It’s all noise! I had what was said to be the worst explorer of all time! 2002 Ford Explorer XLT. I took great care of it and got 255,000 miles out of it and it’s still going for a kids first car .
Engineer on the Explorer program here. All I can say about this entire vehicle is “Look how they massacred my girl.” I expected nothing less coming into this review, but it hurts to hear nonetheless as an engineer who takes pride in his work. Your final thoughts nutshell what’s wrong with U625 perfectly, although as with any nutshell, it doesn’t give a good sense of the scale of the issue. It wasn’t just the plant, or the engineers, or the designers, or the management, or the workers. This program has suffered so many cock-ups that literally everyone involved has made a contribution to this end result. The Fields administration wasted far too much time and money switching the Explorer back to RWD for “platform synergies.” The CD6 platform’s cost ballooned out of control and became hopelessly delayed as they tried to develop an architecture that would be able to underpin nearly 10 different cars - that failed so badly that most the vehicles whose future relied on CD6 were outright canceled or stayed on older platforms, with the Explorer and Aviator being the only two left. The platform was then re-optimized for the SUVs at the insistence of project leads, who wanted to sell it on performance and supposedly had research to back up their claims it would sell better if it handled better. It definitely does, but they were dead wrong about most consumers noticing, never mind caring, about the engine layout and primary driving wheels. Engineering was too worried about the new architecture and engines to devote adequate time to pretty much anything else. The F-150 program requires about 120-200 test mules per new generation, spanning all trims and powertrain combinations. The Explorer program built over 300, and Aviator tacked on a more reasonable but still significant number. We ended up building nearly twice the number of test mules as the 2021 F-150 program did, and because of the need to keep building testers, the PP cars were delayed, meaning that the process of engineering that new assembly line had to be compacted down to meet the deadlines. Can’t make a line to build the cars without knowing how the car is built, after all. Chicago Assembly being its typical shithole self (engineers and management alike were practically dragged kicking and screaming into choosing Chicago) finished off any hope of this launch being anything short of disastrous. I’m still a firm believer in the Blue Oval, and, flawed as she is, I proudly stand by the Explorer, enough to order an ST for myself - it arrives later this year. The sad truth is that this has been happening ever since Fields took the reins and focused on sucking up to Wall Street instead of running a car company. Nearly ever program started under him and inheriting his bullshit attitude if salutary neglect has stumbled. The 2020 Escape/Corsair are the only ones that haven’t, and that’s at least in part due to getting a free troubleshooting extension after Explorer pillaged a big chunk of staff to help out with fixing its own shitstorm. Hackett has not done anywhere near enough to fix this, but some effort towards a better culture is better than actively destroying it. Ford will learn; the question is how long until it forgets again.
2009 Ford retiree here--This has been going on to a lesser degree since Nassar was the CEO so that this happened comes as no surprise to me. Mulally was seen as the white knight riding in to "save" the company, let's not forget that the DPS6 transmission fiasco happened on his watch. Fields was nothing more than a career Ford hack to begin with. IMO, Hackett isn't the problem, those that hired him are. The Glass House needs a through cleaning, Ford family and their Class B shares included. As a final thought the Explorer should have went to KCAP.
It sounds bleak because it's your livelihood but I'm predicting Ford to dissolve or be bought out like Chrysler was within the next 20 years. Ford has been churning out crap for 2 decades and people have noticed; cutting production of cars to focus on SUVs won't be sustainable in the long run, several recent launches have not gone over well, and the F-150 is losing sales to the RAM despite it's reliability issues. There is time to turn it around but based on your comment it sounds like management is blinded by short term success goals and won't be able to pivot when trends change.
The inhouse audio testing done here: WOW! Nowhere else do you get this kind of review. This is real objective frequency response shlt, not subjective opinion bullshlt. Well played, SG. Well played.
I thought the title was a little too harsh until you got to the transmission section. Looks like Ford messed up another one. Your Ford rep probably won't be happy, but this deserves to see the light of day.
Ford is in trouble with their transmissions. The last one, the Powershift, cost Ford multi-millions for repairs and buybacks with cars going into limp home mode. Google: "Ford Powershift Recall"
My 2018 f150 with the 10 speed sometimes will shift hard as F and it slams you. I wanna say it was 3-5 or 4-5 upshift. For me it happened when the trans fluid wasn’t warmed up yet
That 10AT was awful in my mustangs as well (both I4T and V8). Much worse in the ecoboost - it would always slam the 5-4 downshift against the mounts and 2-1 would take a whole two seconds of head toss.
I don't know how they could design something so dated and ugly and then pick up a modern iOS or Android phone and not realize the difference in quality.
I'd venture a guess most people shoot video in portrait mode. I see submitted clips on the news every single day that were shot in portrait. These "videographers" don't care or notice, neither do the news directors who accept them and neither do the idiot engineers at Apple, Samsung, et al, who could design all phones to shoot in landscape only, (unless otherwise selected). They are the same type of people who will buy this truck. Oblivious to the core.
Wooow! This man throws Down The Gauntlet and doesn't mince words I love it. This is exactly how Kia and Hyundai was able to undercut car manufacturers like this. Like the Kia Telluride I bought 10 months ago. Is still selling like hotcakes! By the way I have absolutely NO problems with it. Attention to detail God bless!
My Fiesta has been great... Wish Ford kept their small cars here, the Euro models have always been good. I'd love to have a 70s Capri, 78-80 Fiesta, or XR4Ti.
4:25 The backup camera display is utterly moronic. This is not nuclear science. No one at Ford was bothered by it? If not, that sets off a warning flag for me about other possible items they were not bothered by.
Yeah they basically have all the negatives of having shoved a giant tablet in the middle, without any of the actual benefits of doing it correctly. There's no reason for the backup camera to be a quarter of this screen in portrait mode, they should at the very least have filled half the screen with it then put the other items below it. It's clearly just laziness where they don't really give a shit how stupid it is as long as it technically works.
