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Telephone: 1 877 220-9054
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2011 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD First Impressions
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2011 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD First Impressions
by Mike Goetz / Auto123.com
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La Malbaie, Quebec — Before we take this bronze 2011 Ford Explorer Limited for a long romp through the Charlevoix region of this province, let’s first deal with this SUV versus crossover thing.
Ford says it’s still an SUV, even though it’s now based on a front-drive, unibody (crossover) platform.
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| The exterior is definitely a winner, combining just-enough old-school SUV vibe with tasteful, modern lines. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |
If this bothers you, like it did initially to us — get over it. It’s Ford’s truck and they can call it what they want to. Also, words evolve over time, and now “SUV” apparently means a vehicle that has a certain chiseled look, and offers more traction and towing ability than run-of-the-mill crossovers.
Okay, now we’re free to continue our assessment in peace.
High Tech Interface
The exterior is definitely a winner, combining just-enough old-school SUV vibe with tasteful, modern lines.
The interior, however, is totally “new school”. Almost shockingly so… There are a few knobs, but the touch-screen is definitely the dominant “person to car” interface. Some will love it. Others will run the other way, clutching their cassette tapes and CDs, muttering.
But Ford has spent a lot of time and efforts optimizing this interface, so give it an honest try. With a bit of practice it is easy to become the master of your touch-screen, voice-command domain.
Start Button
But the interface we like the most is the “Start” button, which awakens the 3.5-litre V6, with 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. First thing you notice is how quiet this motor is, and the lack of any outside noise for that matter. Ford did a lot of work to create a soundproof cabin, and it shows. Cabin conversation can be done at a very low level.
The electric steering could probably use a bit more feel at the wheel, but this is offset by the Explorer’s willingness to go where it’s directed. It drives effortlessly and “smaller” than its size.
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| With a bit of practice it is easy to become the master of your touch-screen, voice-command domain. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |
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