2011 Ford Explorer!

[peterk9]

Poor Flexplorer. This is what it has to compete with from Dodge for 2011. RWD, Hemi V-8, a real 4x4 system, and awesome style. I suppose the Flexplorer could go over to the Honda CR-V's sandbox and play a little

http://www.dodge.com/en/2011/durango/overview/

I'm assuming the Durango is built on a truck frame, if so, I don't think that Ford has any intention of competing against it on a 1 to 1 basis. Ford has finally come to the right conclusion that the percentage of buyers looking for 'truck' type SUV's is extremely small and getting smaller. I went to the Dodge.ca website here and was unable to even find the Durango so it appears that it will not be available here in Canada.

 

[willied]

I'm assuming the Durango is built on a truck frame, if so, I don't think that Ford has any intention of competing against it on a 1 to 1 basis. Ford has finally come to the right conclusion that the percentage of buyers looking for 'truck' type SUV's is extremely small and getting smaller. I went to the Dodge.ca website here and was unable to even find the Durango so it appears that it will not be available here in Canada.

The new Durango is a unibody, and it's definitely not going to be a good off roader. Don't let thaywood mislead you, the Explorer will be a superior vehicle in pretty much every way.

 

[NHarris]

Why would the Flexplorer need a real spare tire? Nobody's going to be using these things for anything more than going to the grocery store or taking the kids to soccer practice. They'll never see any real SUV action. So what's the point? A donut or a can of slime should do the trick. Fortunately, my Explorer has a full size spare. Of course, it's a real SUV unlike the imitation Flexplorer.

For a full size spare tire someone can design a spare tire holder like the 96 Broncos had. Or a safari rack to hold a spare tire.

Someone's bound to make a 2011 Explorer an off-roader.

EDIT: The new Durango looks...HORRIBLE

 

[thaywood]

Thaywood- Judging from your post, it's obivious that you dislike the new Explorer. But deeeeeeeep down, you know you want one

Also, without question, the Explorer will outsell the Durango.

Nah. I really don't want one But honestly, I don't mind the styling. If only the proportions weren't so FWD looking. But even if I could afford one, I wouldn't buy it. I'm happier with my 16 year old 4x4 Ex than I would ever be with this new wrong-wheel-drive sissymobile. And I'm not so sure about the Flexplorer outselling the Durango. It may at first when soccer moms and limp wristed nancy boys flock to it in droves, but after the "new" wears off, the RWD V-8 Durango and Grand Cherokee will prevail.

The new Durango is a unibody, and it's definitely not going to be a good off roader. Don't let thaywood mislead you, the Explorer will be a superior vehicle in pretty much every way.

Sure, the Durango is a unibody. So is the Grand Cherokee. However, they are both RWD with real 4x4 systems and full SUV off-road and towing capabilities. Qualities the Flexplorer certainly lacks. And with the V-8 engine option along with the afore mentioned capabilities, there's no possible way the wrong-wheel-drive Flexplorer could ever hope to be superior in any conceivable way to the Durango or Grand Cherokee.

 

[willied]

Nah. I really don't want one But honestly, I don't mind the styling. If only the proportions weren't so FWD looking. But even if I could afford one, I wouldn't buy it. I'm happier with my 16 year old 4x4 Ex than I would ever be with this new wrong-wheel-drive sissymobile. And I'm not so sure about the Flexplorer outselling the Durango. It may at first when soccer moms and limp wristed nancy boys flock to it in droves, but after the "new" wears off, the RWD V-8 Durango and Grand Cherokee will prevail.



Sure, the Durango is a unibody. So is the Grand Cherokee. However, they are both RWD with real 4x4 systems and full SUV off-road and towing capabilities. Qualities the Flexplorer certainly lacks. And with the V-8 engine option along with the afore mentioned capabilities, there's no possible way the wrong-wheel-drive Flexplorer could ever hope to be superior in any conceivable way to the Durango or Grand Cherokee.

The only thing I could say the Durango would be superior at doing is towing, but that's about it.

 

[NHarris]

Nah. I really don't want one But honestly, I don't mind the styling. If only the proportions weren't so FWD looking. But even if I could afford one, I wouldn't buy it. I'm happier with my 16 year old 4x4 Ex than I would ever be with this new wrong-wheel-drive sissymobile. And I'm not so sure about the Flexplorer outselling the Durango. It may at first when soccer moms and limp wristed nancy boys flock to it in droves, but after the "new" wears off, the RWD V-8 Durango and Grand Cherokee will prevail. I am betting the explorer will outsell the Durango and GC. Honestly, when the explorer was created did they expect it to be an off-roader, somewhat. The explorer All generations were designed as a family SUV.
The durango does beat the explorer in 1 thing. It has more towing and can tow with 2WD



