11 explorer ruined?

[burchesss]

although I am not a fan of the appearance of th 2011 explorers, I am curious if they tossed the full frame for a unibody platform. I know they went from rwd to fwd as the base driveline... I thougt we already had a ford edge, why build the explorer the same way? I still like my truck based suvs.

 

[peterk9]

although I am not a fan of the appearance of th 2011 explorers, I am curious if they tossed the full frame for a unibody platform. I know they went from rwd to fwd as the base driveline... I thougt we already had a ford edge, why build the explorer the same way? I still like my truck based suvs.

The 2011 Explorer shares the same unibody frame that is used by the Taurus and Flex. It is a very comfortable riding vehicle and the main reason I have one. The truck based one was too hard a ride for my liking and that is why I spent the past 10 years driving Toyota Highlanders before coming back to Ford. The consumer market was looking for change and Ford built what the majority wanted. Apparently sales are through the roof!

 

[SWEET ST]

Change is hard to accept, but this one was for the best ! It's the best explorer ever smooth ride plenty of space and lots of toys just hoped that the mft did not have so much issues but ford will get that fixed soon. I love mine's

 

[peterk9]

although I am not a fan of the appearance of th 2011 explorers, I am curious if they tossed the full frame for a unibody platform. I know they went from rwd to fwd as the base driveline... I thougt we already had a ford edge, why build the explorer the same way? I still like my truck based suvs.

Also, just to add to my previous post, the towing capacity of the Edge is 3500lbs vs 5000lbs for the Ex (properly equipped) and the Edge has seating for 5 vs 7 in the Explorer. The Ex also has the Terrain Management Sytem which the Edge does not.

 

[1995E]

You know, I've come to accept the fact that it is of unibody construction. I realized there's nothing I'm going to be doing that will bend the whole car or something the wrong way or cause the body to fail (If that's even why people say unibody is not as strong). The unibody construction has provided such a soft ride that my mom has stopped getting carsick.

I'm just concerned about accidents where the body on frame 2nd Gen Explorer I had sustained little to no damage in 7 rear end collisions, but that's what insurance is for.

 

[182RG]

I still like my truck based suvs.

Fortunately, more people dislike them. The fact that Ford moved to this platform is why we purchased an '11.

 

[peterk9]

You know, I've come to accept the fact that it is of unibody construction. I realized there's nothing I'm going to be doing that will bend the whole car or something the wrong way or cause the body to fail (If that's even why people say unibody is not as strong). The unibody construction has provided such a soft ride that my mom has stopped getting carsick.

I'm just concerned about accidents where the body on frame 2nd Gen Explorer I had sustained little to no damage in 7 rear end collisions, but that's what insurance is for.

The engineers must have done something right. The 2011 is the first Explorer to earn the IIHS Top Safety rating! It ranked 4th out of 11 that earned the ranking for mid sized SUV's. The Edge was 3rd and the Flex 5th.
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/summary.aspx?class=55

 

[X6StringerX]

I don't mind the unibody construction so much as the FWD based driveline. If Ford would have either stuck to the RWD based driveline with their 4WD or offered an AWD version as opposed to a 4WD version, I would strongly consider one. With that being said, I don't really have a need for a 7-passenger vehicle and would be much more apt to buy an Escape if they offered an AWD version of it. For now, my only option with Ford that meets my personal criteria is the Edge and, don't get me wrong, I really like them. In fact, my wife and I test drove an MKX a couple of weeks ago. The fuel economy in the Edge and MKX is less than desireable, but the vehicles themselves are very nice in terms of fit and finish. C'mon Ford, put the new 2.0 Ecoboost in an Escape and offer an AWD version. I promise I'll be the first in line to buy one.

 

[gdecamp]

Came from a 2004 4runner Limited to the 2011 Explorer Limited....will NEVER go back the other way!!:thumbdwn:

 

[1995E]

I agree, I would prefer RWD for the Explorer. It's probably because of weight savings that they are doing it. Although, the AWD has power going to the rear wheels under 20 MPH so I guess it's partially RWD. Still, I'd rather have oversteer than understeer.

 

[sdm9465]

I don't mind the unibody construction so much as the FWD based driveline. If Ford would have either stuck to the RWD based driveline with their 4WD or offered an AWD version as opposed to a 4WD version, I would strongly consider one.

Well, I'm pretty sure the 2011 Explorer's "4WD" is really AWD. It doesn't have a high/low range transfer case like in previous years. My understanding is that because of the terrain management system they simply decided to call it 4WD to make it sound more off road capable than AWD.

 

[gman123]

I am very pleased with mine.
Perfect for road trips, commuting to and from work, and dirt roads.

I realize that this is no rock crawler, but when I used to go on the Rubicon, I took a 1994 Wranger.

 

[burchesss]

Let me be clear

Dont get me wrong, I never said it was not a good or great vehicle. but to me it is not an explorer, unibody suvs are nothing new, and are great for the way most people use them. many (grand cherokee) are very capible off road machines. But I use and need the high low transfer case. and as I live on a long dirt road, I will gladly sacrifise a little ride comfort for the solid feel and durability of the boxed frame on my 02. as a mechanic I wish the 02 still had a solid rear axle rather than the IRS with many more parts to fail, (and less strength). To me it reminds me of chevy puting the nova name on a fwd toyota, or mercury puting couger on a sport compact. I proudly admit that I am not the avarage consumer, and still want manual locking hubs floor shifted tranfer cases and for the love of God put the dimmer switch back in the floorboard where it belongs. And I will never buy a toyota or any forein car even if it is assembled in the USA becase the profets still go to japan and our economy has enough problems. My 02 is a salvege rebuild, and despite a good crash safety rateing I have never seen a unibody hold up as well as a frame in a colision. And the unibody tends to flex more as they age espessialy if you do alot of towing, or rough terain driving. I will admit the towing capacity, and mpg are impresive but its not for me Hope you all enjoy yours, and I hope the new "explorer" helps to further Fords improving image. (ps. yes I realize I cant spell, and no my computer will not download the spell check for this forum)

 

[BethesdaEC]

I don't plan on rock crawling or pulling stumps (I own a backhoe for that), but I do need the ability to get to work during a heavy snow and pick my critical employees no matter what. I can also buy a trailer and haul my 3,800lbs tractor if I so desire. The vehicle does all this, is incredibly comfortable and gets good fuel economy to boot. I don't see a ruined vehicle at all.

 

[GTMD]

although I am not a fan of the appearance of th 2011 explorers, I am curious if they tossed the full frame for a unibody platform. I know they went from rwd to fwd as the base driveline... I thougt we already had a ford edge, why build the explorer the same way? I still like my truck based suvs.

I know those who loved the feel of the heavier truck frame are not to happy with the unibody,it beats the alternative,no Explorer at all.Alan Mulally said the Explorer was gone unless it was put on a diet.The diet included doing away with the heavy truck frame and drive train.Unibody and front wheel drive took much of the wieght off.So,myself,I am very happy to still be able to own the next generation of a lighter Explorer.Better this great vehicle than none at all.

 

[JDraper]

Sigh...Rick's comment was not about no disagreement or negative opinions on the vehicle, it's about the bashing that was going on. We can easily discuss the merits/issues with the vehicle without bashing but some continue to try and make it a pissing match..