Michael Lopour
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- March 16, 2019
- Messages
- 159
- Reaction score
- 34
- City, State
- Scottsdale AZ
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- Expedition Limited 302A
Yeah that was definitely a subjective comment regarding the power train. I do think you can like how it performs but not how it sounds, there's nothing wrong with that other than perhaps it's subjective of course. As far as price using MSRP isn't always true apples to apples but at least it's consistent.The thing is.. if one is going to say the XLT is $50k (which they are talking MSRP, not what one pays), then someone who actually knows what they are talking about will say, why not spend $52-$53k on a base ST with far more options (stickers at $56k).
They are playing with numbers pure and simple. I just don't like how they spin things. Especially one of CR's 1st comments saying the engine and trans pairs together really well.. but then says the engine is loud and there are harsh shifts between multiple gears. They are contradicting themselves...
I personally like TFLtruck's reviews. I think they are very fair and their tests are done exactly the same between models. I don't see any type of bias between them and manufacturers either.
It's great that something like TFLtruck is out there but they really focus on a particular market segment, not everything on four wheels. They'll never compare the Explorer to other 3 row SUVs that most people will cross shop, at least glancing at their video history I feel like that's safe to say. Also is there anything they don't like or are critical of? Their videos might be super useful to make your own decisions without pointing out flaws, necessarily.
Again I want to reiterate that while some criticisms are valid I don't think they are by and large mistakes by Ford but rather choices to maintain their brand identity and loyalty. Sure, maybe some other SUVs handle better than the Explorer, and feel smaller, but in this segment those attributes really aren't top-of-list to most buyers. The Explorer was by far the largest-feeling SUV I drove; that wasn't necessarily an attribute I wanted... but I feel like it's advantageous some times and disadvantageous at other times. I still feel like it handles and drives better than many of the smaller SUVs I drove, but that's for my driving conditions, might be different for others.