Consider alternatives
Written: Dec 19 '00 (Updated Dec 19 '00)
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Pros: Excellent headlights, keyless entry, large gas tank, retains resale value well
Cons: Handling (not bad but worse than competition), computer not as good as Jeep, stereo not as good as Pathfinder
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| masonuc's Full Review: 2001 Ford Explorer 4WD |
Okay, I'm not totally anti-Ford Explorer. They're decent cars. And I think the Firestone tire thing is not a major concern. But the 2000 and 2001 Explorer doesn't handle as well as other cars in its class, namely the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Nissan Pathfinder. It's just no comparison. Maybe it's the "one body" thing (Explorer is put together from different parts rather than molded from one piece of steel). All I know is, my 2000 Explorer (which I sold after 3 months) can't touch my new 2001 Pathfinder, nor my 1998 Jeep (which I leased before the Explorer).
And there were other problems. For instance, there was a lot of rattling. Whenever I got out of the car after driving, I could here all sorts of "pings" and other noises. But the car was (supposedly) in excellent shape. And it drove okay, but I constantly felt like I was driving a big truck, and would flip on quick turns -- not so on the Pathfinder (or the new Jeeps, or more expensive SUVs, except the Mercedes).
Explorers have some major positives. Keyless entry is great. And the headlights are incredibly bright, which is a nice thing if you live in a rural area. But the Jeep's computer and the Pathfinder's better stereo and related features (see my Pathfinder review) more than make up for those loses.
If you have a good deal on a used or new Explorer, I am not saying to definitely pass it up. I would just check out the Pathfinder and Jeep -- and drive them all (a lot, around curves, on the interstate), before you pick one. On SUVs, handling is the most important thing (i.e., does it feel like a car or a truck?), and I think Explorers finish last in their class.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 29000
Model Year: 2001
Model and Options: XLT 4X4
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Epinions.com ID:
masonuc
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Location: Washington, DC
Reviews written: 11
Trusted by: 2 members
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