The Ford Story: Walk-around Tour of the All-new Ford Explorer

“Today’s SUV customers really aren’t interested in compromising,” said Amy Marentic, Group Marketing Manager. “They want luxury, convenience and technology with their all-road capability. Until now, they had to choose a luxury SUV to get the features they want – a feature level that this all-new, industry-leading Explorer now exceeds.”

Want to see what she means? In the video above, Mark Fields; Executive Vice President, Ford Motor Company, and President, The Americas; and Julie Levine, Explorer Program Manager, give you a walk-around tour of the 2011 Ford Explorer.

The all-new Ford Explorer will offer SUV customers a broad range of trim levels and customer convenience and connectivity technologies that will raise the eyebrows among even luxury SUV owners.

The base Explorer delivers a strong package of customer convenience and technology features, with the following items as standard equipment:

Hill start assist
Dual chrome exhaust tips
Projector-style headlamps
Power remote sideview mirror
LED taillamps
Air filtration system
Media hub, including an auxiliary input jack
Four 12-volt power points
Second- and third-row dome/map lights
Tilt/telescoping steering column
Steering wheel-mounted five-way and secondary audio controls
Cruise control
Power windows with one-touch driver’s down
Single CD/MP3-capable six-speaker audio system
MyKey™ owner control feature
Keyless entry remote

The base Explorer features cloth seats with first-row adjustable buckets, a 60/40 split fold-flat bench seat in the second row, and a 50/50 third-row split folding bench.

The all-new 2011 Explorer XLT offers all the base model equipment with a higher level of harmonizing chrome and satin-finish accent trim, 18-inch aluminum wheels, unique cloth seating, leather covering for steering wheel and shift knob, SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad, fog lamps, SIRIUS^® Satellite Radio (including a prepaid six-month subscription in 48 contiguous states), perimeter alarm and reverse sensing system.

SUV buyers seeking luxury with their capability will be impressed with the generous levels of convenience and connectivity technologies offered in the all-new Explorer Limited. From remote start through a 10-way leather-trimmed driver’s seat to adjustable pedals with memory settings, Limited takes Explorer luxury to a higher level.

Explorer Limited includes all of the feature content offered in the XLT, plus:

Ambient lighting
Adjustable pedals with memory
Cargo net
Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control
Leather-trimmed, heated seats
10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar and recline
Six-way power first-row passenger seat with lumbar and recline
Second-row 60/40 split bench seat with armrest and dual cupholders
Electrochromic interior rearview mirror
Sony^® Audio System with high-definition radio and 12 speakers
Rear view camera
Remote start
110-volt outlet
SYNC^® voice-activated communications and entertainment system
Intelligent Access with push-button start
Universal garage door opener

The most luxurious Explorer model also comes standard with MyFord Touch™ connect technology. This includes a pair of cluster-mounted driver-configurable displays, an 8-inch LCD color touch screen in the center stack with compass and temperature display, media hub with a pair of USB ports, and an SD card reader and RCA video input jacks. Explorer Limited offers five-way supplemental controls on the steering wheel.

For the latest information about the all-new Explorer, click here to visit the Ford Explorer Facebook page.

We make it easy for you to share this story with your friends; simply click on the “share this” method of your choice just below or at the top right corner of this page. You can also click here to sign up for updates from Ford Motor Company, and click here to add an RSS feed to your regular homepage.

45 Comments

Rena
July 26, 2010 at 2:42 pm

I guess I'll be hanging on to my Mercury Mountaineer V8 ALOT longer. You'd be an idiot to tow a horse trailer with a V6. Reply

Cyndi
July 28, 2010 at 1:55 pm

Rena, you won't have an problems towing a horse trailer with a V6. I had a V6 Forerunner and it actually pulled a 25 foot trailer loaded with no problems at all. And the nice thing about a V6 is that its better on gas. Reply

edvard
July 30, 2010 at 11:12 am

Yup. My Dad actually had a 4Runner also- as in an 88' which was back when they were more like a small truck with a camper top stuck on the back. We hauled a 26 foot camper no problem. Besides- today's V6 engines are in some cases more powerful than the V8's from back during the muscle car days. You should have no problem pulling a horse trailer. Reply

