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2011 Ford Explorer CT

The 2011 Ford Explorer all new and well worth the wait; it's improved in every area.  The Explorer will tow 5000 pounds when equipped with the tow package. There's trailer sway control, which works with the stability control, and is another thing that could save your life. The window outline of the Explorer is clean, bold and symmetrical, with blackened A-, B-, and D-pillars, and with body-colored C-pillars that slant down and back and impart forward motion to the vehicle. With the dark privacy glass, from the shoulders up, in white at least, the Explorer looks like a sleek and powerful yacht. The fender flares are inspired by the Mustang, body sides follow the lines of the Taurus, and new three-bar grille strikes clearly of Range Rover.

Ford Explorer Power and Drive

The new 3.5-liter V6, a DOHC all-aluminum mill with variable cam timing, was first used in the Ford Edge; called Ti-VCT, it's been pumped up to 290 horsepower in the Explorer, with 255 pound-feet of torque. Engineers gave the rear suspension a name, SR1, because for each wheel movement, the shock absorbers are tuned to make the same motion in the same cadence, which they say eliminates undesirable ride motions. In the Normal mode, on dry pavement, the vehicle runs at about a 90/10 bias in front-wheel drive, and torque shifts to the rear as needed. This is what you'll use most of the time, rain or shine. The Snow/Gravel mode allows less wheelspin, provides conservative throttle control, and enables earlier transmission upshifts. This should help stabilize handling, making it easier to control, though you'll still need to exercise care when slowing down. The Sand mode provides more aggressive throttle, holds the transmission in gear longer, and desensitizes traction control. Because, unlike in snow, to make progress in sand you need wheelspin. Mud/Ruts allows torque as throttle increases. Stability control is desensitized to help maintain momentum over soft or uneven surfaces.

Design of the 2011 Ford Explorer

 

The looks of the new Explorer are 100 percent reinvented. The body-on-frame structure is just for pickups again, with virtually every manufacturer building their SUVs with unibody structures because they're stiffer, and with today's high-strength steels, they can be made lighter while still having a ride and handling that's firm. The Explorer is 4 inches longer and 5 inches wider than before, and its width is evident in its confident stance, but its smooth styling cheats the eye. It has beefy but smooth proportions, with short overhangs and fluid lines that are 12 percent more aerodynamic than before.

'11 Ford Explorer Cabin

The front seat elevates high, which is good because the hood looks long from the driver's seat. The Explorer will be a versatile family vehicle, so the seats have memory for the XLT and Limited, while the steering wheel and pedals adjust for different drivers in the family. The ratcheted headrests are great, because they meet safety standards but don't push your head down at the chin. It's a problem with other vehicles that Ford solves with ratchets. When the driver surveys his or her domain, it all looks satisfying, with a clean and slanted center stack using stylish satin-finish trim materials, with attractive climate vents and audio speakers. The doors have metal speaker grilles, and curve into the dash panel.

Ford Explorer Lineup for 2011

The Explorer comes standard with cloth seats with 6-way power driver including lumbar and recline; 60/40 split rear and 50/50 third row; tilt/telescoping steering wheel with controls; 6-speaker AM/FM/CD MP3 sound system, air filtration, speed-sensitive wipers, power windows, power locks, and power seats.

The Explorer XLT adds upgraded cloth seats, leather steering wheel and shift knob, 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, automatic headlamps, heated sideview mirrors with LED turn signals and security approach lamps, backup and perimeter warning beepers, and 400-watt Sony sound system.

Explorer Limited adds leather seats, SelectShift manual mode for the 6-speed automatic transmission, 20-inch painted aluminum wheels, power folding sideview mirrors, ambient lighting, adjustable pedals with memory, cargo net, dual zone climate control, 10-way power driver seat, rearview camera, remote start, 110-volt outlet, push-button start, garage door opener, and last but not least MyFord Touch driver connect technology.

Conclusions

The 2011 Ford Explorer is redesigned. There are three Explorer models, Base, XLT and Limited. Each seats 7 passengers, and uses the new 3.5-liter V6 engine, 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, with a new 6-speed automatic transmission. The driver selects the terrain with a knob (Normal, Sand, Mud/Ruts, or Snow/Gravel), and the car does the rest, flawlessly. The Explorer's width is evident in its confident stance spanning a 67-inch track, but its smooth styling cheats the eye. It has beefy but smooth proportions, with short overhangs and fluid lines that are 12 percent more aerodynamic than before.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com