Considering getting an Explorer

[Think]

Hey all, new here. Looking to trade my F150 in for an Explorer. I do have a question with regards to the XLT and Limited trims. You can opt to get the 8 speaker "premium" sound package for the XLT, but it doesn't look like that's the Sony system that's on the Limited. I'm somewhat of an audiophile so this is pretty important to me. I'd really like to avoid having to get anything aftermarket if I can. Thanks.

 

[SWEET ST]

Get the limited explorer i have ONE and i love it !! Don't shoulda coulda woulda down the line it happen to me once never again !

 

[Think]

Yeah, but the only thing I really desire from the Limited is the sound system and not much else.

 

[Dajen]

XLT Stereo

I just got my XLT and am very happy with the sound system. Go to a dealer and check it out if you can.

 

[SWEET ST]

When you see all the safety feature on the limited and and sony system u will love it ! You my think the feature aren't the needed but when they go into action you would say wow awesome,also the monthly price differance is not all that !

 

[vfral1]

The intelligent key, with push button start is a real bonus for the LTD. If you've never had a car with it, you wont believe how convenient it is to just walk up to a locked vehicle, open the door, get in, push a button and drive away without fumbling for keys.

I love the stereo too; without a doubt its the best sound system I've ever had in a car.

 

[Think]

The intelligent key, with push button start is a real bonus for the LTD. If you've never had a car with it, you wont believe how convenient it is to just walk up to a locked vehicle, open the door, get in, push a button and drive away without fumbling for keys.

I love the stereo too; without a doubt its the best sound system I've ever had in a car.

But that isn't standard on the LTD is it?

 

[SWEET ST]

When you get the ltd 302a pkg it's loaded. I always had ford's in 2008 i went and got a cts4 cadillac hot lava color ltd edition only 600 where made awesome car but the explorer has more tech more of everything.THE CADDY when it snowed it even plowed the snow thats how low to the ground it was and the tech was so so being a cadillac the explorer beats it by a land slide !!!! So again if you can afford it get it !! We only live once

 

[jrmexplorer]

But that isn't standard on the LTD is it?

Yes, it is (according to my brochure) - the intelligent access with push-button start and remote start are standard on the limited. Also standard: bigger battery, 20in wheels, leather, heated seats, 110 volt power outlet in the rear, ambient lighting (very cool!), sony system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual - zone temp control, Ford Sync, My Ford Touch, power-adjustable pedals with memory, universal garage door opener, body-color grille, body-color power-folding, heated sideview mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, security approach lamps and driver's side memory, rearview camera, chrome door handles and beltline moldings.

 

[chimoman]

Get the Ltd. You won't regret it. Go to the dealers and check it out. Sound system is amazing. Love it.

 

[C Squared]

Adaptive Cruise Control........

Is by far and away the coolest feature on our new Explorer.

That thing is absolutely incredible.

 

[uniquename]

I'm somewhat of an audiophile so this is pretty important to me.

No factory car stereo will please an audiophile. That said, the XLT sound is pretty damn nice. I'm not an audiophine, but I am picky. I would like a little more low end, and may add a small sub that can handle low frequencies (bass isn't really lacking, it can be felt...I'm talking sound, not pound). The volume is more than adequate, but nowhere near as loud as I used to build. I don't go over 75% volume, but I would have in the past

 

[RandyH2]

I didn't do a comparison between the two Ford stereo systems. The Ford system is MUCH better than the system in the Durango. The integration with iPhone, etc. is nicely done if a bit less useable than the iPhone interface, at least with my non-2.8 version of MyFordTouch.

My Explorer Limited w/ Sony only has ~900 miles on it so the speakers are still loosening up.

Observations so far:
- stereo separation is decent but nothing like a home system. Songs that play with left/right channels have some back-and-forth but not a lot.
- there are some overemphasized frequencies, especially some in the vocal range. This could change with the speakers.
- bass is easily over-done.
- imaging is, well, it is a car.

I just checked a couple of sources (Crutchfield and Onlinecarstereo) neither of which has any info on the factory system(s).

 

[robpco]

I love my limited so far, but the sound system is just ok. If the sound system is the determining factor for getting a limited, I would spend money on after market.

RandyH2 is spot on:


Observations so far:
- stereo separation is decent but nothing like a home system. Songs that play with left/right channels have some back-and-forth but not a lot.
- there are some overemphasized frequencies, especially some in the vocal range. This could change with the speakers.
- bass is easily over-done.
- imaging is, well, it is a car.

 

[Think]

No factory car stereo will please an audiophile. That said, the XLT sound is pretty damn nice. I'm not an audiophine, but I am picky. I would like a little more low end, and may add a small sub that can handle low frequencies (bass isn't really lacking, it can be felt...I'm talking sound, not pound). The volume is more than adequate, but nowhere near as loud as I used to build. I don't go over 75% volume, but I would have in the past

That's why I said somewhat. I'm not looking for perfection. I've just found that many stock systems in cars tend to suck. I had the premium sound in my old 08 Outback and that was great. I put a $1300 system in my current F150 and it's pretty much perfect for me. I'd just rather not mess with anything in a brand new car if I don't have to.

 

[uniquename]

That's why I said somewhat. I'm not looking for perfection. I've just found that many stock systems in cars tend to suck. I had the premium sound in my old 08 Outback and that was great. I put a $1300 system in my current F150 and it's pretty much perfect for me. I'd just rather not mess with anything in a brand new car if I don't have to.

I expected that is what you meant (I doubt a true audiophoile would like a car stereo at all). For just liking good sound, I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the explorer compared to a lot of others.

 

[russell bruesch]

I have the limited with the sony sound system and am disappointed with the sound. Have a 2004 ford explorer with the premium JBL stock sound system and it is way better to my ears than the sony in my 2011 explorer. I have played with all the tone adjustments with the sony system but cant get it to compare to the JBL system. For me the low end bass and mid range is real muddy.

 

[kblee]

I have the limited with the sony sound system and am disappointed with the sound. Have a 2004 ford explorer with the premium JBL stock sound system and it is way better to my ears than the sony in my 2011 explorer. I have played with all the tone adjustments with the sony system but cant get it to compare to the JBL system. For me the low end bass and mid range is real muddy.

+1

I had a JBL Synthesis system in my Toyota Avalon and it blows the Sony away. Oh well, it still sounds decent. But, I was hoping for better.

 

[davek4]

I am no audiophile, but do enjoy a good sound. It seems to me that sound quality is limited because of the level/quality of compression used for downloads on ipod, mp3 players, even Satellite radio. Quality when listening to a CD sounds much better, but everyone is doing away with disc changers.

Not sure if the actual stereo/speaker system is as critical as the music source.

Dave

 

[drober30]

Once your an after market enthusiast like myself, no factory system is going to satisfy you.

Now some do sound better than others but nothing compared to after market.

Even Fords Shaker systems in the mustangs are junk. The subs in the trunk are a joke!

I wish Ford would team up with JL Audio and get a real "premium" sound system in their vehicles.