Rumor Control: Explorer Sport?

[Martinjmpr]

Just wondering if anyone has heard anything about Ford discontinuing the Explorer Sport? I went to a couple of dealerships recently to look at an Escape, and found very few (if any) on the lot, but the dealers seemed to have plenty of Sports that they kept steering me towards.

Then it occurred to me that the Sport did not get the "Makeover" (w/new IRS) that the 4-door Explorer did.

Finally, I was on an Escape board and some folks said that Ford was going to dump the Sport, that's why they haven't bothered to update the design. Anyone else heard this? I checked Blueovalnews.com, the alleged source of the report, but was unable to find anything.

On a purely unscientific level, I almost always see a lot of Sports on the dealer lots, but not nearly as many Sports as 4-doors out on the road. Also, the Escape seems to be a big hit for Ford, and it also seems to fill the same "market niche" as the Sport.

Has anyone heard anything definitive on this? I couldn't find any other threads on this board that dealt with the same subject, which surprised me a little.

Martin

 

[jimbo74]

my thery is that most familys dont want a 2 door station wagon...they want the 4 door wagons....ford is producing the 4 doors to keep the soceer moms happy.... they will sell more CARS to them than will buy off road minded trucks

 

[leenjen]

it's just a rumor. ford is actually discontinuing the Mercury Cougar, Ford Escort, and Lincoln Continental.
they're closing down a few plants too. one of them that's near me (in NJ) makes Ford Rangers.

i hope ford doesnt decide to get rid of it's only 2 door SUV

 

[nosaj122081]

Originally posted by leenjen
it's just a rumor. ford is actually discontinuing the Mercury Cougar, Ford Escort, and Lincoln Continental.
(snip)
i hope ford doesnt decide to get rid of it's only 2 door SUV

Didn't they say they were dropping the Windstar too? I saw it, but forget the list...

Yeah, it would be a shame if they discontinued the Sport, when I bought my Explorer I went specifically looking for a 2 door. I see alot on the road now that I am looking for them. And I don't think the Escape fills the void, much to Tracker-like.

 

[03ExplorerSPT]

I am a true believer that the Sport is being discontinued because Ford is coming out with a new SUV smaller than the Escape. Its called the Ford Fusion.

1995ExplorerXLT

 

[93Ranger]

besides the X-sport, i dont really see a problem with Ford discontinuing the Mercury Cougar, the Ford Windstar, Ford Escort (never liked that car much), or the continential.

that lot was probabally trying to sell you the Sport because Ford is going to discontinue them, and they want to clear their stock before they need to lower prices.

IMO, i like the 4 door explorer because i like to have the room (even though i hate stuff flying around in my car). something about having seats that fold down makes dates with the girlfriend that much better...

 

[TDG]

IMO, i like the 4 door explorer because i like to have the room (even though i hate stuff flying around in my car). something about having seats that fold down makes dates with the girlfriend that much better... [/B]

::roll:

 

[Alec]

I think a better rumor is that they're waiting to redesign the X Sport into the new Bronco.

 

[Okrazie1]

The minivan that Ford is discontinuing is the Mercury Villager, which is built in conjunction with Nissan. The Windstar is still in production.

 

[becker69]

I have no real reasons to support my theory (just hope, i guess); but I would hope that Ford wouldn't discontinue the X sports, because they are now the only vehicle that has basically the same suspension as the Sport Trac (ST's) and the St's are only in there 2nd year of production.... and thus shouldn't really be due for any major changes for the next 2+ years (hopefully). I need the Sports to survive as a parts source And if anything more should roll out aftermarket, it would help to have the sports around....

 

[Robert]

The Explorer Sport was still being showcased at the International Auto Show a few weeks ago and since it wasn't one of the four Fords announced to be discontinued, I wouldn't look for it to be discontinued anytime soon. If it gets discontinued, it will probably be about the time the Sporttrac goes through its first major redesign. I find that typically the dealers are usually the last to know if a model is getting discontinued so I wouldn't base the fact that they tried to steer you towards on as proof.

 

[mike dilbone]

a 2 door version of the expedition would be awesome.

 

[Lifted95X]

just a hint on future Ford....wait till ya see the new Mustang.

 

[BislamJoe]

I think a 2-door SWB Excursion would rock.... I saw a pic of one, but it was lowered and streeted out. I was thinking "full-size Bronco" ... offer it only in 4x4 with the V10 or the diesel

 

[Hartman]

They turn the Sports into the Bronco and I will be disappointed. I love the 01 Sports.

 

[LiKuiD]

just a thought.....i drive by the NJ ranger plant everyday and its kinda sad to see the massive parking lots empty anymore with no rangers...i was just starting to like the design too! bah

 

[Doug]

I really hope ford doesn't decide to get rid of the 2dr. I love my 2dr explorer, in my opinion the only real suv is a 2dr suv any thing else is just a soccer mommy car.

 

[01EB5.0]

Originally posted by Namitey
I really hope ford doesn't decide to get rid of the 2dr. I love my 2dr explorer, in my opinion the only real suv is a 2dr suv any thing else is just a soccer mommy car.

are you sayin my TRUCK is a soccer mommy car?
i like to think of it as a go-anywhere do -anything BEAST!

 

[Char]

I'd like to see some soccer mom drive our 4dr to the grocery store. It's people with that mentality that drive us 4dr owners nuts! It's only that type of vehicle if you don't take it off road. Now as far as the new ones. Take to the mall!

 

[01EB5.0]

Thanks for the backup Char. If I ever decide to sell my truck I know no soccer mom would want it unless they appriciate the nice low rumble of the Borla exhaust and the added height from the P265 tires......but I'm not planning on selling for many years so by then it'll have a big lift and tires that are a lot bigger then P265...