Typical for junky American cars. I would hope this car has less quirks in the less expensive trims. This thing must have some of the worst depreciation.
IMO since Lincoln is a sister company of Ford, it seems like Ford is concentrating on investing big money in luxury SUV's because they are a huge market right now. If i had the money i would definitely consider buying a Navigator or Aviator. They are beautifully designed and well built especially the interiors. Plus you can get a twin turbo V6 in an Aviator that HP wise can compete with an X5 M40i. If Ford doesn't invest big money in the luxury performance SUV market they will get run over by BMW, Mercedes and Lexus and you could argue they already are but the Navigator, Aviator and Corsair are a big step in the right direction.
@Antonio Zamudio Actually, it is not on more than one level. It is not positioned well for the driver. So, when you in the driver's seat, you don't get to see screen colors the way they displayed. @savagegeese has it explained.
I work for Ford Oakville...we build the Edge....and what you said at the end was so true. We build amazing vehicles that are designed to fast and to easy and without care. ... it's going to end badly unless this company puts a little more care in the product and a little less in their bottom line. Keep up the good work. Cheers
I could hear the pain in your voice as you were going over your final thoughts. Thanks for having the courage to just straight up tell the truth. Much appreciated 👍🏾
Well I kept the $1,000 I was going to spend on the upgraded sound system. Your first back waxing appointment is this Friday. Would you like me to pick you up in the Explorer?
It would have been ok had they just turned it landscape, used an actual iPad grade screen, had an adequate computer behind it, and filled the whole dang screen with back-up camera footage when in reverse, but instead its just a poorly executed gimmick.
Steve Pounder actually I think its smart what they did, when driving using GPS i like to see whats in front more than whats to my sides, portrait mode makes sense since it isnt for watching movies or videos and it lets you use your thumb and not index sometimes
@@mattkalin3139 There are lots of other vehicles with portrait oriented displays sticking out of the dash, including the Explorer's sister vehicle Aviator. While maybe not the same size, some were available for purchase before the Model 3.
I initially started watching this channel from your days building a dd'er/track FRS. Now as a father with a family of four I really appreciate your no BS reviews of family haulers. Likely one of the reasons I'll be getting a used 2017 CX5 to replace one of vehicles. Keep it up!
@@groosbro1 You do know what leasing is right? It's literally paying the predicted depreciation. It's a glorified rental. I suppose you like throwing money out the window in exchange for having a new product.
@@TheUnlimited001 There are dealers offering 1st and 2nd loans. Imagine paying interest and fees twice for the same vehicle. Irresponsible dealers and very confused consumers.
For the record, I bought an ST that now has about 7000 miles on it. The transmission was rough, as stated - in the beginning. I now thoroughly enjoy the way it drives. I think it took a bit to understand the idiosyncrasies of its shift patterns and possibly its worked out a bit of its own kinks. As a young guy with a family (dying to buy a sports car again) this thing is a lot of fun and certainly helping to satisfy the enthusiast in me. Also, I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the competition looks like absolute dog shit compared to the ST... it’s not even close.
When you say competition, who are you talking about because Telluride & Palisade blow this out of the water. I think explorer does look better than Traverse and Pathfinder.
@David Imbrogno Curious to hear what your experience is like after a year as well. Just picked one up and am enjoying it so far, but noticing that learning each mode's shift patterns is going to be key for a smooth ride. Also reassuring to hear that not everybody is bashing on it 😂
@@janbeltre1244 well I can say he's right on his assessment from 2 years ago as that's when my wife bought hers. now 2.5 years later I fucking hate the thing. And it's not the rougher ride (I got 20s for it and stored the 21s), or the fake garbage engine noise that bother me... it's the constant new rattles and the endless amount of failures with this thing. the pano roof breaking 3 times, the 360 camera blue screen issue that took a year to fix or the most recent exhaust issue that threw an engine code. needless to say I'm honestly done with this pile, and my wife had a Jeep SRT before the Explorer ST and that didn't give her an once of trouble in 4 years.
I have the 2021 ST and agree…and it’s better looking than the Palisade and Telluride! LOL!!! 😂 but I do like the “look” of the Tahoe even though it’s a taller ride the clearance is about the same…to me the ST is just the right size and is sporty with just enough power to survive the shenanigans from other wannabe NASCAR drivers.
For those where it's actually a disability and impacts quality of life, it should be Govt funded. Maybe there's a men's support group where like-backed men can share their stories and take part in a circle-wax.
Another UA-camr said recently. "Cars that are designed by engineers emailing each other." Each engineer has their own project team and each team is focused on different components. A car designed by email
@Mark Turner I'm pretty sure instead of email it was two guys named "Dave" and "Steve" yelling at eachother across the factory floor before then going to the pub and getting absolutely smashed xD.
@@grievuspwn4g3 If they were designed with a Freudian subconscious drive, the cars would be much larger, comfortable, powerful, and impressive looking. They are likely being designed with a retarded politician in mind.
@@Torsee It seems they can not stand the customers as well. Look at the crap the automotive companies are putting out. I can not believe people are buying that garbage.
I really like your reviews. No one else highlights the overall build quality and engineering like you do. What a vehicle looks like up on the lift is very telling. And your the only one who shows that. Good job.
Mercedes' infotainment systems from 10 years ago are still working as new. Are you able to pair the newest iPhone or Samsung phone? Probably not. It also outdated navigation, and the features have aged horribly. BUT it still works! Very few Mercedes radio units have gone bad and they've got some years on them now.
By far the best automotive review channel on the Internet. I love how genuine and honest you are with your reviews. So many UA-cam channels kiss the ass of every manufacturer just to get a free ride for a week and a bunch of views but their material is so surface level and generic. Keep up the good fight with bringing unbiased reviews to the masses. Thanks brother!
It makes sense to have, say, navigation on the top half and the radio on the bottom. Subaru's new screen is vertical. I think the problem here is more the poor quality of the screen and poor implementation of the software.
