Hey y'all,


My wife and I are considering a 2016 Explorer (for her). I've traditionally been a Ford man for the past several years and the 2008 Focus she is driving we bought new in 2008. I am very particular about my vehicle sand equipment and it now has over 148K on it, with no major component failures.


We test drove a 16 Explorer XLT yesterday for the first time and we both really liked it.


I'm asking for any thoughts or opinions on the 16 Explorer. Likes/Dislikes, problems, issues, ETC. We would be looking for a base or XLT model with the 3.5 NA V6 (not sure about the ecoboost engines yet, which is one reason I bought my Silverado)


I bought a new 2015 Chevrolet Silverado last year after test driving a 14 F150. Back in May of 2015, Ford was not offering any incentives on the new F150 and although I am a Ford Man, the new Chevy is really nice. In may of 2015 the new F150 was not anywhere near 10K nicer than my Chevy. I ended up paying 1800 less for my way more optioned Chevy than the best I could do on a 14 left over F150, so that made my decision easy. I still love Ford though and if the deal was anywhere near the same, I'd be driving an F150 right now.


We are considering both Chevy and Ford so again, any thoughts would be appreciated. I feel both are good, pros and cons to each. I'm a fan of GM and Ford, not Dodge so much! (LOL).


Thanks,
Greg

 

I like my 3.5 '14, roomy, adequate power, decent fuel mileage.
I don't care for the wide A pillar (windshield), maneuvering all the dash technology, and the thick owners manual. Enjoy!

 

Sounds good one owner, I appreciate your thoughts. Are there any problem areas/known issues with the Explorer I should be aware of?


We are going to also test drive the Chevy Equinox and Traverse as well for comparison, however, I know the Explorer is in the lead as again, my wife has loved them since the 2011 re-design.


-G

 

Ordered a 2016 Explorer Sport back in November, still waiting for it.
We were considering the GMC Acadia and Toyota Highlander as well but the Ford was the nicest and the incentives/deal we got was good. Wanted 2nd row to be bucket seats, which limited our vehicle choices.
Wasn't overly impressed with the Acadia, which would be very similar to the traverse. Noisy and transmission felt sluggish. I'm sure you'd be happy with the new Explorer. I'm betting you could find a nicely equipped XLT on a lot somewhere. The Sports seem to be back-logged at the factory due to popularity.

 

I bought a '16 ruby red Platinum to replace my '11 King Ranch Expedition. This thang is a regular hot rod with the EcoBoost. Nicest driving vehicle I've ever had. Too many safety bells and whistles to list. Only dislike is the drivers side footwell is too narrow for my size 11 boots. It tapers in and really cuts into your foot room. Seats are shorter than the ones in the Expedition. Overall very satisfied with the Explorer, just wish it had more foot room. Maybe I'm just used to a bigger vehicle.

 

Good thoughts, I appreciate them!


My wife and I are both short, (under 5'5') so legroom is not an issue for us. Granted the only other vehicle we've test driven so far is a Toyota RAV4, we both really liked the Explorer. Going down the road it felt substantial and solid.


Again, my wife has been in love with the Explorer for several years now so It's the front runner and going to be hard to over come so to speak (LOL).


She's not a fancy person and does not need all the bells and whistles, just a basic 4wd Explorer is what she is looking for.


Do you all think Ford will up the incentives as the spring/summer approaches? I saw they just started offering 0 percent financing for 60 mos. which is good.


We're looking with White with black interior so I don't know if that's going to be hard to find or not. We'll see.


Is there and AWD selection on the Explorer 4wd? I figure there probably is, but I'm not sure. Going down the road, it sure didn't feel as big as it is and that was a nice surprise. We drove a 2.3 ecoboost which had suprising performance for a 4 cylinder, but I'm sure the standard 3.5 NA V6 would also be pleanty for her 72mi. round trip per day commute.


We'd have the Explorer for at least 8-10 years and probably 150K+ miles so hopefully it would hold up as well as the Focus has, as that has been excellent, again, with just routine maintence.


Thanks again,
Greg

 

In 20,000 miles absolutely no mechanical issues at all. In fact....never been back to the dealer.

 

Thanks for the info. It seems the 2011 to present explorer is pretty solid which is good.

I wonder what the highest mileage 2011 to present explorer is and what work it needed is? Anyone know or hear of any high mileage units?

 

Our 3.5 n/a '14 has over 30k on it, no issues. I rarely drive it and find the touch screen too busy to navigate well while driving. Little disappointed in the MPG's as I expected 24 or better on the hwy and it just wont go there. I also find the ride a little loud with the 20" wheels. Wife / kids love it, nice car and looks good too, but I'd rather drive a Town Car.

 

Thanks for the additional feedback. We'd be looking at a more base model, so no touch screen. I know the Explorer is what she really wants so I'm sure it's what we'll end up with.

Any other thoughts are welcome

-G

 

late to the party but we just bought our 13 sport that we had leased since new.
now with 60k miles and running like a top !

 

That's great to hear! What engine is in your 13? I'm glad to hear it's been running well for you. If we wind up with an explorer, hopefully it will be as solid as the 08 focus has been. Inside and out it's still nice with over 149k.

 

the '13 sport only has the 3.5 ecoboost - and at 60k+ still running strong

and now that it is out of warranty I COULD tune it for more if the wife let me drive HER car more

 

Haha that you could. I hear the 3.5 ecoboost is a beast with a tune! Good to hear though

 

I have a - 2014 leased explorer and have not been happy with mine.

I have an f150 and f250 as well as ford a plan.

I will not get anouther explorer as have had in for service several times.

I absolutly hate the SYNC technology and can not believe Ford would market this