Ask The Best And Brightest: Would You Recommend A Ford Explorer?

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Despite being on something of a roll product-wise, Ford has just experienced its second run-in with Consumer Reports, which failed to give Ford’s new Explorer a coveted “recommended” rating. Why? CR explains its decision in Automotive News [sub] thusly

“The engine is a little noisy, handling is secure but lacks agility, and the driving position is flawed,” the magazine says.

“The optional ‘MyFord Touch’ control interface is over-complicated and distracting,” the magazine says, echoing ongoing complaints about Ford’s family of in-vehicle communications systems.

But there’s more.

“The six-speed automatic is not the smoothest out there and wants to hold on to higher gears too long. It was sometimes slow to downshift and overly aggressive engine braking slowed the Explorer going down hills unless we gave the gas pedal a prod.

“An optional Terrain Management system for the all-wheel-drive system lets you dial in various terrain types such as snow and sand, and it alters throttle, brake and torque split between front and rear wheels accordingly.”

Finally, the latest Explorer is too new to be recommended, the magazine says.

But here’s the kicker: as our “Crossover Report” proves, the Explorer killed the competition last month, outselling every other midsized and large CUV on the market. So, is CR right to rate products like Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Ford Flex, Acura MDX, Volkswagen Touareg, Hyundai Veracruz, Subaru Tribeca, Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-9 higher than Explorer? Or is this yet another example of CR’s well-disguised but often-noted bias against American cars? Is CR right about the Explorer, or is the market?

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Z71_Silvy Z71_Silvy on May 13, 2011

    I have to agree with the VAST majority of people in the comments. The so-called "new" Explorer is severely over rated and I would personally choose the models from Chrysler (Grand Cherokee/Durango) over the Explorer. Those vehicles are complete, finished and they have soul. Let's face it...the Explorer is around simply because Ford wanted something to stick the Explorer name to. They already had a poor selling, seven seat crossover on the market...the Flex. As a result, Ford clearly cut corners with the Explorer (terrible looking exterior, drab and mediocre interior, etc). And as a person who has 4 computers...I'm not afraid of technology. To me, the MyFord Touchy things is America's answer to BMW's iDrive. Terribly complicated, doesn't work in the cold, etc. Most of Ford's technology is not thought out or well designed. It's technology for technology's sake. The Explorer is a half-assed product. It's mediocre at best.

    • See 1 previous
    • Z71_Silvy Z71_Silvy on May 13, 2011

      @MikeAR No. if you actually took the time to read what I typed, you would have read that I would buy the superior Grand Cherokee or Durango.

  • Sgt Beavis Sgt Beavis on May 13, 2011

    You know how I know you're gay? Because you listen to Coldplay. Seriously pull this dude's mancard...

    • Jerseydevil Jerseydevil on May 15, 2011

      well that was certainly offensive. To the editor, i thought u were gonna edit this sort of personal attack?

  • TrailerTrash TrailerTrash on May 14, 2011

    For all those above bashing and praising CR, take a breath. There is nothing you can do about it regardless of your position. CR has attained a level where they get quoted on every car press release...right or wrong. I feel sorry for the general public buyer IF that is where he/she goes for the final vote on their purchase. CR is terrible at providing trusted information on a purchase. You want proof…you only have my experience with them. Point in FACT! I purchased a few things based upon the CR rating and since then have wiped them from my trusted sources. Their LG refrigerator has cost me hundreds in repairs. Likewise, smaller purchases such as camcorders and such faired a little better…but not much. Their rating on the Goodyear Triple Tread forced me into Michelin replacements at just 20K miles. Now THAT was costly. However, I could not take the poor wear on my Trailblazer or the noise on my Mazda3 Hatch. What would YOU call how CR cost me these problems??? I call it poor and biased and the reason they are wiped from my resource base. They simply do not know what they are talking about with reliability!!! Their top vote for the Taurus yet poor rating on the MKS is based upon what? The extra money spent? That's ridiculous since the MKS cuddles you with such added comforts and luxury ONLY those spending time in understand. So..., yes...they are biased here. And if you are biased once, where does the bias stop? Where does the trust go from there? So to end this...CR cannot be trusted as a source, so why the fuss?

  • The Mockingbird The Mockingbird on May 15, 2011

    I don't have an opinion on the new Ford Explorer - I have never driven one. But I have joined the ranks of those with a love hate relatonship with CR. It is a very frustrating consumer magazine. My experience with it has been that it was spot on for some items I have bought, but dead wrong on others. I really can't fathom why. It seems like they put an honest effort into pretty objective, and, on the surface, impartial testng. What gives? In the end, I came up with the same conclusion as anchke - their focus is on objective measures. Unfortunately, objective measures are only as good as how they are defined and how they are chosen. For example, an objective measure chosen may favour product A more than B, C and D right from the outset. That, I think is the crux of the problem I have with their reports. Sometimes, it almost seems like they have set out with a preconceived idea about what they like, put some measures into their reviews to test that and unfortunately, fullfil their prophecy. I haven't given up on CR. I still look up their stats and numbers whenever I consider any big ticket item. It's just that my previously idolised respect for them has been tarnished too many times for it to remain perched on top of that pedestal. Of course, it is not government legisted mandatory reading. They have done it the way they have always done it and will continue to conduct their reviews the same way. But we have a choice as to whether we read it or not, and if we do, how much faith we put on their findings. What I don't like is how it is oft quoted as almost a "guarantee" that if it is CR recommended, it must be good. Boy, have I had my wallet burnt previosly for thinking that. On the other hand, their information have been pretty crucial in making other purchase decisions.

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