Steve E eh, a horizontal flows better with the eye on the horizontal dash. Just my opinion but also yeah they really messed up on the software not using the full screen
I doubt it, if there where any interesting meetings about this vehicle, I don't think they would have let them ship. I am afraid they are ok with it just like it is and don't get a damn, which says all you need to know about the direction they are going. God help me next time I need to buy a vehicle, I don't like Dodge, GM burned me hard core and now Ford is slipping up.
@@pbaker7160 I remember when I think it was kia's first started selling here in the states, we had a dealership that was doing buy one kia, get another one free
The Ford Explorer Platinum trim starts at $58,525... comparably equipped competitors below: Toyota Highlander Platinum: $46,850 Hyundai Palisade Limited:$44,925 Kia Telluride SX: $41,790 Honda Pilot Elite: $48,220 VW Atlas SEL Premium: $48,395 Furthermore base luxury 3-row SUVs, Lexus RXL base: $48,325 Acura MDX base: $44,500 Audi Q7 Premium: $53,550 GMC Yukon XL base: $52,400 The list goes on. Can someone PLEASE explain to me how the Explorer Platinum is $6,000-11,000 more than comparably equipped competition, AND the luxury competition?
Ford half-assed it and wants top of the market segment prices. That's one way to say cars are less profitable. Never mind the fact that people think an Explorer is a nameplate where you can even think of asking 60 bones for. I'm old enough to remember what kind of quality and luxury you could get for north of 50 grand, and this ain't it Ford. It also wasn't that long ago either. One last thing. Giant touch screens age poorly. Even if it still functions in 5 years, that ridiculous tablet is going to tank this SUVs resale value something fierce.
Forget the platinum model... you can't get an explorer in a 6 cylinder for under $50,000. Toyota.. Hyundai, Kia, Traverse, pretty much all competitors have a 6 cylinder starting in the low to mid $30s. Ford putting a 4 cylinder on a 4,000 pound SUV is moronic.
I would think they have to. If they don’t then he’s just going to borrow one or rent one and review it anyway. That would make them look even worse. Ford needs to take their lumps and focus on addressing the issues brought up.
Having owned domestic vehicles, I am continually amazed at how much domestic manufacturers insult their customers. It’s junk from the beginning and will not last. They just don’t seem to give a shit.
I had one of these as a rental and really liked it but you’re right about the transmission, it literally feels like a highschool kid doing a clutch dump downshift on his Honda civic
I love that you guys do the audio testing and have actual numbers to back up your observations about the audio. But to be frank, looking at those graphs, I don't know what I'm looking at. I have no idea what to look for. You said the Explorer's audio is bad and that the graphs back it up, but it really doesn't show me anything because I don't know how to read it.
There is a video on explaining audio testing we did. In this case there are massive variations in db for harmonic distortion and in frequency response. m.ua-cam.com/video/2RB7otNfB1I/v-deo.html
@@Wasabi9111 don't take his word on it, but actually go test drive the cars he reviews if you can. While Savagegesse reviews are great, he's not always right or sometimes he can be too jaded as someone who has a ready access to these cars. You never truly know what you like if all you have to go on is the words of someone else.
Best car review I’ve seen on anything , in a long time! Going to send this to a friend of mine who is all about that Explorer ST to give him something to ponder before he pulls the trigger
Before my wife decided on the Palisade we looked at this. We spent maybe 5 minutes sitting inside this mess of an interior before we walked out of the dealership. Not even in the same league as the Kia/Hyundai.
Michael Snow This is inexcusable from Ford imho...they have the experience to get things right and this isn't exactly an insignificant vehicle in their lineup. Meanwhile Hyundai/Kia has gone from cranking out basically rubbish to REALLY competitive vehicles in a span of only about 20 years in the States. Glad Ford at least got the "trucky" aspect right to set it apart from the crowd.
The telluride/palisade are MUCH nicer for the same price. Have way more tech, look better, have nicer interiors, and drive much better. 100k warranty makes it a no brainer. Almost bought a telluride the other day but went for a 4Runner instead.
@@abt4702 Actually not quite. Check out savagegeese's video on the corolla hatchback. By no means is it a fast car, but I own one and the transmission does very well for what it is. I was scared to get a cvt and I think this is one of few cars, if any others, where I would not regret my decision
@@thenoon97 I think u misunderstood my point there, yes CVT'S are great for economy cars to save gas and for regular driving style they are really good for cars like Corolla u mention and others in this segment but if u pair CVT in car that supposed to give u performance is total failure. Performance means driving engagement and dynamics not from straight line speed or how fast it goes from 0-60, i can take any car from straight line and it will be fast, thats not my point but respect ur opinion ofc and i hope we understand each other.
The goose is on fire with this one. Dang. Personally, I really hate the way the new giant headlights intrude on the grille. Weird look. The previous generation actually looks better from almost every angle.
Excellent review. Ford if you’re watching this is the kind of review that is determining my next car purchase. Was considering the Explorer and now will be considering competitors. Current C-Max and F150 owner too.
I work on these things every day. You guys aren't even scratching the surface. This new Explorer may go down as the worst vehicle Ford ever made. A couple of weeks ago, I got a call from one of the engineers in Dearborn asking me why I'm fixing so many water leaks, and putting so many hours into fixing them. I asked them why they needed to drill 6 holes on each side of the vehicle to mount the roof racks from the bottom up? They didn't even seal the holes. All they put is a tiny piece of foam the size of a dime, as a seal. It does nothing. On top of that, every time you need to do something with the roof rack, you have to drop the headliner. They also didn't design the cowl trim right. If it doesn't sit perfectly, water goes right into the hole on the firewall for the evap box. And you have to remove that to replace the battery. Now, 90% of the time on a battery install, you end up with a swimming pool in your RF seat. The motors suck, the transmissions suck. You even pointed out that some of the suspension is aluminum, and the hub assembly is steel. You're not supposed to do that because when you have AL and steel touching, it corrodes. I need a 20 ton press just to separate suspension parts that should fall apart when you unbolt them. These cars are less than a year old. Then there was the headlight disaster.....