Sure, the Durango is a unibody. So is the Grand Cherokee. However, they are both RWD with real 4x4 systems and full SUV off-road and towing capabilities. Qualities the Flexplorer certainly lacks. For one at least Ford is using their OWN chassis. The GC and durango is based off of a Mercedes Platform, and shares many things with the Mercedes SUVs/CUVs based off that platform. For Example, the V6 is hooked up to a mercedes transmission. I'd be leary about a dodge or jeep; quality may still not be too good. Lastly, how many people do you see towing with an SUV? Not many.
And with the V-8 engine option along with the afore mentioned capabilities, there's no possible way the wrong-wheel-drive Flexplorer could ever hope to be superior in any conceivable way to the Durango or Grand Cherokee. A V8 isn't the trend anymore. Only in full size SUVs and Trucks. The V8 won't sell as well because most want a fuel efficient SUV. The durango's V8 does 13mpg. Not many will want that. Guess what...the explorer is fuel efficient, and can still do most everything that a durango can.

The Grand Cherokee has yet to prove itself. It has the same dial type 4WD system the Explorer has. Yeah the GC's 4WD may not be an AWD type system, but still its a dial. I still wish the 11 Ex was a RWD and had a V8 option, but the 6 cyl will work...
Its a fully independent suspension (like the explorer), and will probably be more expensive to repair due to the fancy air suspension on it.
-Check red print in quote-

 

[peterk9]

Nah. I really don't want one But honestly, I don't mind the styling. If only the proportions weren't so FWD looking. But even if I could afford one, I wouldn't buy it. I'm happier with my 16 year old 4x4 Ex than I would ever be with this new wrong-wheel-drive sissymobile. And I'm not so sure about the Flexplorer outselling the Durango. It may at first when soccer moms and limp wristed nancy boys flock to it in droves, but after the "new" wears off, the RWD V-8 Durango and Grand Cherokee will prevail.



Sure, the Durango is a unibody. So is the Grand Cherokee. However, they are both RWD with real 4x4 systems and full SUV off-road and towing capabilities. Qualities the Flexplorer certainly lacks. And with the V-8 engine option along with the afore mentioned capabilities, there's no possible way the wrong-wheel-drive Flexplorer could ever hope to be superior in any conceivable way to the Durango or Grand Cherokee.

I have read a couple of reviews that tested the Explorer against the Cherokee and the only thing that the Cherokee was better at was the more serious off roading. Everyday handing and manouvering test were won by the Explorer. No contest. The Durango wasn't available for the tests but I am sure there will be reviews comparing the two. Also, it is for sure that the Explorer will out sell the Durango here in Canada since Dodge doesn't appear to be selling it here. Also, remember who required bail-out money to stay afloat. Consumer Reports hasn't recommended a Chrysler/Dodge product for the past 2 years based on previous performance.

 

[NHarris]

I have read a couple of reviews that tested the Explorer against the Cherokee and the only thing that the Cherokee was better at was the more serious off roading. Everyday handing and manouvering test were won by the Explorer. No contest. The Durango wasn't available for the tests but I am sure there will be reviews comparing the two. Also, it is for sure that the Explorer will out sell the Durango here in Canada since Dodge doesn't appear to be selling it here.

The durango comparision would almost be the same. As they are literally just the same SUV...rebranded.

 

[thaywood]

I have read a couple of reviews that tested the Explorer against the Cherokee and the only thing that the Cherokee was better at was the more serious off roading.

Link please? The Flexplorer just went on sale. I haven't even seen a road test of it yet.

 

[peterk9]

Link please? The Flexplorer just went on sale. I haven't even seen a road test of it yet.

There have been several road tests of the Explorer. I just entered 2011 Explorer Reviews as a search and found that there are many of them. Here are at least 2 that have some comparisons with the Cherokee. I haven't read all the reviews yet after the first page of search results.
www.internetautoguide.com/.../2011-ford-explorer-reviews.html
www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/ford/2011-ford-explorer-review

 

[Mishtar]

Link please? The Flexplorer just went on sale. I haven't even seen a road test of it yet.

Um google it the first review was posted on the net 13th December.

 

[Limited02]

I like the name "Flexplorer." Makes it sound tough, a flexible all purpose SUV that flexes its muscles at the competition and scares them away

Thaywood, you and I both know that if Ford came to your house and said they were going to give you a free 2011 Explorer of your choice, the only catch being you can't sell it or give it away, you know you would be like a kid on Christmas morning!

 

[edge929]

Wanted to add my 2 cents on the Durango. I think we can all agree it's being marketed, like most Dodge vehicles, to 16-50 year old males who put looks and power/performance foremost (Ram trucks, Challenger, Avenger, Charger, Nitro, etc). They all have aggressive, muscular styling.

