2011 Ford Explorer Spotted in Detroit...

[Kirk Risseler]

The Explorer has been a mini van and fugly at that for years now. My 1997 Ex I had with the real rea end and full frame, now that was an suv. At least this new version looks good. Because the last generation 4 door Explore was just butt ugly.

 

[Mike Corn]

Unless they offer 4x4 and RWD, I dont see much of a market for a sport trac deviation or even the explorer at all.



I mean honestly, 4 FWD Crossovers? The only thing left is the expedition, and if I were a betting man, i would def take a bet on the end of days for EXPedition as well.



QUestion......Just to take a poll,



How many of you fellow ST lubbers would purchase a FWD Sport Trac? AWD maybe, but I am just talking FWD here.

 

[Gavin Allan]

Sigh...



Guess it will be the Ridgeline unless I can get a GREAT DEAL on a 2010...

 

[Jimmy Lavoie]

Answer to Poll:



RWD or nothing!

 

[Robert Caffyn]

Have to agree with Mr. Marvyn above. It has some chevrolet overtones to it. It has a look sort of like thier Blazer or whatever they call it now. Don't get me wrong, it does look pretty good and thanks for the spy shots. I just don't like the idea of FWD in that type of vehicle. If they do anything, it should be standard with AWD. Who knows, we'll just have to wait and see. BC

 

[MARVIN McINTYRE 2]

Guess in the future we will have an over abundance of crossovers and they are all beginning to look more alike than you think:sad:. As for me I am keeping my "be-yutiful" 2001 ST, in Island Blue, until the cows come home. AAMOF, it now has 232K on the odometer!:banana:

Anyway, guess I will have to find a 2009 or 2010 STA in White SUede if I want to have one of the last of the STA's, as we surmise the demise of the best looking SUV/SUT out there!:angry:

 

[Kevin Lang]

Why a ridgeline? IMO those look worse, and they have the same default-to FWD as well.



Also there's the whole tire in the bed pocket issue, which I'm sure Ford would be smart enough to avoid in their monocoque (eww) ST, since they showcase that in their ST vs Ridgeline videos currently.



These sad trends in car styling and development make me wonder if I'll ever find myself buying a new car...probably not. (new as in non-preowned)

 

[Korey Kreiter]

Never stoop so low as to buy a Ridgeline. Go up to full-size, or down to Colorado/Canyon. A Colorado with 5.3 would actually be fun. I think their cab is quite a bit smaller than ST though. I don't know if I'd every buy a Chevy either. I think I will just keep the Trac until it dies.

 

[Gavin Allan]

Colorado/Canyon are butt-ugly and look cheap as heck. Chevy's rust away very quickly around here.



Ridgeline at least fits in my garage, has legendary Honda quality/reliability/resale value.



I may trade for a new Trac this summer. However, if this economy keeps dropping like a rock (wait for the 1st quarter results from IBM, Caterpillar, John Deere, etc. and see how much worse it is getting), or if I lose my job which is a real possibility, there will be no new truck in my future. In fact, I'll probably sell the Trac and ride the bike in the summer, and just do with one car in bad weather until it gets better.

 

[TrainTrac]

Ford just posted this on their Facebook page:

We have a BIG announcement to make

tomorrow during the NY Auto Show. Sorry, no hints! Just make sure you watch the webcast tomorrow at 10:30am EST by clicking on the "Ford Webcasts" tab.

I'm guessing it's the "official" unveiling of the 2011 Explorer.