@@princedarkness8029 They couldn't get the headlights to work properly on some of the new explorers. It took Ford over 6 months to come up with a fix. People that bought new vehicles couldn't take delivery on them for months.
@@princedarkness8029 "I smell a recall and lawsuit for crashes because of the aluminum and steel combos" For the most part, that's not a safety issue. It just makes it a pain in the ass to work on.
Test drove a 3.0 Platinum 4 days ago with a $55k dealer tag in the window with 51 miles on the odometer. 100% agree with this review; it felt like I was driving a 3/4 baked prototype. Strong engine (fast), felt planted on the road, sharp exterior styling...thunky suspension on heavy hits, terrible execution of the interior fit and finish. You could tell the leather upper dash had been apart and the A pillar trim on both sides had been off to fix something- probably one of the vehicles shipped from Chicago to Detroit for repair. Really disappointing...I have been in Fords for about the last 15 years and on my 3rd F150. This thing is overpriced around 10 grand and wasn't finished. Nice idea for a package that missed the mark.
We have a 2020 Limited. Of course it doesn't have near the features as this Platinum, but it was also about 15K less. I'm sure the 3.0 V6 runs like crazy, but so does the 2.3 4 cylinder. It makes 300 hp and does just fine. The lower trim levels have the center display horizontal, rather than vertical like that one. It's not as big, but you get a full back up camera display instead of just one corner.
I took my wife and 16 year old daughter to see the Explorer and the Telluride. I wanted the Explorer. I'm a long time Cherokee guy and I never had an Explorer . I was excited about the purchase. The Telluride was my second choise. My wife felt the Explorer was very plasticky. When my kid sat in the front passenger seat, she thought it was to narrow. Then when my wife tried to get into the third row, it was to tight. Additionally, the monkey handle to pull the second row chair forward to get into the third row was to difficult to lift. I knew it was over when my wife broke her nail trying to lift the handle. She didn't even want to talk about the iPad on the dash. It looked like lazy designing. She wouldn't even speak to the sales person once she exited the vehicle. Needless to say, I have a Telluride SX on order for February delivery.
You made the right choice brother, or I should say your family actually made the right choice! This explorer looks very cheap inside and outside, it's built with cheap bad plastics all over. On the other hand the Telluride looks very expensive and high end. Honestly it looks like it's 20-30 grand more expensive just by looks. When I saw it first time I thought it's a 80k car. Congrats!
How is telluride order? My sisters new one due in January is now pushed to March! Curious how readily available parts will be for unit with so much flaw in getting units to customers! A reason foreign equipment manufacturers can’t make it in US market.
@@cyrusumberger5285 I have been assured of the February delivery date. So far so good. I just read yesterday that Kia is increasing production to 100,000 units a year due to demand . Additionally, I would think that the Kia warranty (the best in the industry) is good for something. So hopefully a part would not be needed right away. Good luck with your date.
@@vincedibona4687 LOL...that's the point, she's 110lbs slim. She felt the seats were too narrow. On the other hand, from my perspective the seats are softer and wider on the Telluride.
When he complained about the the strips of “fake wood” in the interior of the car, I thought he was nit picking honestly. I didn’t really see what the big deal was, but then I saw the infotainment system on this thing and it pissed me off because of how stupid of a design that was
@@trekvdm Heh. The last brand new vehicle I ever bought was back in 1995. It was a full size Bronco Eddie Bauer, totally loaded. Drove it off the lot, and one of the screws holding that plastic trim piece along the top of the windshield fell into my lap. Screwed it back in. During that same week, every one of those screws worked themselves loose and fell out. I owned that truck for 6 years, and it was a constant thing, screwing those things back in. Aside from that though, I was in love with that truck, man. I really miss it.
@@683carl hey 'murican. FIAT rescued Chrysler, Jeep, Mopar, Dodge and RAM. RAM and Jeep are indeed very very successful. The germans (daimler mercedes) ruined them and FIAT turned them to gold. Just saying..
I guess I'm one of those Ford guys that will overlook minor issues and not stress over things that at the end of the day don't make the vehicle perform any better or worse. I like the styling, the comfort of the seats, the audio system is good and I particularly like how much better the infotainment screen is. Something that I would consider an issue is the left foot space in the older models. I had a 17 Platinum and felt like the driving space was completely out of sync. That's something worth complaining about.
This is the video I was waiting for lol. I'm an explorer driver now and a Ford fan, but I just put my factory order in for my Telluride SX. This video confirmed my choice. Thanks Mark for your Telluride review, that was a huge factor in my choice
I grew up a die hard Ford guy who has had dozens of them but after years of unreliable vehicles built with poor quality materials, especially the interiors where you spend so much of your time in, I have reached a limit. I finally had enough in 2008 with my brand new twin turbo diesel F-250 which in less than 6 weeks had to go in for service twice with check engine lights, I left it at that dealership & walked away from it buying a new Hemi Ram which I had for 11 years without a single problem, done with Ford & their highly questionable choices & poorly made vehicles with lackluster styling on top of it.
