Life Saver

[Patel511]

Here is a true testament to the overall safety of these wonderful SUVs. In 2014 we picked up a red explorer sport on lease, we intended to buy it after the lease was over. Our family owns a retail liquor business that closes at 2:30 AM, and after closing we have a 25 mile ride home every night. One fateful Saturday night last month we were headed home as usual, my father was driving as I sat next to him. As we were chatting, I saw headlights coming towards us on the wrong side of the highway!! I yelled for my dad to pull left and he tried to do so but it was too late, the driver of the other vehicle was traveling above the speed limited, under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The airbags in our explorer worked as designed including the curtain airbags. The only injury sustained was by me, my arm broke and I had to have surgery. The door to the explorer was too damaged to open so the firefighters had to cut them off. After I got home, we decided that the Explorer was definitely the vehicle of choice for our next SUV, so we leased a 2016 Explorer Sport to keep us safe on the roads again.

 

[Forddealz]

Explorer is far off from the safest SUV's but it does have 5 stars on side impact crashes. My dealer told me to stay away from head on collisions as it is below standard government ratings.

 

[Patel511]

^Our crash was head on, still alive...

 

[1995E]

^Our crash was head on, still alive...

Glad to see you're safe and sound! Hopefully that drunk driver spends a lot of time in jail. What the other poster said was right though. The Ford Explorer and many of Ford's current designs are just acceptable or marginal at certain frontal impacts. It scores only marginal at the front overlap test which is worse than the acceptable, and good rating.

This is due to several factors. The fact that the current 2011 - current Explorer uses the D4 platform, which is a beefed up D3 platform, which is based on a very old Volvo P2 platform designed before 1999 and Ford acquired it when it acquired Volvo for a time.

Despite that Volvo platform being outdated, even the XC-90 from 2002 - 2014 first generation had a good rating for small overlap while the Explorer, being based on the same platform, is rated at marginal for small overlap. This is due to the fact of cost savings, and probably differences in materials (Ford uses steel in some parts instead of aluminum but steel is stronger density wise).

Ford's safety is really good in many regards, especially with safety innovations like the first 2nd row inflatable seatbelts, and good ratings for all the crash tests except small frontal overlap, which is a very common crash. Probably due to the fact that a driver's natural reaction would be to swerve away exposing a smaller area for a crash.

Here are some links for you and a video of a small overlap crash. Doesn't look that bad really:



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_P2_platform
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_D3_platform


Ford Explorer: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/ford/explorer/2014#jump-to
Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee scores similar to the Explorer:
Dodge Durango: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/dodge/durango-4-door-suv
Jeep Grand Cherokee: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/jeep/grand-cherokee-4-door-suv
Toyota 4Runner: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/toyota/4runner-4-door-suv

Better 7 seater SUVs:
Volvo XC-90 (Safest): http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/volvo/xc90-4-door-suv/2014
Toyota Highlander: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/toyota/highlander-4-door-suv/2016
Honda Pilot:
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/honda/pilot-4-door-suv/2016

Basically, the Explorer is safe enough, but it can be safer.

 

[Patel511]

Wow I had no idea! I wonder why they put all these new safety innovations on a subpar build? I understand cost savings but these things already sticker for $55,000!

 

[1995E]

Wow I had no idea! I wonder why they put all these new safety innovations on a subpar build? I understand cost savings but these things already sticker for $55,000!

The build isn't subpar at all, especially during its time in 2011 when the Explorer was redesigned. Volvo designs are known to be the safest cars. That's why Ford took designs from them when Ford owned them.

The Volvo P2 platform/ Ford D3 platform wasn't a bad platform to start with. It is a really good design. It's just that at 2015, there are better designs that have been introduced out there that have rendered the current Explorer and its platform to be outdated.

When the redesigned 2011 Explorer came out to replace the 4th generation Explorer, it was a huge leap in many aspects: Safety, performance, technology, and fuel economy. It had 5 stars for all crash ratings at the time, and came out with a Touch Screen. The small overlap test is a fairly new test that was introduced in 2012. That's when those marginal rating's came. Ford did a refresh for 2016 because the current design is still selling strong. They'll do a redesign in 2018 - 2020. The 2016 Explorer you guys upgraded to is still pretty good. There are just better options out there, but in terms of tech, options, and good drivetrain reliability, I think the Ford Explorer is a good balance between them all.

