WTB New Explorer- Have concerns

[peterk9]

FordCustSrvc,

I would really be suprised if ford makes a lift kit for this vehicle...I think what would be great idea, when building your vehicle and choosing options at ford.com, you guys should allow for options to choose from different ground clearance, for me i would definitely buy this car if had anywhere 8.2 - 8.6 but its not worth if it is 7.6, as I see this vehicle on the road. they look to low and front bumper gives it less ground clearance that you will end scrapping the bumper when doing minor off-roading

Doing what you suggest wouldn't make any financial sense to the company. It would likely increase costs since the production line would have to be changed. Also the very limited demand wouldn't justify it. People don't want an off road vehicle and that is why it is built the way it is. It would likely be okay for mild off road driving if you removed the front air dam.
The 2011 brochure I have doesn't even bother to list ground clearance!

Peter

 

[182RG]

FordCustSrvc,

I would really be suprised if ford makes a lift kit for this vehicle...I think what would be great idea, when building your vehicle and choosing options at ford.com, you guys should allow for options to choose from different ground clearance, for me i would definitely buy this car if had anywhere 8.2 - 8.6 but its not worth if it is 7.6, as I see this vehicle on the road. they look to low and front bumper gives it less ground clearance that you will end scrapping the bumper when doing minor off-roading

The new Ex is a Cross Over...more a big AWD station wagon or mini van than anything else. Its not even close to being a 4 x 4 or a traditional SUV, or should it be. It's one of the reasons why we bought it...it's car like. There are far better choices for off road (Jeep, 4 Runner, truck, etc). Very, very few people want the Ex to fit your needs.

 

[rusty813]

I disagree, actually there are a lot of people out there, that are disappointed with what ford did with the explorer. Look at toyota, nissan, and dodge they are bragging about their true 4x4 system being the only middle-size suv and I think it would hurt ford in the long run.

 

[peterk9]

I disagree, actually there are a lot of people out there, that are disappointed with what ford did with the explorer. Look at toyota, nissan, and dodge they are bragging about their true 4x4 system being the only middle-size suv and I think it would hurt ford in the long run.

As with 182RG, the only reason I have the Explorer is because it is no longer on a truck frame. I actually made the jump with 2 1/2 years left on my '09 Highlander lease. According to one article I read, it is estimated that only 15% of owners go off-roading and much of that is not really serious off-roading and could perhaps be handled by the new Explorer.
All this does not mean that Ford won't introduce a more capable 4X4 down the road but I don't think they have anything to worry about now. I see more and more of the new Explorers around the town where I live and sales are strong.
http://4wheeldrive.about.com/od/offroad4x4atv4wd/a/offroadstats.htm

Peter

 

[Since95]

Peter & 182, you guys are dead on. If the explorer would have been on frame and more of an off-roader I would have considered something else. I'm not looking for a vehicle that I can mount a welder in and hit the Rubicon. I want something that I can haul people around in, hook up a boat on occasion, and still be able to have some traction in the mountains.

I think it's a sound business decision to sell things that the masses want and irresponsible to narrow your market capacity to your current box.

 

[FordService]

...The fact that Ford monitors this board (Cory aka FordCustSvc) demonstrates they do understand the importance of perception.

Thank you for the kind words, xplanfan!

FordCustSrvc,

I would really be suprised if ford makes a lift kit for this vehicle...I think what would be great idea...

rusty813,

That’s why I suggest submitting it to:

http://www.Social.Ford.com

Be sure to share the link so others here can comment and rate the idea.

...It's one of the reasons why we bought it...it's car like...

As with 182RG, the only reason I have the Explorer is because it is no longer on a truck frame...

Peter & 182, you guys are dead on. If the explorer would have been on frame and more of an off-roader I would have considered something else...

182RG, Peter, & Since95,

I appreciate you taking the time to offer your thoughts.

Cory