I’m glad that you guys like the new explorer for the most part. I’ve been a ford employee for 15yrs at the Chicago Assembly Plant here in Chicago were we build the new Lincoln aviator & the new Ford Explorer. Now some the first run explorers & Aviators had software issues and a few other issues. Over the past year and into the new year the quality has gotten a lot better. Now what I think ford should’ve done with this SUV. These should’ve been 2021 models. We should’ve built the old platform for one more year, build a few 2021 SUV’s, get the issues worked out and get these vehicles worked out. Once we do this, then release the vehicle to the public. Upper management tried to blame it on production rank & file. I had a very high up supervisor from another plant tell me and I quote” Ford rushed this retooling, launch & production of this vehicle.” This plant is to small to accommodate all the new technology that’s needs to be used to do a successful launch. Very few of the line workers were trained properly. Granted we do have personal issues but that really has nothing to do with assembling the SUV. We’re not responsible for “ software “ issues. Those are your JR engineers who designed this vehicle. The launch team which advised them on the issues with the truck just went by the waist side. I’m very proud to be a ford employee. I just wish they would’ve listened to us more. In solidarity. UAW-FORD
Mathew Chen.. Your choice of car manufacturers has no bearing on me or ford. Honda, Toyota? Their good cars. But I’m a big boy. I’m a Mercedes man myself and that’s what I drive besides my 2 other Fords I have in my garage. In solidarity- UAW ford
Hey man thanks for being a hard working American. Do you feel ford has ironed this shit out or should I wait another year for my st exploreer. I love my toyotas but my family owns a ford dealership and I wanna go back american
As always one of my favorite car analysts. These cars are mass produced and I ofter remind myself the explorer is now designed for police cruiser fleets. I think Ford has lost the war in this segment. I definitely agree on the repeatable Ford buyer not even knowing the difference between model years. Those cars are now part of the recyclable car programs.
You can say that about many car manufacturers today. If I start putting an ordinary person inside all these different vehicles, they won't notice the difference. With today's market being so over saturated, you really wouldn't notice unless you buy the car used.
I don't even see how this could be a fleet or rental car with seats wearing out at 4000 miles. The trim fit is hideous but that can be overlooked with fleet and rental but seat wear is something even rental car companies won't accept.
@@OMGWTFLOLSMH I find your comment hilariously funny. I actually visualized denim seats in my mind. Add in the "for the right price they will" comment - genius!
I bought a ‘21 Explorer xlt. I may be biased because I drive semi trucks all day, but I believe the base 2.3 is more than enough to get you down the road and gets great fuel economy. Haven’t had any transmission issues yet in 6,000 miles. It feels solid and comfortable. The smaller wheels with thicker sidewalls probably help. Not a big audio guy but I do miss the Harman Kardon in the last Dodge I had. Excited to feel how it handles poor weather, if we ever get rain in California again.
It is always best to wait until the next model year on a total bottom up redesign. Keep in mind those early press cars are beat to shit. The factory was retooled on top of being a brand new vehicle so I think some slack is warranted.
There are corporate design manuals used by Ford design engineers. My experience in QA at Ford in Australia was that the people on the ground were overridden by these manuals. Quality Improvements and Cost Reductions were stopped.
Hey Savage ~~~~ good review BUT it would really be helpful when underneath the vehicle to have a pointer or use your finger to direct our attention to the exact part that you are referring too ..... I think it would really confirm that what we think we see is the exact area or item you are talking about. Thanks and I appreciate your candid comments.
Ok so I bought a 2021 Explorer on my way to report to a new unit in Alaska from Florida. Now I test drove a platinum and loved it except for the exact things you mentioned. I ended up buying the XLT because quite frankly the $60K for it was too much for me. The thing I will say is the infotainment on the XLT it horizontal not straight up and down and works much better. Also the ride in the XLT is much better and I think it’s due to the smaller rims and tires with more sidewall and I’ll say it soaks up bumps pretty we’ll definitely better than the Platinum. Now the interior yes is a bit unfinished and could be better and the base sound system isn’t as bad ass what you described with the premium sound system but it could be better. Also the transmission yes I 100% agree with you. They screwed up something with the transmission. I’ve driven my in laws F-150s a ton and they shift WAY smoother than this thing does which is what gets me. I think it’s a tuning/software problem. There’s no in between the smooth and hard shifts and it will just slam into a lower gear when all you need is the torque converter to unlock or maybe down shift one gear not 4. I will say driving it 4,000 miles from Florida to Washington it was a smooth comfortable ride and had no issues and I didn’t experience any bad vibrations or noises coming from the car rattling or the engine or trans making weird noises. I hope a software update comes out for this car soon for the transmission but I think it’s a pretty good car overall it does have its issues but I honestly love my explorer. I think the lower trim levels are the ones to go with honestly.
@Owen Bailey-Waltz Lmao BMW and Mercedes are like Ford and GM in Europe. They just market themselves as luxury brands in the U.S. If anything Scotty is much more reliable than you since he actually has videos fixing cars.
Got myself a 2018 Mustang GT PP1 with 10spd auto...new custom order two years ago. After the nightmare experience with dealers with inability to find and fix a blow strut, and no support from Ford Corporate (yeah, I wrote letters), I dumped the Mustang and Ford for me for a long time. I was a Ford guy and that was my 9th new Mustang in 17 years. No more. Everything hit on in this video is a big problem with Ford Corporate and their awful dealership experience!
Ford automatics always had problems, but at least they were fairly simple and cheap to repair and improve. The PowerShift was just flawed from the starting line and impossible to improve.
bigpjohnson Fords 4R70, 4R100, 5R110, 6R140 and 10R80 have all been great, and generally better than their competition. Always had problems? Less so than most for the last 20 years at least. The PowerShift and the GM design 6F35 are the exceptions, not the rule.
Ford never struck out to me as a Brand one should be loyal about. The company has a very corporate feel. I mean all of them are but Ford, maybe american car Companies in general just takes it up a notch. But I find Dodge to be an exception to this at least
Carlos Leon Ford is the only American manufacturer worthy of any sort of loyalty. The only one that wasn’t saved from Chapter 11 on taxpayer dime. They are the only ones that tied up their bootstraps and got to work surviving through the private sector like any business in a free market should. The fact that they popularized they mass produced car, V8, and have probably the most storied racing history anyone this side of Ferrari also adds to the legacy. Ford definitely has corporate fiefdoms to contend with, as do all Detroit car makers, but they are also the only one that is family owned. GM is the biggest offender of committee design and governance, and is only in existence today thanks to $12 billion in taxpayer money that will never be returned
Honestly beyond me why anyone would get a Ford in this day and age. Kia/hyundai provide a way better value and quality for far less. Toyota will out last and honestly is just as good now with their designs. And especially with that hedious infotainment screen.