Gregg Middlekauff
July 26, 2010 at 3:41 pm

I can't believe this vehicle! I am a Ford dealer, but more important I am a consumer and I buy other brand vehicles because I love to drive, I love cars and trucks, and after driving the 2011 Edge, and the MKT/Flex the ride is off the charts phenomenal. I am sure the Explorer will have that ride, and the over the top power the eco-boost does--making it the best in class and I would say even better than my Range Rover Supercharged. I am not kidding, the ride and performance of these new vehicles are world class. The looks of the Explorer are exactly what we need. Can't wait! I can't thank you enough--It is Good to be a FORD dealer! Reply

jimjimny
August 5, 2010 at 10:36 am

Dont compare apples and oranges. Range rover supergharged has stiffened supension as it is a supposed Sport version. Their is little sporty about the 4 pot turbo in such a heavy auto. That said we have a 2002 V8 Explorer and it will two a heavy load. Any tow vechile needs to be a heavy enough to control the trailer and have enough HP and torque. Real economy comes from stick shift or DSG gearboxes. torque convertors bleed power and gas. Reply

John Coleman
July 26, 2010 at 4:51 pm

Great looking vehicle....I have owned 7 Explorers since 1992. This one gets my attention!!! Reply

mike
July 26, 2010 at 4:51 pm

the older edge with 265 hp was over powered and very lively. but the new explorer with 290hp that can tow 5,000 lbs. thats almost the largest boat that you can fit on the road about 26-29 ft. and GET about 18-26 MPG pending EPA. WOW. but if you still want a V8 and want to pay all of your money to the OIL company's go right a head but my money is going to FORD. thanks Reply

Kelv in Lank
July 28, 2010 at 12:37 pm

The 5,000 pound towing capacity is adaquate for many things including my 20ft ski boat but if you get into the 22 feet plus boats and add a 1200-1500 pound trailor you quickly will exceed 5,000 pounds. A 25 foot boat and trailor would exceed 6.000 pounds. The new Explorer seems to be everything that I personally have been waiting for, can't wait to see and drive one. Reply

Jake
August 27, 2010 at 11:34 pm

When the towing weight exceeds 5,000 pounds, the best selling Ford F-series is the way to go. Reply

Richard
July 26, 2010 at 5:23 pm

(I own a few shares of Ford stock)

I truly hope the quality (fit and finish) of the new Explorer will equal that of Ford's 2009 Explorer Limited, which I drove several thousand miles in very harsh Montana winter driving conditions (January 2009). Reply

R. Ford
July 26, 2010 at 8:19 pm

Well Ford you have done it again, it is eye candy to my eyes smoken hot , JOB WELL DONE. Reply

Marc
July 26, 2010 at 9:48 pm

Awesome Job Ford, their is no better time to be a Ford fan than now. Alan Mulally PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE FORD, you have turned an American Icon around, and put it back where it belongs. The stuff that Ford is doing now is simply awesome, I am 33 and never thought I would see this day. Reply

TGM
July 27, 2010 at 10:58 am

This Explorer needs a 4-cylinder Turbo-Charged Diesel! Reply

lou
July 30, 2010 at 6:49 pm

Yes, bring us the diesel in all Ford products. here it would be great. Reply

Tim
July 27, 2010 at 2:17 pm

Excellent capability briefng...I'm looking forward to driving it. My 1998 ML 320 is a great SUV but its days may be numbered. Looks like the Blue Oval is back. Reply

JML
July 27, 2010 at 2:27 pm

Yikes! Thank goodness I bought a 2010 Eddie Bauer Explorer. This vehicle looks just like the Edge and every other SUV out there. Earlier comment was right on - can't imagine towing a boat with this vehicle. But in spite of my dislike of this vehicle I admire Ford for not resting on their previous successes and for not taking government $$$. Way to go Ford - I wish you continued success! Reply