The Explorer on the other hand is targeted to people who want an all-round good family vehicle. Bottom line, I need the space, correction: NEEDED the space over the holidays but alas my 2011 isn't even built yet.

Dodge is the only Mopar I'd even consider but I've never liked their plain + symbol grill. I think manufacturers in general focus way too much on their grills, keeping them consistent across vehicles as a branding symbol. It may work on one vehicle but that doesn't mean it will mesh with all.

 

[NHarris]

Dodge is the only Mopar I'd even consider but I've never liked their plain + symbol grill. I think manufacturers in general focus way too much on their grills, keeping them consistent across vehicles as a branding symbol. It may work on one vehicle but that doesn't mean it will mesh with all.

I hate dodge's look. They put all the emphasis in the front and the rest of the car is...blah... The new explorer the put detail all around Only Mopar I'd even look at is Jeep They still look rugged and appealing.

 

[sabasigh]

For one at least Ford is using their OWN chassis. The GC and durango is based off of a Mercedes Platform, and shares many things with the Mercedes SUVs/CUVs based off that platform.
-Check red print in quote-

They say the platform is Volvo based:

Finally recognizing this trend, the all-new 2011 Explorer shares it underpinnings with the Ford Flex and Taurus and the Lincoln MKS and MKT. (This platform has its roots in the first-gen Volvo S80, so it’s not exactly a spring chicken.)

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q4/2011_ford_explorer_limited_4wd-road_test

 

[thaywood]

I like the name "Flexplorer." Makes it sound tough, a flexible all purpose SUV that flexes its muscles at the competition and scares them away

That's kinda funny. But you know I call it that because it's based on the Flex platform and therefore not worthy of the name "Explorer".

Thaywood, you and I both know that if Ford came to your house and said they were going to give you a free 2011 Explorer of your choice, the only catch being you can't sell it or give it away, you know you would be like a kid on Christmas morning!

Honestly, I wouldn't take it. I have never and will never disgrace my driveway with a wrong-wheel-drive vehicle. I'd tell them to give me a Ford Territory F6 Turbo instead. If they wouldn't do it, the be gone wit dem!

 

[thaywood]

There have been several road tests of the Explorer. I just entered 2011 Explorer Reviews as a search and found that there are many of them. Here are at least 2 that have some comparisons with the Cherokee. I haven't read all the reviews yet after the first page of search results.
www.internetautoguide.com/.../2011-ford-explorer-reviews.html
www.autoguide.com/manufacturer/ford/2011-ford-explorer-review

Tried both links. They can't be found.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I hate dodge's look. They put all the emphasis in the front and the rest of the car is...blah... The new explorer the put detail all around Only Mopar I'd even look at is Jeep They still look rugged and appealing.

Even Dodge knows the rest of hte Durango looks like ass. Heck- go to their site CLICK ME and see how many shots of the back you can find.

Every recent Dodge vehicle is like that- I think the Challenger is the only one that looks fair from behind, but they didn't have to do much thinking on that one. The rest- Charger, Journey, Avenger, Caravan even- they all look horrible from the back.

The best part of their site is the music on the Durango page.

 

[thaywood]

I kind of like the back of the Durango. It kinda looks like a BMW X-5. But that's just me. And the new Charger looks pretty good with the new full-width LED tail lights. They sort of look like a modern version of the '68 Charger's.

 

[peterk9]

Tried both links. They can't be found.

autoguide.com just mentions "The pedals are quick to react in car-like fashion (much unlike the Jeep), the steering is direct and the vehicle follows through with far less roll that one would expect by looking at the size of it."
http://www.internetautoguide.com/25-13-149883/1102-2011-ford-explorer-test.html This reviews says; "The Explorer is quiet and cushy in traffic, and it's softer and smoother than the Grand Cherokee over rough pavement, where the Jeep's stiff ride severely hurt it in our Sport/Utility of the Year competition. And yet, the Explorer rolls less through RPG's fast sweepers, eschewing the Jeep's tendency to wallow under dive. The AWD Explorer is 1.6 inches taller and 2.6 inches wider (excluding mirrors) than a 4WD Grand Cherokee, yet feels lower to the ground and better planted."

I also came across a few sites that had votes cast as to which vehicle was preferred. One site (autoblog.com), 51.9% Explorer, 39.8% Durango and 8.3% undecided. 38,405 votes cast. Clublexus.com with 33 voters; 54.55% Explorer, 15.15% Durango and 30.30% chose None. Another site with only 10 votes had 9 for the Cherokee and 1 for the Explorer. Durango = 0.
These are all early reviews and I'm sure there will be more comprehensive ones to come.