He was spot on with the first part about fit and finish. Where I work, we built a lot of the molds for the IP. When I saw the grained parts, I was like...yeessshh...I don't know who came up with that. There were so many issues with fit and assembly. We kept making changes but they could not figure out where the deviations are. It was not all cars but how the IP is assembled creates many issues. We are already working on the mid-cycle refresh, which usually happens a couple years after release, they are already doing it months after release. This is a big deal at Ford and a lot of resources are directed to make this right. It's a nice looking SUV, I just hope they get it right. They nailed the expidition/navigator, they screwed up royally on this one.
Finally, a car reviewer who doesn't mince words and isn't afraid to insult manufacturers when they deserve it. Good job. Glad I found ya.
But he doesn't talk shit about Dodge or gm. So I think he is somewhat biased.
Aaron McConkey : Ford has always had a bad reputation for its quality when it comes to fit and finishes. Every other manufacturer does it right 👍
H3ll isHot : Not all American brands are bad. As long as you treat the car right, it’ll treat you right too. Unless, it’s a lemon 🤷🏻♀️.
@@aaronmcconkey338 he absolutely destroyed the Jeep Compass a few months ago.
It’s all noise! I had what was said to be the worst explorer of all time! 2002 Ford Explorer XLT. I took great care of it and got 255,000 miles out of it and it’s still going for a kids first car .
Engineer on the Explorer program here. All I can say about this entire vehicle is “Look how they massacred my girl.” I expected nothing less coming into this review, but it hurts to hear nonetheless as an engineer who takes pride in his work. Your final thoughts nutshell what’s wrong with U625 perfectly, although as with any nutshell, it doesn’t give a good sense of the scale of the issue. It wasn’t just the plant, or the engineers, or the designers, or the management, or the workers. This program has suffered so many cock-ups that literally everyone involved has made a contribution to this end result.
The Fields administration wasted far too much time and money switching the Explorer back to RWD for “platform synergies.” The CD6 platform’s cost ballooned out of control and became hopelessly delayed as they tried to develop an architecture that would be able to underpin nearly 10 different cars - that failed so badly that most the vehicles whose future relied on CD6 were outright canceled or stayed on older platforms, with the Explorer and Aviator being the only two left. The platform was then re-optimized for the SUVs at the insistence of project leads, who wanted to sell it on performance and supposedly had research to back up their claims it would sell better if it handled better. It definitely does, but they were dead wrong about most consumers noticing, never mind caring, about the engine layout and primary driving wheels. Engineering was too worried about the new architecture and engines to devote adequate time to pretty much anything else. The F-150 program requires about 120-200 test mules per new generation, spanning all trims and powertrain combinations. The Explorer program built over 300, and Aviator tacked on a more reasonable but still significant number. We ended up building nearly twice the number of test mules as the 2021 F-150 program did, and because of the need to keep building testers, the PP cars were delayed, meaning that the process of engineering that new assembly line had to be compacted down to meet the deadlines. Can’t make a line to build the cars without knowing how the car is built, after all. Chicago Assembly being its typical shithole self (engineers and management alike were practically dragged kicking and screaming into choosing Chicago) finished off any hope of this launch being anything short of disastrous.
I’m still a firm believer in the Blue Oval, and, flawed as she is, I proudly stand by the Explorer, enough to order an ST for myself - it arrives later this year. The sad truth is that this has been happening ever since Fields took the reins and focused on sucking up to Wall Street instead of running a car company. Nearly ever program started under him and inheriting his bullshit attitude if salutary neglect has stumbled. The 2020 Escape/Corsair are the only ones that haven’t, and that’s at least in part due to getting a free troubleshooting extension after Explorer pillaged a big chunk of staff to help out with fixing its own shitstorm. Hackett has not done anywhere near enough to fix this, but some effort towards a better culture is better than actively destroying it. Ford will learn; the question is how long until it forgets again.
2009 Ford retiree here--This has been going on to a lesser degree since Nassar was the CEO so that this happened comes as no surprise to me. Mulally was seen as the white knight riding in to "save" the company, let's not forget that the DPS6 transmission fiasco happened on his watch. Fields was nothing more than a career Ford hack to begin with. IMO, Hackett isn't the problem, those that hired him are. The Glass House needs a through cleaning, Ford family and their Class B shares included. As a final thought the Explorer should have went to KCAP.
Thanks for your insight!
I wish more engineers would speak up like this. It’s nice to get an idea of how much of a headache getting a new product out can be.
Anna Carson Your argument?
It sounds bleak because it's your livelihood but I'm predicting Ford to dissolve or be bought out like Chrysler was within the next 20 years. Ford has been churning out crap for 2 decades and people have noticed; cutting production of cars to focus on SUVs won't be sustainable in the long run, several recent launches have not gone over well, and the F-150 is losing sales to the RAM despite it's reliability issues. There is time to turn it around but based on your comment it sounds like management is blinded by short term success goals and won't be able to pivot when trends change.
The inhouse audio testing done here: WOW! Nowhere else do you get this kind of review. This is real objective frequency response shlt, not subjective opinion bullshlt.
Well played, SG. Well played.
I thought the title was a little too harsh until you got to the transmission section. Looks like Ford messed up another one. Your Ford rep probably won't be happy, but this deserves to see the light of day.
Ford is in trouble with their transmissions. The last one, the Powershift, cost Ford multi-millions for repairs and buybacks with cars going into limp home mode. Google: "Ford Powershift Recall"
Aussie2u There is no excuse for the Powershift. That’s as a piece of garbage and Ford knew it.
The seats falling apart already is mind boggling. That's so expensive to replace too. And that trim fit. What an utter mess.
My 2018 f150 with the 10 speed sometimes will shift hard as F and it slams you. I wanna say it was 3-5 or 4-5 upshift. For me it happened when the trans fluid wasn’t warmed up yet
That 10AT was awful in my mustangs as well (both I4T and V8).
