bought used, LOVE IT
Written: Jan 08 '07
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Pros: Very reliable, ample power, GREAT interior
Cons: Crummy rear wiper, not easily serviceable.
The Bottom Line: Definitely recommend, good solid reliable vehicle.
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| gearjammer1984's Full Review: 2001 Ford Explorer Sport |
I saw my 2001 Ford Explorer Sport sitting in a used car dealership in December of '06, with 71K on the clock. I had been looking for a suitable replacement for my 2002 Ford Focus (It was my bachelor car, but very inadequate when my life changed a little!). I got engaged to a woman with 2 kids, a 7 and a 9 year old, so I was buying this to haul kids and so we both had something nice to drive when we went out of town. Now, I know, most people complain about 2 doors when people need to get in and out. First, I'd like to point out that in addition to the Focus, I've been driving a 1995 Bronco XL (Yes, I'm a Ford biased guy), so as long as there's ample room in the back seat, I'm used to getting people in and out of 2 door vehicles. Second, I can comfortably sit in the back seat, and I'm not really a small guy (6'2" 230 pound). Getting in and out can be a little bit of a hassle, but nothing I'm too worried about. However, this is NOT SOMETHING that should be attempted with car seats (Long story) unless you hate yourself! Additionally, The cargo area has MORE than enough room for all kinds of stuff, from kids luggage to a washing machine.
I like the backlighting of all the switches, I LOVE the white face gauges, and the high end Pioneer 6 disc system the Sport came with. With my Satellite radio and the factory subwoofer, that system should be enough to please all but the most picky audiophiles. Front seats are very comfortable, and I've had no complaints going over a thousand miles in an 18 hour stretch, but this seems to depend more on your tolerance for spending large amounts of time in a vehicle
I find the handling and road manners of the Sport SUPERB. Some people find the ride a little stiff (I know the missus isn't real fond of the ride on our local 2 lane blacktop), but I drive 18 wheelers for a living, so I don't really notice any issue. Cornering ability is good too. The focus was set up for curvy roads with special suspension, so I was coddled with a car that could go around corners at double the recommended limit. The Sport won't quite do that, but unless you get stupid it stays fairly stable and planted in turns, and I find I can go through the twisties a fair bit quicker than in the Bronco and still not scare my passengers.
The powertrain is excellent. The 4.0L SOHC engine has more than enough grunt for me, and we live at 7000 feet above sea level. I find it gets a little short on breath around 9-10000 feet in the mountains, but I suspect it would be a monster at lower altitudes. Gas mileage is fair as well, I get 20-25 on the highway, but it drops to around 15 in town, unless the missus is driving it, then it gets 11-12. As with any engine, it's mostly a matter of driving style.
The transmission is something I'm still adapting to. As I said, I'm a truck driver, and this is my first vehicle with an automatic transmission, so I find being in the mountains with it kind of irritating, in the sense that you seem to have to mash the gas to the floor to get it to downshift, and going down hills I generally shift into second to keep it from running away. In the mountains it's best just to leave the overdrive off unless you want to have it shifting up and down constantly.
The four wheel drive is another story, however. I've never liked push button 4x4, but this vehicle was bought to travel on Wyoming's winter roads, and I find it superb in that capability. I run BF Goodrich All Terrain tires, and when the road turns slick just rotate the knob into 4 Hi, and it's as surefooted as a goat on all but the worst bobsled run roads. I've only used the low range 4x4 while I was test driving, and it's kind of a joke. THIS IS NOT a good off road vehicle, as it's too low slung (Especially with the factory running boards). It works well on snowy and slightly muddy dirt roads, but if you like to go out and play as I do with my Bronco, LOOK ELSEWHERE, because this vehicle will not cut it for serious offroad duty. I've heard they were also made in a 2 wheel drive version, and if I lived somewhere where there was not a lot of snow in the winter, I would seriously consider not having the 4x4.
My only complaints with the Sport are as follows:
1) The rear windshield wiper is totally inadequate. Half the time it gets stuck in the gap between the tailgate and the glass, and when it is operational, it only seems to clear a patch about as big as a dinner plate
2) Changing the headlight bulbs is A NIGHTMARE!! Beware the passenger's side bulb, you'll need long needlenose pliers or a chimpanzee to gain access, and you will remove flesh on either side.
3) It's probably due to age, but if it sits overnight in cold weather, it will not idle until it warms up the next morning, and it's a little irritating to have to shift into neutral and gun the engine.
Other than that, I would highly recommend the truck, bearing in mind that you have to have reasonable expectations of it. It is not an offroader, but for travelling, slick roads, etc, it is a WONDERFUL vehicle
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 10,494
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2001
Model and Options: Explorer Sport, Remote entry, premium sound, sunroof, power everything
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Epinions.com ID:
gearjammer1984
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Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 0 members
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