;2011 Ford Explorer

Avg. Paid:$28,719 - $39,600

Ford Explorer - What the Auto Press Says

The 2011 Ford Explorer ranks 1 out of 22 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 15 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Explorer, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

All-new for 2011, reviewers say that the Ford Explorer finally has what it takes to compete with the best midsize SUVs and crossovers on the market, naming it the 2011 North American Truck of the Year. Improved fuel economy, adept performance and a comfortable interior with innovative features once again make the Ford Explorer one of the best SUVs for family duty.

The original Ford Explorer helped transform midsize SUVs from rugged work vehicles to family haulers.  But while the Explorer helped spur the class’s shift, it soon trailed more comfortable crossover SUVs when it came to family duty. Not anymore. For 2011, Ford has completely redesigned the Explorer, and reviewers say the new model manages to be both a comfortable family vehicle and a rugged SUV.

While Edmunds says the 2011 Explorer “is much more in tune with what today's crossover shoppers are looking for,” it’s not without its hurdles. The biggest one is the competition.  “Ford's re-imagined Explorer is a very nice 7-passenger crossover that, unfortunately, is in competition with a lot of other very nice 7-passenger crossovers,” says Consumer Guide. Still, like most reviewers, Consumer Guide concludes that the 2011 Explorer is “both competent on-road and more capable off-road than most in this class… Overall, it strikes a good balance between the rugged character of its predecessor and the car-like dynamics of a modern crossover. If that's what you're looking for in an SUV, Ford has you covered."

If reviewers have one complaint about the new Explorer, it’s the price. While the base Explorer gets you seating for seven and a good V6 engine for $28,190, when you load the upper trims with options, the Explorer’s price can top $50,000, which is squarely in luxury SUV territory. Reviewers like the optional technology, which includes a high-tech terrain response system, MyFord touchscreen controls and SYNC, Ford’s infotainment system. Still, a few question if they’re worth the extra cash.

The Ford Explorer won the 2011 Best Off-Road SUV for Families Award from U.S. News and World Report.

Other SUVs to Consider

If you need the seat capacity and capability that a midsize SUV offers, reviewers say you should take a look at the Chevrolet Traverse.  It starts at about $1,000 more than the Explorer does, and doesn’t have the same rugged capability that the Explorer has with its terrain response system, but reviewers like the Traverse for its adult-comfortable third row and excellent fuel economy.  Plus, it has a longer warranty than the Explorer.  And, though its base price is higher, it’s not a new model, which means Chevy will probably offer discounts and other incentives.  It will be a while before Ford starts to offer incentives on the all-new Explorer.

For buyers who are trying to balance off-road ability with on-road comfort, the new-for-2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee deserves a look. Reviewers often compare the Explorer and the Grand Cherokee, which starts at about $2,000 more than the base Explorer. While the Grand Cherokee is more expensive, it comes with more standard features, that may justify the cost to some buyers. Also, the Grand Cherokee is built for heavy-duty off-roading, while the Explorer is best suited for light-duty trails and foul weather. However, the Grand Cherokee does not have a third row seat, so if you want to seat more than five people, the Explorer is the way to go.

Details: Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is a completely new vehicle for 2011.  It comes in three trims: the base Explorer, Explorer XLT and the Explorer Limited. Right now, all Explorers come with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.  Later in 2011, the Explorer will be available with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available. The Explorer can seat up to seven people.

• "Our main reservation, and it’s one that applies to most new Fords, is that it gets pricey when optioned out. Now that this market segment is so crowded, it will be hard to see the Explorer recapturing the sales volumes of yore. But the combination of its all-around goodness, the latent equity in the Explorer name, and the current goodwill factor surrounding Ford will make this new SUV a solid player."--Car and Driver
• "This new Explorer shares little with last year's model other than its name. Gone are the truck-related mechanicals; underneath, its unibody construction is similar to that of the Ford Flex. The upside is more carlike driving dynamics and safety; the downside is reduced maximum towing capacity"--Edmunds
• “By any name or description, the new Explorer easily deserves to be at or near the top of an SUV (or crossover) shopping list."--USA TODAY
• "The Explorer has third-row seats, a long list of options and packages ... and plenty of competition in the segment like the 2011 Grand Cherokee, the upcoming new Hyundai Santa Fe, plus the Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, and GMC Acadia."--Boston Globe
• "There may have been a lot of arched eyebrows leading up to the 2011 Explorer, but after driving it, the only looks of surprise are likely to be accompanied by feelings of delight."--Autoblog
• "Look out GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander: Suburbia’s new Explorer has arrived."--Left Lane News

Explorer Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)

Reviewers say that the 2011 Ford Explorer’s performance is miles ahead of the 2010 model; it’s competitive with the best crossovers in the class. Car and Driver says, "The Explorer initially feels imposing from behind the wheel but drives smaller as the miles pile on. The ride is supple, and the vehicle is composed when being hurled around corners, thanks to direct and accurate steering and a well-controlled body.” Read More

Explorer Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)

Even though it is technically a crossover, the reviewers say the Explorer is rugged enough to handle most SUV chores – and it looks the part.  While most other midsize SUVs and crossovers look rounded, the Explorer has a rugged, squared-off look.  The majority of reviewers agree that the styling works.  Read More

Explorer Interior - 8.2 (Very Good)

The 2011 Ford Explorer gets almost nothing but positive reviews for its comfortable and upscale cabin. Autoblog says the Explorer’s interior "is a fine one -- so fine, in fact, that it not only feels several generations ahead of the interior in the outgoing model, it might just be best-in-class." Read More

Explorer Safety - 10.0 (Excellent)

Even though it’s a new model, the 2011 Ford Explorer impresses reviewers with its extensive and innovative safety features.  It’s even already been named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick”. Read More

Explorer Reliability - 7.0 (Good)

The 2011 Ford Explorer reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2011 Ford Explorer is an all-new model, so predictions based on the reliability of the 2010 and earlier model year Explorers would not be valid. That said, Ford backs the Explorer with its three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.