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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Ford Explorer

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Ford Explorer

Overview

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2011 Ford Explorer Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.4

Completely redesigned to better meet the wants and needs of today's increasingly sophisticated buyers, the 2011 Ford Explorer shares little but its name with a vehicle that ushered in the modern SUV era when it arrived 20 years ago. Still mid-size, the fifth-generation Explorer straddles the line between a traditional sport utility and contemporary crossover by moving from body-on-frame to unitized design. That transition yields a four-door/seven-passenger package which is significantly lighter yet stronger and more fuel-efficient than the 2010 iteration while providing greater comfort, luxury, and refinement plus state-of-the-art technology and safety features. Available in base/XLT/Limited trims, front- or four-wheel drive and offering a standard V6 engine, the 2011 Ford Explorer will face off against key rivals like the Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Acadia, Dodge Durango, Honda Pilot Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner.

You'll Like This Car If...

Those seeking a versatile mid-size vehicle that merges the most desirable functional elements of an SUV and a crossover with exceptional style, comfort and segment-leading fuel economy will find plenty to praise about the 2011 Ford Explorer lineup.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Hard-core off-roaders are still likely to prefer conventional body-on-frame vehicles like the Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4Runner – or unit-body alternatives like the Dodge Durango or Jeep Grand Cherokee that offer a dual-range 4WD system. Anyone needing to tow more than 5,000 pounds or wanting a rear-seat DVD entertainment system also should look elsewhere

What's New for 2011

A top-to-bottom rethink of the Explorer formula results in a thoroughly contemporary and far more desirable take on the SUV/crossover concept, creating a package that should help win over new buyers as well as bring former owners back into the Blue Oval fold.

Driving the Explorer

Driving Impressions For all of the noteworthy changes Ford wrought on the 2011 Explorer, the transformation in its dynamic character is arguably the most profound. Moving to a unit-body configuration endows this...

SUV/crossover with a far smoother, more compliant yet better-controlled ride. Match that with a bounty of standard computer-controlled handling aids, impressively weighted electrically-boosted power steering, capable anti-lock disc brakes and its world-exclusive Curve Control system and the new Explorer takes on any travel assignment with newfound confidence that belies its scale. Although ground clearance is a fairly modest 7.6 inches, our off-road experience in a four-wheel-drive variant proved conclusively that the new Terrain Management system will ensure the average Explorer owner successful access – and egress – when venturing into unpaved territory, as well. Factor in outstanding fuel economy, exceptional cabin comfort, user-focused functionality plus class-leading connectivity, and the 2011 Ford Explorer emerges as a most accommodating travelmate for its driver and passengers, alike.

Favorite Features

My Ford Touch
This latest and most capable version of Ford's driver-connect technology is standard on the Explorer Limited and available on the XLT. It utilizes an even more advanced and expanded version of the automaker's SYNC voice-command system to allow and facilitate a broader range of input commands for the audio, navigation, climate control and phone systems.

Curve Control
A world-exclusive, this standard safety enhancement automatically senses when the vehicle is entering a given corner to quickly and automatically engage throttle and braking intervention to help keep it maintain the desired driving path.

2011 Ford Explorer Details

Interior

A complete cabin recast puts even greater emphasis on style and comfort thanks to upgraded materials, exceptional fit/finish, lots more soft-touch surfaces and enhanced trim elements. The new instrument package, MyFord Connect (base) or available MyFord Touch (XLT/Limited) systems, a media hub, four 12V powerpoints and multiple stow cubbies add to the ambiance while decently supportive front buckets team with an adult-friendly 60/40 second-row bench and an adult-accepting 50/50 third tier across the line. Popping the Explorer's one-piece liftgate facilitates easy access to its 15.7 cubic-foot cargo bay, which can be expanded to a maximum of 80.7 cubic-feet by folding down both rows of rear seats.