14 - 20 MPG, increased to 17 - 25.
Weight was reduced by 100 pounds.
Engine tech now has twin variable cam timing and it increased horsepower.
4.0L with 210 horsepower to 3.5L and 290 horsepower with only a little less power than the V8 it used to have and the 3.5L V6 is faster than the old V8.

"To help drive further improvements in frontal crash protection, the Institute in 2012 introduced a small overlap frontal crash test. The test is designed to replicate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or an object like a tree or utility pole. This crash test is a challenge for some safety belt and airbag designs because occupants move both forward and toward the side of the vehicle."
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/ratings-info/frontal-crash-tests

 

[Patel511]

I don't mean to knock the explorer I still put my faith in it, by subpar i was only comparing to today's standards as you mentioned.

 

[reserved50]

To all those Explorer people that complain without the proper knowledge that the inner front door panels fall apart, they should think again. The inside of the door pull handles are made out of foam and plastic that is pre weakened to allow the door to collapse on impact. When I opened mine up I was glad it was made safe but still annoyed the panel came apart I guess .
I still don't know why people insist on buying small compact vehicles to save fuel, not worth it in my books when you compare them to whats on the roads.

 

[dco43054]

Wow. Glad you both are doing well. There is something to be said for the engineering that goes into modern vehicles and all the additions, like side curtain airbags, crumple zones, energy absorption, and everything else.

 

[chicagoslick]

the build isn't subpar at all, especially during its time in 2011 when the explorer was redesigned. Volvo designs are known to be the safest cars. That's why ford took designs from them when ford owned them.

The volvo p2 platform/ ford d3 platform wasn't a bad platform to start with. It is a really good design. It's just that at 2015, there are better designs that have been introduced out there that have rendered the current explorer and its platform to be outdated.

When the redesigned 2011 explorer came out to replace the 4th generation explorer, it was a huge leap in many aspects: Safety, performance, technology, and fuel economy. It had 5 stars for all crash ratings at the time, and came out with a touch screen. The small overlap test is a fairly new test that was introduced in 2012. That's when those marginal rating's came. Ford did a refresh for 2016 because the current design is still selling strong. They'll do a redesign in 2018 - 2020. The 2016 explorer you guys upgraded to is still pretty good. There are just better options out there, but in terms of tech, options, and good drivetrain reliability, i think the ford explorer is a good balance between them all.

14 - 20 mpg, increased to 17 - 25.
Weight was reduced by 100 pounds.
Engine tech now has twin variable cam timing and it increased horsepower.
4.0l with 210 horsepower to 3.5l and 290 horsepower with only a little less power than the v8 it used to have and the 3.5l v6 is faster than the old v8.

"to help drive further improvements in frontal crash protection, the institute in 2012 introduced a small overlap frontal crash test. The test is designed to replicate what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or an object like a tree or utility pole. This crash test is a challenge for some safety belt and airbag designs because occupants move both forward and toward the side of the vehicle."
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/ratings-info/frontal-crash-tests

+1

 

[cwescapexlt4x4]

Also the rear impact ability and in the police version, takes the 75MPH rear collision like a champ!
"Officer Protection
75-MPH Rear-Crash Tested
Passing a 75 mph rear-crash test is among the many strengths that have defined the Ford Police Interceptor. The all-new Police Interceptor will continue this tradition of extreme officer protection. The full size spare tire secured in the factory location is necessary to achieve police-rated 75 mph rear impact crash-test performance attributes. Ford SPACE (Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement) Architecture and structural reinforcement work together to protect you on the job."

 

[chartquist]

Explorer is far off from the safest SUV's but it does have 5 stars on side impact crashes. My dealer told me to stay away from head on collisions as it is below standard government ratings.

LOL. How exactly does one "stay away" from a head-on crash? If it's by choice, count me in!

 

[Patel511]

Thanks, everyone that sees these pictures wonders if there were any survivors. The safety features plus a little bit of luck and the good man upstairs kept us alive.

 

[peterk9]

Explorer is far off from the safest SUV's but it does have 5 stars on side impact crashes. My dealer told me to stay away from head on collisions as it is below standard government ratings.

