distance from where you are. You'll also discover there's a LOT more Ford dealers in places you never knew existed!

    I'm just excited the EcoBoost is available. And even on a base model with no other options. $30100 MSRP. But after my wife rented a 2010 Explorer Eddie Bauer for the last month, she's dead set on heated seats and other goodies so we're probably looking at a 205A package XLT or a Limited of some sort. Good news is better color choices and availability with those.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    Then it's not an SUV, Steve!! It's a Minivan, which agreed, is probably the ultimately practical people hauler. But not much good for 4WD.
  • cfalgout2000cfalgout2000 Member Posts: 2
    I also bought a Ford Explorer limited earlier this year. It seems like people either love or hate the vehicle. For us, we absolutely love this vehicle! Very roomy and very comfortable. The only real issue that we have had thus far is that the ABS module shorted out for some unknown reason. It didn't seem <>to affect anything except make some indicators on the console light up. But it was fixed and repaired and nothing else has happened since then. The sync occasionally has trouble understanding my speech, but it's not a regular thing so we're not concerned about it. We are awaiting the update that will be sent after the 1st of the new year with the improvements. Overall, very happy with the vehicle.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Yeah, but think how practical a high clearance SUV would be if you could get sliders on it. And instead of one AWD choice you'd have lots of AWD and 4WD choices.
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Practical but ugly.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    But think of how ridiculous it would look!! Plus, think of the body creak it would have going off road without that B pillar support in the middle. OMG!

    :surprise:
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited November 2011
    Bah, you guys have no imagination. :P

    Oh well, there's always Quigley for when I win the lottery.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    "..But not much good for 4WD.."

    The Toyota Sienna Minivan has the same F/awd system, mechanically, as does the new Ford Exploder. Can't say about the Sienna's firmware control of the F/awd system, it might be better...or worse.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    Or the same.
  • occupant1occupant1 Member Posts: 412
    If it had sliding doors it would be a minivan. And my wife would have a broken heart over it. I don't think Ford has anything with sliding doors anymore save for maybe the Econoline/E-Series. Freestar was killed off after what, 2007? Even the GM "minivans", the Traverse/Acadia/Enclave, they have regular opening doors. Although at the low end of the crossover/wagon/SUV/minivan range, even the little Mazda5 has sliders.

    I like it the way it is. I do wish the power tailgate could be ordered on the base model, though. But with the wife's wishes, a Limited or 205A XLT hunting we will go.
  • nvbankernvbanker Member Posts: 7,239
    I have a 2012 Limited, and highly recommend it. Wonderful road car. Excellent mileage in town, good on road too, if you drive slow, if you push it to 85 like I do, you only get 20mpg. But you'll get 18.5 in town easy. That's 5 more mpg than my 07 Explorer got.
  • anthonytx1anthonytx1 Member Posts: 2
    I think I may have damaged my electrical system during a jumpstart on my 2001 Ford Explorer. My battery was completely drained, While jump starting my vehicle my gauges(rpm) were flickering. This led me to believe i had overflow into my system. My transmission has gone from perfect to shot, along with a few of my electrical systems being on the fritz.

    Advice please.

    Is it possible to have transmission problems due to this?
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    edited January 2012
    Not unless you damaged the PCM itself which is unlikely. I'd try disconnecting both battery cables for a few minutes and touching them together before reconnecting to reset everything.

    It's also possible you have a bad battery and/or alternator so get that checked also.
  • tgoodelltgoodell Member Posts: 19
    Its possible since your transmission is electronically controlled, however, I've never done anything "special" when jump starting my old 2001 Expy. I know some manufacturers recommend things like turning on the rear defroster to help "absorb" any possible surges during jump starting, but I've never done that with my Expy and never had an issue. And if you're seeing issues with several electrical systems, Its possible you may have messed up your General Module which controls things like HVAC, lighting, radio....among others.

    Hope this helps a little.
    Tim
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    +1
  • chuckykchuckyk Member Posts: 7
    Anyone know when the 2013 Sport will be released? Website says "fall"....
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Probably as soon as Ford figures out a fix for the F150 intercooler condensation problem.
  • chuckykchuckyk Member Posts: 7
    Please elaborate...
  • akirbyakirby Member Posts: 8,062
    Please don't.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    I'll second that.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Google:

    F150 ecoboost intercooler fix
  • bigmclargehugebigmclargehuge Member Posts: 377
    edited September 2012
    Google:

    Wwest Ford Ecoboost

    ... and prepare for a riotously good time. :P
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    7 different forums on just the first page.

    wwest - why such hate??
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    I did the search...found a forum where you were arguing the turbo's BOV.

    It didn't seem to have a resolution...or be as entertaining as you insinuated.
  • occupant1occupant1 Member Posts: 412
    There were many people in the 1980s who criticized Chrysler putting turbochargers on the 2.2 and 2.5 engines instead of offering a V6 engine. It was a better solution than the 2.6L Mitsubishi engine which I believe they were able to stop use of by 1986 or so. Eventually by 1987 they offered the 3.0L Mitsubishi V6 until they came out with the 3.3L V6 in what, 1990? They produced the 3.3L engine until 2009? Chrysler waited until they could get it right.

    Ford had a turbocharged, carbureted, 4-cylinder Mustang in the early 80s. They also sold turbocharged Escorts for a SHORT time in 83-84. The Mustang SVO, a very SWEET car, was a 2.3L Turbo with fuel injection from 84-86. Ford used this setup in the Thunderbird Turbo Coupe in 83-88. It was the sole engine for the Merkur XR4Ti. Then they stopped using the Lima 2.3L and had a Mazda 2.2L Turbo in the first gen Probe GT. And barring diesel pickup trucks, that was it from 1992 to now. Ford WAITED until they could get the turbo RIGHT. And it is right, and maybe it'll need some intercooler issues fixed. Maybe it will need some fine tuning. Either way, I'm not crossing the 2.0L EcoBoost off my list because it gives me what I want and need. Excellent mileage, good power, quiet operation.

    Turbochargers make an engine more efficient. PERIOD. It is a complicated, expensive, and some say dirty way to go about it, but if a 140hp 2.0L 4-cylinder engine can have a turbo added and make nearly another hundred horsepower without sacrificing durability, why wouldn't you do it?

    The same goes for the 250hp 3.5L V6 engine, if adding the turbo adds an easy hundred hp's, why not? It's better than suffering crap city mileage with a V8 under the hood.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    My direct manager just (last week) purchased an F150 FX4, but avoided the Turbo 6 because of his 80's experiences with turbos. He said he just didn't trust them, especially long term. His last F150 was 10+ years and over 330k miles so longevity is key with him.

    I drove the 2.0 in the Explorer and thought it was great. There was no indication that it was a turbo or only a 2.0l 4cyl...
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