Bwana Bob
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- February 2, 2002
- Messages
- 757
- Reaction score
- 8
- City, State
- Morris Plains, NJ
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 92 XLT
I did some poking around at dealer's lot and took a look at their demo Freestyle. It is indeed a "crossover" vehicle, but its not a cross between a car and an SUV. It looked more to me like a cross between a station wagon and a minivan. The 3 rows of seats and the pop-down DVD screen spelled "family boat" to me. I looked at the styling from all angles. I really tried to like it, but.... I didn't. With the seats folded I know it can carry a lot of cargo, but it just didn't excite me. Its ugly. It looks like it was designed to compete with the Chrysler Pacifica. I would have liked it if the styling were more like the Volvo Cross Country wagon. If I were in the market for an AWD wagon (and I might be someday), I would buy a Subaru.
However, I think the Freestyle and cars like it may kill the Explorer. Let's face it, although popular with 4X4 truck and outdoor sporting enthusiasts, the main reason for Explorer's extraordinary popularity has been its appeal as a family vehicle. It carries kids and cargo, and it provides the safety and security of 4WD. Now, however, Freestyle can also carry kids and cargo, offers the safety and security of AWD, and it rides and handles like a car, not like a truck. Plus, soccer moms don't need or want a 2-speed transfer case, anyway.
More bad news is higher fuel prices and the CAFE pendulum in congress will eventually swing the other way. This will put more pressure on the Explorer product line.
The way I see it, the Explorer of the future will have to get smaller and more efficient (but not as small as an Escape) and Ford will have to change its image back to that of an enthusiast's truck, like the Nissan Xterra.
Bob
However, I think the Freestyle and cars like it may kill the Explorer. Let's face it, although popular with 4X4 truck and outdoor sporting enthusiasts, the main reason for Explorer's extraordinary popularity has been its appeal as a family vehicle. It carries kids and cargo, and it provides the safety and security of 4WD. Now, however, Freestyle can also carry kids and cargo, offers the safety and security of AWD, and it rides and handles like a car, not like a truck. Plus, soccer moms don't need or want a 2-speed transfer case, anyway.
More bad news is higher fuel prices and the CAFE pendulum in congress will eventually swing the other way. This will put more pressure on the Explorer product line.
The way I see it, the Explorer of the future will have to get smaller and more efficient (but not as small as an Escape) and Ford will have to change its image back to that of an enthusiast's truck, like the Nissan Xterra.
Bob