Tom
July 27, 2010 at 4:41 pm

New Explorer looks nothing like an Edge, IMHO! The third row seats also set it apart from the Edge, not to mention the Terrain Control system for off-road use. The 3.5L V6 with 290 HP buries the old Explorer/Mountaineer 4.0L V6 with just 210 HP, and nearly matches the optional 4.6L V8 with 292 HP. A tow rating of 5,000 lb is very good. Few people want to tow any more than that with this size vehicle -- most who do are using Super Duty pickups. Great job, Ford! Reply

Paul S Zevgolis
July 27, 2010 at 6:09 pm

The New Explorer look great but,no key entry on the pasenger side.If the vehicle get hit the drivers door.How do you get in?.The vehicle is still driveable.You cannot lock it because thw wiring is most likely to short out.By the the way I have 1999 explorer. Reply

John
July 28, 2010 at 6:41 am

Hate the instrument panel. Where is the tachometer and the temp gauge?? Not enough height for off road driving. That front bar is going to get damaged too easily. Reply

Erik
July 28, 2010 at 1:21 pm

My wife and I are looking for a new car for her. She has a Mazda Tribute (Ford Escape) and we love it but now it is time to change. We were not impressed with any of the current SUV models available until now. The Ford Explore has our attention and we are looking forward to a test drive soon. I feel confident in a Ford product because of my past experiences and the fact that my tax dollars did not have to bail them out. Way to take responsibility and re-invent the company. I will never consider buying a GMC or Chrysler product PERIOD! Reply

DirtyHarry
August 25, 2010 at 9:22 pm

Erik,
We just bought a 2010 Mariner Prem, our third suv from Ford , the best so far, what a rocket!. This one is the Wife's pick, just no GPS. We drove a edge but wife liked the M2, size was the factor.
Each have been passed to the new drivers in the family. We keep them until final trade ('01 escape) on newbie next. My 500 is due to be given to my son so I'm looking at something with higher seats and this may be it! Reply

Eric Anderson
July 29, 2010 at 2:16 pm

What a beautiful vehicle! As devout SUV drivers, having owned two Explorers, an Infiniti QX4, and presently a Buick Rainier, this fantastic Explorer WILL BE our next ride!!! Great job, Ford, and thanks for not being a government-owned or bailed-out auto company! Reply

Bruce Hall
July 30, 2010 at 2:45 pm

This is an exciting addition to the Ford line-up. Unfortunately, it is likely to create the need for the subtraction of either the Edge or the Flex. While the styling of the Explorer is different from the Flex, it has the functionality of the Flex plus some and in a similar price range. So, given the name recognition, functionality, and competitive pricing, why would someone choose the flex over the Explorer? This from an owner of a 2009 Flex Limited. Reply

Barry Smith
July 30, 2010 at 3:45 pm

Looks like the only interior color offered is a gray color - I have not seen any photos of any other color - not a tan color at all. You would think Ford would have learned from the 1995 model when they did this and the dealers and customers complained. Mid year 1995 they introduced the tan interior color again. Reply

Chris
July 30, 2010 at 7:43 pm

I'm not a fan of the new explorer. It looks more like an edge instead of a explorer. An explorer is suppose to be a v8 truck with roomy 8 passenger interior. if you want a v6 small truck then that's what a edge is for. Reply

Darrell White
July 30, 2010 at 10:58 pm

My family has worked and retired from Ford for as long as I can remember so we are a Ford family. With my family owning a 1998 Mountaineer and 2006 Explorer I have always been a fan. However, I would have to say that I am disappointed that there is no V-8 offered in this vehicle. They have ruined this vehicle in my eyes by making it front wheel drive, and in my eyes ruined the vision that I have had for this vehicle. Even though the styling is nice, I would never buy one simply because its primarily Front wheel drive. If I wanted that I would buy a Flex or Edge! Reply

edvard
August 2, 2010 at 10:45 am

Its interesting to read some of these comments bemoaning the current iteration of the Explorer because it doesn't have a big V8, a truck frame, or because its front wheel drive. The thing is that Ford could not have continued with the old Explorer. The sales were sagging and honestly, Americans have moved away from that kind of vehicle. The old Explorer was simply awful in every way. The fit and finish of the exterior and interior was terrible and the styling was dated. Basically, the last generation of the Explorer was more like the "Old" Ford- the company that almost went bankrupt.

