Sometimes Lemons…Other Times, Life Throws You a 2011 Ford Explorer
By: Darren Sproat May 20th, 2011Category: Reviewed
I will be putting this not so little gem through its paces in the coming week.
Every once and a while, when you might be expecting a lemon, something totally unexpected happens.
Some time ago, I was asked if I would take the completely redesigned 2012 Ford Explorer for an honest drive and document how it went. I couldn’t resist the opportunity so, for the next week or so, I will be driving one of these not so little gems.
My wife and I picked up our Explorer from a local dealership earlier this week and, there’s one thing I can share right away… any preconceptions I had of this vehicle were completely blown away. In fact, if the dash didn’t clearly indicate FORD, I would have thought I was sitting in the wrong vehicle.
Indeed, initial impressions are very positive, but I plan to put this not so little reincarnation of the Ford Explorer through its paces… that is, if I can get it away from my wife.
So, stay tuned. I will give a real life account of our experiences making this vehicle a part of our family.
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I thought I had done a great job of raising my son and now he goes and drives a FORD!!!!!! Just kidding Darren – well done – keep up the tremendous work!
TwitterID: DarrenSproat
Haha… Dad, you did a great job of raising your son! I know when to take advantage of an opportunity when it flashes before my eyes. I’ll have to stop by and take you for a ride in the Explorer.
Darren
TwitterID: jamesfoutsnc
I really think Ford did extremely well with this one. Have fun!
I hope you enjoy your week playing around with the Explorer. We purchased ours on the first day it arrived at the dealership. It has now been 2 days shy of 5 months and over 8,000 miles. We love the Explorer and may be trading the wife’s BMW in for another this fall, we’ll see
TwitterID: DarrenSproat
Hey James,
We’re going to enjoy the week, I know that. I can honestly say that my first impression was one of shock. I didn’t think Ford had it in them to produce this vehicle…which, in the grand scheme of things, has got to be good for the entire Ford lineup. Take care,
Darren
TwitterID: jamesfoutsnc
My 3 favorite things were 3 that I didn’t think I would want at all, the automatic wipers, automatic cruise controls, and blind spot detection. I know you will have a good time!
Thanks! I hope they at least gave you the Limited version with all the goodies
TwitterID: DarrenSproat
It is the Limited, James…it has every bell, every whistle, every possible thing you could imagine. I am grateful to Ford that I at least get to still steer it.
Darren
TwitterID: CaptialFord
Nothing but raving fans of this vehicle from us here so far. There’s truly been an overhaul of the entire Ford lineup in the past 5 years…. here’s a little DID YOU KNOW! The 2012 Explorer is the first vehicle in the world to sport rear inflatable seat belts. It’s a small thing but then again you want anything you can get in an (god forbid) accident!
TwitterID: DarrenSproat
Mitch,
I have been driving the Explorer Limited now for 5 days and I must say, there may very well be a convert here. Perhaps I’ll be trading my Chevy in earlier than I had anticipated… I can honestly say, outside of a few very small criticisms, that I am truly impressed with this vehicle. Stay tuned, I’ll be submitting a post-drive review next week…
Now, I wonder how long til I can drive the Mustang Cobra for a week?
Darren
TwitterID: CassieUtai
D, i thought you were a chevy guy ??? If i remember correctly, i remember you saying something like ‘you wouldn’t catch my cold dead body in a ford’.
lol – how things change.
xoxox
Cas
TwitterID: DarrenSproat
I am a Chevy guy… but this drive just may convert me. I am quite impressed with this and other vehicles in the Ford line-up right now.
Darren
[...] few weeks ago, I was given an opportunity to drive an all-new 2011 Ford Explorer Limited for a whole week. I will be completely honest, I wasn’t expecting much from this new [...]
Would like to know what engiine you have, the 4 ecoboost or the V6 ecoboost?
TwitterID: DarrenSproat
In the unit I reviewed it was the V6. We were very impressed with this vehicle.
Dan getting ready to purchase a 2012 Limited Explorer before I pull the switch are you still excited by this SUV?
TwitterID: DarrenSproat
I still hold the Explorer Limited in very high regard, Ron. We were thoroughly impressed by it during the week we had it. We’ve driven a few others (Cherokee, Highlander, etc.) and they don’t even compare to the comforts and utility of the explorer. If we were in the market for an SUV today it would be a serious contender.
Thanks for commenting…
Darren
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