Do you remember the good old days...?

[Langford]

My brother had a '98 exploder sport, decent rig...240k miles on it when he parked it.  My mom got a 4 door 4x4 v6 exploder in '03, and replaced it a few months ago with a 2012 exploder v6 4x4 (the '03 had a little over 200k on it when she sold it).  The '12 is nicer than the '98 or '03 in every aspect, more power, better economy, more room inside, better visibility and definitely more car-like, which is perfect for her. 

She wanted a mid size vehicle that had AWD/4x4 because she is an appraiser and needs to be able to get around in Michigan winters, and needed to be able to pull a small trailer from time to time...yes, it is more expensive than the previous two, but it is also much nicer IMO.  It is more car/van like than the previous models, but who says that is a bad thing?  How many people really use explorers for hard core offroad use and NEED a truck frame, solid rear axle and real 4x4?   

[Peelz]

You definitely have not gotten into the 2011-12 model, much roomier and it is b-e-a-utiful!!!

That's because it's now a car.

hater high five

[Mad Dog]

[rant]

The 4.0L V6 was not a nice engine.  The OHV model was a an absolute dog though luckily everything else on Dad's 1998 fell apart fast enough the engine itself was still working after replacing lots of little bits like the EGR.  The 2000 was reliable (it was bought brand new) just horrible on gas, too weak to carry much more than the 2 door version of itself around town without wheezing, and of no use as a tow vehicle.  The newest and only SOHC model was an 04 Sport Trac and just outside the factory warranty the engine decided it wanted to start eating the camshaft.  Dealer took it back on trade for a new 09 SEL Tuxedo Black Taurus (Five Hundred) which sits in the garage while she drives around a 1999 Buick Park Ave Ultra.  Why did I mention the Five Hundred/Taurus?  See next paragraph.

There's not much the new "explorer" can do that the Taurus X couldn't do from a dynamic standpoint, and there's not much it has over the current Flex either besides a couple inches of ground clearance.  If you opt for the flex's Eco Boost engine it even requires AWD.  Both of those vehicles are capable of fulfilling every need the average buyer needs.  The reason why?  They're all based on the same platform the Five Hundred started on 7 or 8 years ago albeit with a few tweaks.  So getting back to the Explorer; the reason someone buys the explorer is because it's cooler to buy something called an SUV even if it's in name only.  And that's fine, just so long as we don't pretend the explorer is anything more than a car with a tall body and some extra ground clearance.

SUVs used to be designed for more than carting the groceries and kiddies around town because people can't be swayed to buy a station wagon that gets better gas mileage, costs less, and is more enjoyable to drive.  For those of us who still tow/haul/offroad with these machines we will look towards the remaining body on frame suvs (All the midsize are Japanese, US only makes big ones now) or look to companies like Dodge/Jeep whose new Durango/Grand Cherokee is proof that unibody doesn't have to mean the loss of load carrying/towing capability and off-road prowess.

[/rant]

[racinjason68]

oh yeah, well we bought ours cause we like it....  That is all...

I will say my '96 with v-8 did haul good and carried a few cars along with my quads and on average got 17mpg.   not great, but it did suit my needs and the price was to good to pass up to put 100k on myself.  Now i agree the first gens were made with a 4.0L little gutless, but did get it around, kinda. But the tranny was made for a car basicly, drums and clutches too small...   

Have to realise most that have suv's, basicly just use them to haul kids and crap, no major towing.  Round here if your gonna tow a trailer over 8 foot long you need a 3/4 ton....  Or so most think...   So the guzzler suv foots their bill, and "status"... 

[Peelz]

oh yeah, well we bought ours cause we like it....  That is all...

I will say my '96 with v-8 did haul good and carried a few cars along with my quads and on average got 17mpg.   not great, but it did suit my needs and the price was to good to pass up to put 100k on myself.  Now i agree the first gens were made with a 4.0L little gutless, but did get it around, kinda. But the tranny was made for a car basicly, drums and clutches too small...   

Have to realise most that have suv's, basicly just use them to haul kids and crap, no major towing.  Round here if your gonna tow a trailer over 8 foot long you need a 3/4 ton....  Or so most think...   So the guzzler suv foots their bill, and "status"... 

noooo way. you started it! Said I should turn in my man card for not having an SUV.

[rappyfreak]

Hells yeah soccerdad!!! 

[Peelz]

meh, I can put twice as much stuff in it, tow just as much, and paid 5 grand less than a comparable SUV...... Ill keep my man card on intelligence alone. 

[Krandall]

meh, I can put twice as much stuff in it, tow just as much, and paid 5 grand less than a comparable SUV...... Ill keep my man card on intelligence alone. 

'


that can be debatable .......

[Peelz]

meh, I can put twice as much stuff in it, tow just as much, and paid 5 grand less than a comparable SUV...... Ill keep my man card on intelligence alone. 

'


that can be debatable .......

Debate this douchewaffle!

[Hefe]

what is azll this ford talk...?

Wife = 2009 Tahoe
Me = 2008 HD2500 Duramax

both covered
we want comfy and smooth.. we drive hers
we want bad ass and tough... Mine!

keep your ford junk!

[dragonz]

1992 L300 4x4 Mitsubushi Van FTW
I have it set up on LPG, so 700km between fills.
The back is set up as a camper (even has a chemical dunny to keep the ladies happy) & has a double bed in the back.
I can fold the sleeping arrangements out of the way (or remove completely when needed)
So I can haul a Rappy round in the back, or load it with firewood, or whatever.............
4x4, so good for the 50km trips up the beach at low tide to go stay at one of my favourite camping/riding spots.........

Now, if I could just my damn rappy back together..........