Exterior

Although its overall shape and scale carry over, the fully restyled 2011 Ford Explorer boasts a cleaner and classier appearance – along with 12-percent better aerodynamics. Slightly longer and lower with a significantly wider track, it backs that more assertive stance with greater flair thanks to more prominent body sculpting complemented by a rakish C-pillar and drama-boosting blackout A-, B- and D-pillar treatments. Slicker front and rear fascias gain higher-profile headlamp and tail lamp fitments while smartly flared fenderwells on the base, XLT and Limited trims are filled by 245/65, 245/60 and 255/50 tires on 17-inch steel wheels, 18-inch aluminum rims and 20-inch alloys, respectively.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

In addition to its 290-horsepower V6/six-speed automatic transmission, the base Explorer boasts numerous power assists, MyFord driver connectivlty, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with media hub, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt/telescoping steering column and more. The XLT adds interior/exterior trim embellishments, auto headlamps, fog lights, 18-inch wheels/tires, rearview camera with zoom function, premium cloth upholstery, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, SecuriCode keyless-entry pad and the SelectShift feature. Leather-upholstered, the Limited gets all that and the XLT's Driver Connect and Comfort Packages –plus a Sony premium audio system with HD Radio. Safety items include AdvanceTrak with Roll Stability Control and Curve Control, Hill Start Assist, antilock brakes, front/front-side/side-curtain airbags and a rollover sensor.

Optional Equipment

All Explorers offer four-wheel drive with multi-mode Terrain Management System and Hill Descent Control. Base model upgrades include SIRIUS Satellite Radio and a tow-prep package while XLT buyers can add the Driver Connect (MyFord Touch/SYNC, premium audio, dual-zone climate control and rear-view camera) and Comfort Packages (all that plus heated leather seats). The Limited's Luxury Seating Package (perforated leather, heated/cooled front buckets, power-folding third-row seat, power lift gate and voice-activated navigation system) is available with/without the 302A Group (Blind Spot Information System, adaptive cruise control, Auto Park, HID headlamps and rain-sensing wipers). Single XLT/Limited options include navigation, dual-panel power moonroof, power liftgate, inflatable second-row outboard seatbelts and the blind spot system.

Under the Hood

The 2011 Explorer's standard engine is Ford's high-tech 3.5-liter Ti-VCT (twin-independent variable camshaft timing) V6 that makes 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. Despite 80 more ponies than the outgoing 4.0-liter six – and just two less than the 4.6-liter V8 – it's also 25 percent more fuel efficient. Backed by a six-speed automatic, it earns class-leading 17/25 mpg city/highway EPA numbers in front-drive Explorers and 17/23 mpg marks in the 4WD versions, serves up 60 mph in roughly 8.0 seconds and gives the Explorer a 5,000-pound max-tow rating. "Some time next year," Ford will offer an optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that churns out 237 ponies and 250 pound-feet of twist. While limited to front-drive models, Ford anticipates this lighter-duty alternative will deliver 30-percent better fuel economy that the old V6.

3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6
290 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
255 lb-ft of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 (FWD), 17/23 (4WD)

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2011 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.7

Out of 10

Based on 86 Ratings for the 2011 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

7.8/10

Quality

8.0/10
Reliability

8.1/10

Performance

8.3/10
Comfort

8.4/10

Styling

8.5/10

Ford has stepped up their game!

By RachelK (KY) on Thursday, July 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,800

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Room, design, features, gas mileage"

Cons: "Turn signal kinda tricky"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This re-designed Explorer is GREAT! It drives so much better than the previous Explorers and it's soooo roomy! I can fit all of my family's luggage in the back and still have room for visibility and comfort! The wider and longer Explorer make it much more roomy on the inside too, and my kids finally have enough room to fall asleep, if they aren't watching movies! I can not live without the backup camera! I'm so glad Ford did what they did to the Explorer, it has really paid off!!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Ford should not have re-designed

By What happened to the leg room? (MD) on Tuesday, July 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: Not Rated

Pros: "Back-up camera, MyTouch, Towing Ability"

