I think the new Explorer is likely to be a very successful SUV. I think the main reason the former generation sales began to slump is because the majority of customers did not want a 'truck' based platform. Just look at the growth of the market for unibody type SUV/crossovers. I tested a 2002 Explorer when I turned in my '99 Windstar but did not like the ride. Spent the next 10 years and my $$ on 3 Highlanders. Now I have someone to take over the remaining 2 1/2 years of the lease on my '09 and have ordered the new Ex Limited. I think Ford will bring others into the fold as well with this Explorer. Those who oppose change usually get left behind.
See, the problem is, I'm a Ford man. Always have been. I don't plan to change my loyalty any time soon. I just won't be buying any "new" Fords until either
A: I can afford it...don't hold your breath
or
B: Ford starts building cars/SUV's that "I" want.
I want REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE and at least the option of a V-8 engine in a mid-size SUV. Ford no longer offers such a product. The Expedition is too big for what I would use it for. But Jeep (Grand Cherokee), Dodge (Durango), Nissan (Pathfinder), Kia (Borego), and Toyota (4-Runner) do. But I want a Ford. So I'm $hit outta luck.
I also want a REAR-Wheel-Drive, V-8 powered, 4-door sedan with a good 4-wheel independent suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes. But Ford doesn't offer such a product (not in the USA anyway). Chrysler (300), Dodge (Charger), Cadillac (CTS/STS), just about any BMW/Mercedes/Jaguar/Lexus/Infiniti, and even Hyundai for God's sake, offer just what I'm looking for. But I'm a Ford man. So what do I do? I drive 15 year old vehicles because that's all I can afford and all I can find that are still made by Ford and still REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE. Ford sucks a$$ for guys like me.
:I would not even consider the thought of even entertaining the notion of even thinking about purchasing an '11 Flexplorer. It's wrong-wheel-drive with a sideways mounted engine. That precludes any chance that I would ever be interested in buyng one...ever.
But you're right, in 15 years there is a chance...an extremely minute chance...that Ford may have something that I want. But if their current offernings is any indication, I seriously doubt it.
First, because I love my Explorer. Second, I'll still have a family and friends in 15 years (assuming I'm still among the living) and will need to cary people and things around. My Explorer is absolutely perfect for everything I use it for. I have a Lincoln Mark VIII with a 300+hp DOCH 4.6L V-8 that I love to drive. But I would rather drive my Exploder. I just love it. It's what "I" prefer. The new flexplorer doesn't offer what I want.
And gee. I guess Jeep, Dodge, Nissan, Kia, Toyota, and many others must be cutting their own throats by going against 21st century marketing and actually offering people a RWD/4x4 SUV with a V-8 and actual capabilities. That's suicide in today's market. Nobody buys SUV's anymore. Everybody buys crossovers. Nobody buys RWD V-8 powered anything anymore. Everybody buys FWD 4-bangers nowadays. Any car company who would dare introduce a new RWD vehicle with a V-8 must be totally insane and have a deathwish. RWD is dead. The V-8 is dead. Somebody better tell Cadillac, Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Lexus, Infiniti, Hyundai, Land Rover, Toyota, Nissan, Kia, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and all those other crazy car companies that sitll put V-8's in their archaic RWD vehicles. They're going to go straight outta business!
That is what most of us are doing. This individual seems to be a very closed minded, not open to change or the possibility he may be wrong. I can imagine him being on the Titanic saying, why all the commotion, it's only a leak!!
