Like I saw above, nobody wants to drive a manual SUV. Yes, the 2001 Exp is definitely targeted for the lazy yuppie going out to get his cup of Starbucks(cringe). It's all about the dallor bill my friends, what sells is automatics, what sells are those god awfal moron 'manumatics'. Why on earth would anyone think that a 'manumatic' would be fun....NOT. Sorry, I am on the manumatic thing here for a sec, everybody I have talked to that has driven a 'manumatic' said it was just like driving an....um...AUTOMATIC. OK, I think manumatics are stupid...there, I said it.
As for the new Explorers, I agree, a manual would be nice. That is if I was going out to tear up the trails. We all know why we like manuals, control. Granted I am a manual man myself, I own a 2000 Mustang GT. Now when you talk about the aspect of manuals vs automatics, this is definitely a manual car. Why do people buy and automatic Mustang GT? Someone please tell me. I have to shake my head whenever I see that auto in a GT. On the other hand I enjoy that fact that I don't have to manually shift my Exp. I do a lot of city driving to construction sites and I do incure a lot of traffic. It is nice and considered a 'luxury'. It still does all the great grunt work, lumber, tools you name it, it will haul it.
What is my point? I have no idea, why am I here? I guess it boils down to this: I enjoy my Fords and I try not to spend time getting upset that they didn't have a manual for my Explorer. Enjoy your Fords, have fun, if you don't like what Ford is doing...go buy a Chevy.