Here's the thing. I'm a lifelong Toyota owner. I currently own a 96' Tacoma and a 2002 Prius. Both have over 200,000 miles. Ever since I can remember Ford and GM have been in the rearview mirror with nothing that I found even remotely interesting. Mostly just plasticy, generic, and in some cases utterly boring vehicles. What's worse was that I had absolutely no trust in their reliability. I had way, way too many friends who owned a Ford product that would die prematurely from blown head gaskets or a transmission that self-destructed.

That was then. Now I can honestly say that not only does Ford actually make some attractive cars and trucks, but they also seem to have really cranked up the overall quality of their product. To the point where if I decide to buy another vehicle, they are definitely on my list. I would've never said that 2-3 years ago. Ford now has a growing lineup of relevant, current, competitive vehicles that can hold their own with Toyota, Honda, and the rest. Now... if they were still making the bulbous clunky stuff they made 5-6 years ago I'd still basically ignore them. But given that people like me- who have always owned Toyotas are interested in what they are doing makes me think they are doing something right. I don't even like SUVs and this new Explorer looks great. Reply

jvana824
August 28, 2010 at 10:20 am

Great insight.. I agree, "Old Ford" had a limited demographic that would buy American only because it is an American company, not because America made a better product. Today, Ford recognizes that to be a truly global company it must redefine what Ford is. Ford is now a top saftety pick, among other "best in class" categories. The technology appeals to the all important "millenial generation" that rivals the size of the "baby boomers". Based on the years of car ownership ahead for this younger generation it was a common sense move to rethink and retool its vehicles. Props to Ford! Reply

Dustin Munro
July 31, 2010 at 2:24 pm

It is a great vehicle,but I would never buy it because it is a front drive vehicle with a rear drive badge! Reply

Michelle Wright
August 2, 2010 at 4:27 pm

I want one! Have been waiting a year for this to come out ... glad I waited and didn't buy an Acadia. Way to go Ford ON YOUR OWN and without using my tax dollars to create this!! Looking forward to buying American for the first time in 15 years. Reply

Dogn Daenzer
August 6, 2010 at 7:59 pm

If you want to sell a SUV, you have to have passenger door grap-handles (inside the car @ elbow level) that you can grab hold of. NOT ones that look like an ashtray. My wife is a bit paranoid due to earlier collisions (not her fault), and she wants, as a passenger, to be able to grab hold of that door. A handle that you can wrap your hand around. Again, not something that looks like an ashtray, but something that you find on the 2010 Honda CR-V and Toyota Highlander.
Thanks Reply

Art
August 8, 2010 at 12:49 am

looks like the sport trac is dead with this styling and as far as design i think they missed the boat. so much for getting an adrenaline, avalanch here i come Reply

Steve Johnston
August 14, 2010 at 8:40 pm

I have a 2008 Sport trac was hoping for a replacement in 2011. Reply

Steve
August 9, 2010 at 2:59 am

I had a '98 Sport with the 4.0L V6 pulling 210hp plenty of power but the mpg stunk. This new V6 along with the I4 Ecoboost looks impressive. Does anyone know the hp ratingn on the I4 Ecoboost yet because I have a feeling Ford will put it into the 2012 Fusion. I would wait a year for that car to come out and get rid of my 2010 Fusion. Reply

Jim
August 11, 2010 at 5:54 pm

I really don't like the shape of this truck at all. Its too rounded and looks like a Toyota Sequoia. The best looking Explorer was the 95-99 body style. I won't buy one of these. Reply

