2011 Explorer: Ford Dealing With SUV Withdrawal?

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

It’s been written at least a few times here at TTAC that crossovers are the methadone of SUV addiction, and Ford is proving the point, as it prepares to launch its 2011 Explorer. Once one of the most popular SUVs in America, the Explorer is going to a unibody chassis, and the reactions to teaser images on Facebook show that America is still struggling with its SUV addiction. Facebook reactions [in gallery below] show a mixed reaction to the Explorer’s new crossover-inspired look, including unfavorable comparisons to such “cute utes” as the Honda CR-V. Ford is reacting with a video [above] which describes the Explorer as a “21st Century SUV” that offers “do anything, go anywhere” capability. Which is funny, considering that the original Explorer was never exceptional at either off-road or on-road capability. But hey, who ever said that addiction was a logical choice?



Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Reclusive_in_nature Reclusive_in_nature on Jun 29, 2010

    Addicted, huh? I think the term you're looking for is POPULAR.

  • Carve Carve on Jun 29, 2010

    I think I'll like it. I was interested in the flex as a gear-hauler, but 1) my wife hates the styling and 2) I'd like a little more ground clearance for rutted dirt roads and for snow. Looks like a winner, and the Explorer is finally optimized for what people actually use if for. It will crowd out the flex though. I saw put those sliding doors on, raise the rough a few inches and make it a minivan with style.

  • SilverHawk During the time of the annual model year changes, Motor Trend would do a Preview edition that included actual pencil drawings of new grills and taillights, along with whatever spy photos they had. Those pencil drawings were supplied by the manufacturers. At the time, I had friends at AMC and Ford who made these drawings available to MT.
  • Todd Reasland "For the SV, the FWD starts at $23,680 and AWD adds $25,330. " Yikes...25K more to get AWD? :)
  • 1995 SC I think it's different now and the manufacturers just sort of leak them to the desired automotive "influencers" but it is still interesting with some cars. The C8 was a good example because it was such a radical change.
  • ECurmudgeon One wonders why they didn't just go with a fleet of RHD Ford Transits, but the answer is, of course, "money."
  • RHD Part XXXIV.Talk about whipping a dead horse!
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