What happened?

[peterk9]

This thread is 6 years late.

It takes some people a while to realize that the world has passed them by.

Peter

 

[explorerjosh]

This thread is 6 years late.

Yeah, I know. But it wasn't until about a year ago when I started researching the history of the Ex. Before I'd known about them, I'd thought the new ones were pretty dope. They're still good looking, but disappointing for their name.

 

[explorerjosh]

Real off road vehicles are built, not bought.

Off road vehicles are often modded to be off roaded. Not built. People mod their cars. So you have to start somewhere. The new Exs are not fit to be built to off road.

 

[Turdle]

Well, IMO Ford took the opinions of folks who could actually afford to buy them and ran with it.

 

[supr squirrel]

Well, IMO Ford took the opinions of folks who could actually afford to buy them and ran with it.

I think you hit the nail on the head here. I love my Ex. I love that it can fit six and I can take my in-laws on vacation with us (at least somewhat) comfortably on a long trip. I love the looks it gets and I love that, if the situation arises, I can (for the most part) handle it while still looking 'stylish.'

My father-in-law is a farmer and during this time of year I spend time shuttling my 4 1/2 year old and 2 1/2 year old between fields to 'ride with pawpaw.' Haven't run into an issue yet driving through shallow creek bottoms, etc getting from point A to point B. But if I really wanted to do some serious mudding I'd buy a Jeep or a quad cab truck (or just buy a UTV) and set it up the way I want.

For what it's worth a lot of the 'mudders' around here are glorified mall crawlers, anyway.

 

[Halwg]

I have had a 2014 and now a 2016 Explorer as a company car. The crews I manage work on gas and oil pipelines in all kinds of terrains. With the proper tires, these Explorers will do fairly well off road. The biggest problem is the fairly low ground clearance, and the front air dam that hangs down so low in the front. On my 2014, I cut off most of that overhang and it made a huge difference. I also ran all-terrain tires on it, and never had a problem getting stuck. The Terrain Management system actually works pretty well, although it can't replace low range gearing found on previous Explorers.

 

[peterk9]

I agree that ground clearance is an issue but I think these Explorers do much better in light to moderate off road conditions than many people think as shown in several videos here. Nice set of Coopers.

Peter