Much worse in the ecoboost - it would always slam the 5-4 downshift against the mounts and 2-1 would take a whole two seconds of head toss.
Picturing Ford’s UI design team as a bunch of folks who use “the facebook” and take videos in portrait mode
Perfect comment. "The Facebook" LOL
Wait, there's something besides portrait mode??
I don't know how they could design something so dated and ugly and then pick up a modern iOS or Android phone and not realize the difference in quality.
I'd venture a guess most people shoot video in portrait mode. I see submitted clips on the news every single day that were shot in portrait. These "videographers" don't care or notice, neither do the news directors who accept them and neither do the idiot engineers at Apple, Samsung, et al, who could design all phones to shoot in landscape only, (unless otherwise selected). They are the same type of people who will buy this truck. Oblivious to the core.
Goes to the google homepage to search for something instead of just using the address bar
Wooow! This man throws Down The Gauntlet and doesn't mince words
I love it. This is exactly how Kia and Hyundai was able to undercut car manufacturers like this. Like the Kia Telluride I bought 10 months ago.
Is still selling like hotcakes! By the way I have absolutely NO problems with it. Attention to detail God bless!
You can have any car for ten months and not have problems. I’m sure your opinion will change over time if you decide to keep that Kia long term
The ride on the telluride is extremely bumpy... immediately disliked. Don't know how its selling
As a ford technician myself. I couldn’t agree more with everything you said. It’s UNREAL how much they charge vs what you actually get.
And also how garbage these things are
@@impreza2010drifty and how many recalls are yet to come.
@@moeanthony9308 we already have couple as it is and quite a few TSB's and SSM's on them
@@impreza2010drifty in typical Ford fashion
My Fiesta has been great... Wish Ford kept their small cars here, the Euro models have always been good. I'd love to have a 70s Capri, 78-80 Fiesta, or XR4Ti.
4:25 The backup camera display is utterly moronic. This is not nuclear science. No one at Ford was bothered by it? If not, that sets off a warning flag for me about other possible items they were not bothered by.
Yeah they basically have all the negatives of having shoved a giant tablet in the middle, without any of the actual benefits of doing it correctly. There's no reason for the backup camera to be a quarter of this screen in portrait mode, they should at the very least have filled half the screen with it then put the other items below it. It's clearly just laziness where they don't really give a shit how stupid it is as long as it technically works.
mountainhobo you know what makes even less sense? The camera on the ecosport is full screen.
The camera display is probably so small because they are using low resolution cameras.
Typical for junky American cars. I would hope this car has less quirks in the less expensive trims. This thing must have some of the worst depreciation.
I don't think you can get cameras of such low resolution anymore.
This dash, this center screen, are enough for me to skip this car
Yep.
The blue background is enough for me.
Yep...not a fan of all digital instrument panel, especially if something goes wrong.
IMO since Lincoln is a sister company of Ford, it seems like Ford is concentrating on investing big money in luxury SUV's because they are a huge market right now. If i had the money i would definitely consider buying a Navigator or Aviator. They are beautifully designed and well built especially the interiors. Plus you can get a twin turbo V6 in an Aviator that HP wise can compete with an X5 M40i. If Ford doesn't invest big money in the luxury performance SUV market they will get run over by BMW, Mercedes and Lexus and you could argue they already are but the Navigator, Aviator and Corsair are a big step in the right direction.
@Antonio Zamudio Actually, it is not on more than one level. It is not positioned well for the driver. So, when you in the driver's seat, you don't get to see screen colors the way they displayed. @savagegeese has it explained.
I work for Ford Oakville...we build the Edge....and what you said at the end was so true. We build amazing vehicles that are designed to fast and to easy and without care. ... it's going to end badly unless this company puts a little more care in the product and a little less in their bottom line.
Keep up the good work. Cheers
i use to work there, what a hellhole, old union mentality that couldn't give any $hit about vehicle quality.... i wouldn't buy anything built there
The workers only care about there own bottom line as well. Truck company only in their near future
Ever since I bought some Made In America coasters that literally fell apart in my hands, I've considered it an overrated notion.
I'm on my second Ford Flex and it's as well-made as the first. Hats off to the workers at Oakville Assembly for making a quality product.
I could hear the pain in your voice as you were going over your final thoughts. Thanks for having the courage to just straight up tell the truth. Much appreciated 👍🏾
Not sure how much courage it takes but yes the truth should be told as it can set us free. And yes I hear the pain of disappointment in his voice.
Well I kept the $1,000 I was going to spend on the upgraded sound system.
Your first back waxing appointment is this Friday. Would you like me to pick you up in the Explorer?
Why wouldn't you get any other car instead?
@Nissan370Z Glass
In Canada someone went to court for that
You are hands down the most entertaining car reviewer on UA-cam. Keep it up!
I hate the trend of let’s just stick a iPad in the dash then we’re done.
It would have been ok had they just turned it landscape, used an actual iPad grade screen, had an adequate computer behind it, and filled the whole dang screen with back-up camera footage when in reverse, but instead its just a poorly executed gimmick.
Abram McCalment basically Tesla model 3 then?
Steve Pounder actually I think its smart what they did, when driving using GPS i like to see whats in front more than whats to my sides, portrait mode makes sense since it isnt for watching movies or videos and it lets you use your thumb and not index sometimes
@@abelincoln78 to me it's looks as if it was an afterthought.
"Ooops, we forget the nav screen! but I have a solution that just might work...."
@@mattkalin3139 There are lots of other vehicles with portrait oriented displays sticking out of the dash, including the Explorer's sister vehicle Aviator. While maybe not the same size, some were available for purchase before the Model 3.
The driver's seat leather is already looking like crap
MY 2018 SUBIE TAN CLOTH SEATS THICK ONES TOO
LEATHER JUSTS RIPS CRACKS STICKS TOO YOUR SKIN ON HOT DAYS
I initially started watching this channel from your days building a dd'er/track FRS. Now as a father with a family of four I really appreciate your no BS reviews of family haulers. Likely one of the reasons I'll be getting a used 2017 CX5 to replace one of vehicles. Keep it up!