Cons: "Leg room, Poor visibility, Gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I purchased my 2013 Ford Explorer XLT over two weeks ago and wish I had not. I did not notice what is referred to as the "dead pedal" on the left side of the floor board when test driving but after purchasing realized I could not stretch my left leg out! I am 6'3" which is above average height but I am no giant. The old Explorer had plenty of leg room which is odd that they changed it. I feel cramped whenever I drive long distances because I cannot stretch out in this thing. I took it back to the dealership to see if I could trade it on a F-150 but they informed me I would take a huge loss. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone who is over 6 feet tall. The new Explorer looks good with some awesome features but not for someone with height."

3 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Wonderful Machine!

By Jonathan (FL) on Monday, July 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,600

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "MyFord, Gas Mileage, Comfort, Features"

Cons: "No such thing!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this car 2 months ago and I drive all accross town, it gets Great MPG even in the City! At times I was topping out at 24! That's just with the regular V6 engine! The MyFord Touch system is amazingly fast and helpful and the navigation helps me get to where I need to be on time. My Kids have PLENTY of room in the back seats and really enjoy looking out the moonroof and watching movies on the back of the front head-rests. I have owned Explorers all of my life and have no plans of buying anything else!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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AWESOME!

By HA713 (GA) on Sunday, July 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Nice, high quality, quiet ride"

Cons: "None at all!!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This Explorer is AMAZING! It has great MPG and handling! I have completed long journeys in this car in comfort and style, and haven't had one problem! This Explorer is a Must-Have!!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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2013 Ford Explorer Base with Ecoboost

By Mrsb (TX) on Saturday, July 20, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: Husband wanted a new 2014 Mustang - My approximate mileage is 18,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Decent price, loved the interior, comfy seats"

Cons: "weird emgrcy brake, sometimes noticeable turbo lag"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased my 2013 Ford Explorer base in May 2012. I upgraded to leather as I did not want cloth that comes with the base model. It was nice but I have a 3 year old and cloth seats wont survive juice spills like leather will. It was an upgrade of 1000 bucks. Totally worth it. I had 2 escapes an 06 and 09 model prior to upgrading to this explorer. I owned a 03 explorer prior to the escapes. I was iffy about the redesign and I did not want to rush out and by the 2011 model when it came out. I test drove this vehicle 3 different times before I decided to proceed with my purchase. I had a few gripes i've listed them here: Cons- The emergency brake would hit my shin on my left leg when entering or exiting the vehicle. I am 5'5 and i think its just awkwardly placed. It didnt seem to bother my husband who is 6'5. They do not come with cabin air filters. After about 9-10 months my ac developed a funk smell. I took it in and was informed i needed a cabin air filter with parts and labor $60 bucks from dealership...crazy. I order the part ($16) and installed myself. You would think paying 30k for a vehicle a cabin air filter would be in there. If you plan to extend rear face and happen to have a large rear facing car seat it can be a pain in the rear. I managed to fit my sons Diono Radian XTSL just fine but it took a little adjusting. Honestly that's the only stuff I can come up with. I fell in love with this truck and while I am sad to see her go I am gaining my husbands 2013 ecoboost f150 with all the options that my base model explorer doesnt have. I averaged over the life of my explorer 22.4 mpg thats with combined city and hwy and I traded her in at aprx 19k miles. I did a lot of city driving/ idling and hwy over my 19k miles. I would spend about 60 bucks every 2 weeks refueling. I can honestly say that when i used premium my explorer performed much more powerfully. She seemed more responsive to acceleration. I used regular unleaded majority of the time. I reserved the premium fuel for when I took the toll roads."

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Ford has out done themselves.

By bskrich (IL) on Friday, May 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "looks quality my touch system and the ride"

Cons: "turn signal lever."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I cant say anything bad about my suv because i would be lying. the ride and comfort make you feel like your gliding on air. the my touch system is very nice. took a bit to get use to the commands it needs to do things but you'll get it."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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