See http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=420247&highlight=accident

Peter

 

[Forddealz]

See http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=420247&highlight=accident

Peter

I am glad people that were involved in the crash are ok but according to government frontal crash ratings frontal crashes are still sub par on 16 model and it sounds to me like we are playing a Russian roulette. One happy ending is nice to see, but governmental ratings are there for a reason, just like FDA or any other governmental agency to oversee our safety. They test our Explorer against all other similar SUV's multiple times. Like someone mentioned above, it is the design frame and Ford can put in as many air bags as they want, but the frame is still fragile on the frontal ratings. The ratings are there for a reason. When I am driving down the road in my XP 16 Sport I do feel like I am in a gunship, but I am also aware of those frontal collision warnings that my salesperson whispered in my ear. I did not even know. It was after I signed the contract.
It was kind of sad to read other replies as they sounded like hungry coyotes wanting to eat up the left over parts.

 

[1995E]

I am glad people that were involved in the crash are ok but according to government frontal crash ratings frontal crashes are still sub par on 16 model and it sounds to me like we are playing a Russian roulette. One happy ending is nice to see, but governmental ratings are there for a reason, just like FDA or any other governmental agency to oversee our safety. They test our Explorer against all other similar SUV's multiple times. Like someone mentioned above, it is the design frame and Ford can put in as many air bags as they want, but the frame is still fragile on the frontal ratings. The ratings are there for a reason. When I am driving down the road in my XP 16 Sport I do feel like I am in a gunship, but I am also aware of those frontal collision warnings that my salesperson whispered in my ear. I did not even know. It was after I signed the contract.
It was kind of sad to read other replies as they sounded like hungry coyotes wanting to eat up the left over parts.

The small overlap is the only weak spot for the Explorer scoring at marginal. The medium overlap and head on collision is still very safe at a good rating. I feel very safe in my Explorer.

 

[Forddealz]

Glad to see you're safe and sound! Hopefully that drunk driver spends a lot of time in jail. What the other poster said was right though. The Ford Explorer and many of Ford's current designs are just acceptable or marginal at certain frontal impacts. It scores only marginal at the front overlap test which is worse than the acceptable, and good rating.

This is due to several factors. The fact that the current 2011 - current Explorer uses the D4 platform, which is a beefed up D3 platform, which is based on a very old Volvo P2 platform designed before 1999 and Ford acquired it when it acquired Volvo for a time.

Despite that Volvo platform being outdated, even the XC-90 from 2002 - 2014 first generation had a good rating for small overlap while the Explorer, being based on the same platform, is rated at marginal for small overlap. This is due to the fact of cost savings, and probably differences in materials (Ford uses steel in some parts instead of aluminum but steel is stronger density wise).

Ford's safety is really good in many regards, especially with safety innovations like the first 2nd row inflatable seatbelts, and good ratings for all the crash tests except small frontal overlap, which is a very common crash. Probably due to the fact that a driver's natural reaction would be to swerve away exposing a smaller area for a crash.

Here are some links for you and a video of a small overlap crash. Doesn't look that bad really:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPJCGgE4Ykc

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_P2_platform
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_D3_platform


Ford Explorer: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/ford/explorer/2014#jump-to
Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee scores similar to the Explorer:
Dodge Durango: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/dodge/durango-4-door-suv
Jeep Grand Cherokee: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/jeep/grand-cherokee-4-door-suv
Toyota 4Runner: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/toyota/4runner-4-door-suv

Better 7 seater SUVs:
Volvo XC-90 (Safest): http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/volvo/xc90-4-door-suv/2014
Toyota Highlander: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/toyota/highlander-4-door-suv/2016
Honda Pilot:
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/honda/pilot-4-door-suv/2016

Basically, the Explorer is safe enough, but it can be safer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf7t_D0CSgg

Volvo's looks like much more smoother sailing.

 

[1995E]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf7t_D0CSgg

Volvo's looks like much more smoother sailing.

Of course lol, it's because it's a Volvo lol. The 2016 XC-90 is a major redesign and they even have seats that absorb the shock in a high jump crash. Reducing spinal injury. If you want safety, always buy a Volvo.

 

[Patel511]

Lol I didn't mean for this thread to become a safety debate, even though it is more professional and factual than the current republican debates haha

 

[1995E]

Lol I didn't mean for this thread to become a safety debate, even though it is more professional and factual than the current republican debates haha

I bet one person that read this thread is probably voting for Trump lmao