Material quality is garbage and the reason I won't be going with a 2014 Explorer

[Lhymes]

Just a followup. I ended up going with a 2014 White Durango Citadel with the V8 HEMI. I really loved my Ex, but after driving the Durango, the feel was very similar to the Ex, but the transmission was smoother and the pickup is bananas. If the available Explorers in my area were similar in available features, I would've had a harder time making the jump, but they're speced more for the budget conscience around here. I'll be checking in now and again as I still have a love for Ford. Best of luck to everyone.

 

[Sgt1411]

Your concern was about build & material quality and you bought a Dodge?

 

[Lhymes]

Your concern was about build & material quality and you bought a Dodge?

I used to think the same thing, but they've come a long way.

 

[HughCares]

I used to think the same thing, but they've come a long way.

 

[peterk9]

I used to think the same thing, but they've come a long way.

Although I have no personal knowledge of what you state I can say that I watch many of the weekly 1/2 hour shows where vehicles are reviewed and can say that the vehicles that Chrysler/Dodge now produce have had very, very positive reviews. They have greatly improved their product and their sales are definitely on the up swing.

Peter

 

[Sgt1411]

Although I have no personal knowledge of what you state I can say that I watch many of the weekly 1/2 hour shows where vehicles are reviewed and can say that the vehicles that Chrysler/Dodge now produce have had very, very positive reviews. They have greatly improved their product and their sales are definitely on the up swing.

Peter

Thats very true, the anecdotal accounts and 2nd hand hearsay on the new Dodge product has been mostly positive.

In the Law Enforcement world Dodge's new product just doesn't have the build quality the Ford product has. They just dont have the money to support the engineering that the other two have.

Curb appeal on their new product is nice, only time will tell for build quality.

IMHO all I have to do is close the door of a car/truck/SUV and I can get a pretty good idea of build quality.

Take a look at the resale value of a Dodge Ram pickup thats 1-2 yrs old, compare that to the value of a 1-2 yr old F150.

 

[cw21726]

That Dodge quality is legendary. 1.2 million Rams recalled.

http://www.chron.com/news/article/Chrysler-to-recall-1-2-million-Ram-trucks-4968352.php?cmpid=hpts

 

[peterk9]

That Dodge quality is legendary. 1.2 million Rams recalled.

http://www.chron.com/news/article/Chrysler-to-recall-1-2-million-Ram-trucks-4968352.php?cmpid=hpts

Also at least 8 Honda models have been recalled since 2012 and don't forget Toyota. Where is the recall on Ford's steering failure or the inability to fix the water leak or exhaust smell?
Virtually all manufacturers have products recalled sooner or later.
In the vehicle shows I regularly watch, the new Ram has always been picked as the #1 choice over GM and Ford in a comparison of the 'big three'.
I'm not trying to champion Dodge products but just passing on the info I've seen and read.
It seems that Ford, as the OP pointed out, can do a better job in its choice of some materials and its fit and finish. But then the same could likely be said of many manufacturers.

Peter

 

[Lhymes]

Just a followup. I'm not trying to stir the pot and piss anyone off. Honestly, I was very pleased with Ford's resolution to my issues. I absolutely loved my Ex and I would certainly consider another once my wife is in the market. I was simply doing a followup as I do frequent this forum and do like to share my experiences. I think it should be AOK to not only like Fords, but like the new Dodges also. I'm sure I'm not the only person on this forum that had considered looking at the competition. I'm obviously not going to stick around and start posting irrelevant Dodge threads, but I will stick around to see what's going on with everyone.