That 2001 Ford Explorer you may be considering is not as new as you think. Sure, it smells new, it's shiny, and it looks modern, but the mechanicals underneath are anything but new.

The explorer started out life in 1990. It was at the time, a break through. It handled nicely for a truck, had lots of room for people, pets, and cargo, and did everything well. The public reacted by making it the best selling sport utility vehicle in the country, and ever since, it has held that title. I can see the practical reasons why Americans hold this SUV so dear after a number of hours behind the wheel of my company's jet black 2001 Explorer 4x4 4 door XLS.

The explorer does everything well for 90% of American drivers. The afformentioned room, reliability, towing ability, and resale value have made it a hit here.

But I am one of those 10% of Americans who would find the Explorer lacking. Compared to new SUV's, the explorer feels every bit of 10 years old. Don't get me wrong, I owned a 1991 explorer for 5 years when it was new, and I liked it. But compared to newer SUV's, the Jeep Grand Cherokee for one, the steering feels dead and it handles like a much bigger vehicle.

The stock ford stereo is among the worst sound systems I have heard in a modern car. It is a stereo cassette unit with very bad accoustics, and to get normal driving volume, the stereo needs to be half way cranked up.

Spend a little more and go for the all new from the ground up 2002 model. It handles much better, is roomier, and can finally truly compete with the modern crop of SUV's.

Recommended: No

Amount Paid (US$): $25000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2001
Model and Options: XLS 4 door 4 wheel drive