Terry
August 12, 2010 at 2:06 am

Great looking vehicle but those comments by the Ford actors are quite crass and annoying, those video clips should really be redone, boring and amateurish, do injustice to the vehicle. Need something more professional with less babbling. I want to learn about the car features get straight to the point folks. Reply

Paul
August 12, 2010 at 9:01 pm

I have read most of the comments but no one has made the observation that the New Explorer is a revised and improved 2009 Taurus X wagon. Reply

Paul Tisdel
August 13, 2010 at 12:30 am

Oh, Boy. Back to station wagons. I own 2 explorers and have owned a total of 5. I guess the string is over. If I wanted to sit low I would have bought sedans. Guess now I have to run my current vehicles into the ground. Reply

MDR
August 13, 2010 at 9:16 pm

This Vhehicle is simply amazing! I am impressed with the look, technology, saftey features, and the fuel economy. I am seriously considering this vehicle for my first financed. And if i do finance this, I hope I wont be disappointed. Reply

scott
August 15, 2010 at 10:44 pm

This does meet the needs of most people
quibbles-Handles to grab Are Important for many...
-Pleeeease, bring over the turbodiesel soon...
-Sony is so passe (got them on the cheap, didn't you Ford :)

So, do I wait for optimization, or buy before the snow falls.....
BMW Infinity Owner who grew up with Tahoes...Thought I would have to move south of Mason-Dixon line to ever buy Ford... Reply

Dustin Munro
August 18, 2010 at 8:22 pm

I don't care if this is the world's best vehicle,I would never by it because it is not a genuine Explorer unless it it REAR WHEEL DRIVE with optional 4WD.Ford should make a genuine 2011 Explorer by retrofitting the 2010 model with the ecoboost 237hp,250lbft I4 as base model(also used in base model Australian built Falcon) and the Mustang 3.7 litre v6 or ecoboost 3.5 litre v6engine.Anybody with enough money for a 2010 Explorer and an engine retrofit could also do that too. Reply

EXPLORER LOVER!`
August 20, 2010 at 7:10 pm

i own a FORD ESCAPE HYBRID , i loved the cars performance , but the technology and looks werent that great , BUT THIS FORD EXPLORER IS GOIN TO CHANGE everything !! ITS AN AMAAZIN VEHICLE !! THE TECHNOLOGY IS JUST OUTSTANDIN!! but how much does this cost with the full package??? and is it better than the toyota prado??? nd i prefer more comfortable vehicles ~ Reply

Steve-Sport Trac RIP
August 22, 2010 at 2:34 pm

I'll save my opinions until I actually see one on the lot but I am most upset that we are losing the Explorer Sport Trac. I have had 2 Sport Tracs and just love them. The Ranger is too small and the F150 a little too big. The Sport Trac filled that in between. Good bye Explorer Sport Trac you will be missed! Reply

Gone from Ford
August 25, 2010 at 10:38 am

I have owned several Ford Eddie Bauer Explorer for almost 20 years and I never dreamed I wouldn't buy another Ford however with the style of this "new" Explorer......I'm buying elsewhere. They ruined the Explorer and to not offer the Eddie Bauer package is strange. I just can't believe Ford did this. People still want high profile SUV's. Not everyone is having financial problems or want to go "green". A 4 cyclinder in a "SUV" is ridiculous. I hope when this line tanks they will return to the old style but I'm not holding my breath. Reply

massimo fasoli
August 27, 2010 at 9:55 am

Please sell new explorer in EUROPE Reply

Add Your Comment

Name: (required)

Email: (required)

Email address is used for verification only and will
not automatically be added to distribution lists.

Comment: (required)

Are you looking for Customer Service?

Your complete satisfaction is of primary importance to us. If you have questions or comments about your Ford vehicle, please vist the Ford Contact Us page.

Please enter the word into the field

Our Privacy Pledge: We will never share your personal information with non-affiliated third parties. For information on how we protect your privacy, please read our Privacy Policy.

Comments are moderated in accordance with the Ford Story Rules of Conduct.

I accept and agree to follow the Rules of Conduct.