Buy a Durango
turshin offers absolutely no support or reasoning. CX-5 is way better
@@Turshin I hope you're just trolling
When I see someone trying to sell an FCA vehicle i tend to back away very very slowly...
Definitely don't buy a Durango...
Please do in depth reviews of Oreos with your usual outstanding cinematography going forward.
Agreed, that's what we are here for.
Make 👏 it 👏 happen 👏
Yup
Fantastic idea...🤣
No one is as honest, makes it hard to watch the other guys
Pay 65 grand OTD, drive two years, get 28 grand. DEAL!!
These babies drop like a ROCK!
Lease for $500 a month and give it back, simple.
@Glowget
Why? Leasing these stupidly expensive cars is the best way to drive and forget them before the warranty expires.
I only buy used Fords. They have very little used value and I have had great luck with Fords
@@groosbro1 You do know what leasing is right? It's literally paying the predicted depreciation. It's a glorified rental. I suppose you like throwing money out the window in exchange for having a new product.
61k... y'all gotta stop taking out these loans.
Yara Moghaddam but my 72 month loannnnnnnn.
There’s dealerships offering 84 and 96 month loans now. It’s pathetic.
@@jayman81424 but mah $500 a month paymennnttt
TheUnlimited001 nothing like being upside down the entire length of a loan.
@@TheUnlimited001 There are dealers offering 1st and 2nd loans. Imagine paying interest and fees twice for the same vehicle. Irresponsible dealers and very confused consumers.
For the record, I bought an ST that now has about 7000 miles on it. The transmission was rough, as stated - in the beginning. I now thoroughly enjoy the way it drives. I think it took a bit to understand the idiosyncrasies of its shift patterns and possibly its worked out a bit of its own kinks. As a young guy with a family (dying to buy a sports car again) this thing is a lot of fun and certainly helping to satisfy the enthusiast in me. Also, I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the competition looks like absolute dog shit compared to the ST... it’s not even close.
When you say competition, who are you talking about because Telluride & Palisade blow this out of the water. I think explorer does look better than Traverse and Pathfinder.
how is it after a year?
@David Imbrogno Curious to hear what your experience is like after a year as well. Just picked one up and am enjoying it so far, but noticing that learning each mode's shift patterns is going to be key for a smooth ride. Also reassuring to hear that not everybody is bashing on it 😂
@@janbeltre1244 well I can say he's right on his assessment from 2 years ago as that's when my wife bought hers. now 2.5 years later I fucking hate the thing. And it's not the rougher ride (I got 20s for it and stored the 21s), or the fake garbage engine noise that bother me... it's the constant new rattles and the endless amount of failures with this thing. the pano roof breaking 3 times, the 360 camera blue screen issue that took a year to fix or the most recent exhaust issue that threw an engine code. needless to say I'm honestly done with this pile, and my wife had a Jeep SRT before the Explorer ST and that didn't give her an once of trouble in 4 years.
I have the 2021 ST and agree…and it’s better looking than the Palisade and Telluride! LOL!!! 😂 but I do like the “look” of the Tahoe even though it’s a taller ride the clearance is about the same…to me the ST is just the right size and is sporty with just enough power to survive the shenanigans from other wannabe NASCAR drivers.
What’s the link to the back waxing gofundme?
TheTopher lmao sup chris
Was not expecting to see you here!
For those where it's actually a disability and impacts quality of life, it should be Govt funded. Maybe there's a men's support group where like-backed men can share their stories and take part in a circle-wax.
I like men with body hair. I won't be supporting it.
Another UA-camr said recently.
"Cars that are designed by engineers emailing each other."
Each engineer has their own project team and each team is focused on different components.
A car designed by email
@Mark Turner I'm pretty sure instead of email it was two guys named "Dave" and "Steve" yelling at eachother across the factory floor before then going to the pub and getting absolutely smashed xD.
Designed by email to satisfy politicians, not customers.
@@grievuspwn4g3 If they were designed with a Freudian subconscious drive, the cars would be much larger, comfortable, powerful, and impressive looking. They are likely being designed with a retarded politician in mind.
Evan Turnau
Well they can’t stand each other!
@@Torsee It seems they can not stand the customers as well. Look at the crap the automotive companies are putting out. I can not believe people are buying that garbage.
I really like your reviews. No one else highlights the overall build quality and engineering like you do. What a vehicle looks like up on the lift is very telling. And your the only one who shows that. Good job.
The garbage infotainment on a lot of new makes and models is going to make the used market a risky place in 5-10 years
Yep. Planned obsolescence.
There won’t be a used market. At all. Dead and dumped in 5 years. Or less.
Going to? already is a risky place.
Or make it cheaper than it ever was whoch hopefully will bring the us automakers to their knees on their out of control pricing
Mercedes' infotainment systems from 10 years ago are still working as new. Are you able to pair the newest iPhone or Samsung phone? Probably not. It also outdated navigation, and the features have aged horribly. BUT it still works! Very few Mercedes radio units have gone bad and they've got some years on them now.
By far the best automotive review channel on the Internet. I love how genuine and honest you are with your reviews. So many UA-cam channels kiss the ass of every manufacturer just to get a free ride for a week and a bunch of views but their material is so surface level and generic. Keep up the good fight with bringing unbiased reviews to the masses. Thanks brother!
WHO would think of doing a vertical screen???? It makes literally no sense at all. It doesn’t even work well. This is literally a mess.
Carlos Rosas we have horizontal eyes 👀 after all
We get tickets for using our phones, but the ipad is ok
It makes sense to have, say, navigation on the top half and the radio on the bottom. Subaru's new screen is vertical. I think the problem here is more the poor quality of the screen and poor implementation of the software.
Ask Tesla, they started this stupid trend with their screen in the Model 3
Steve E eh, a horizontal flows better with the eye on the horizontal dash. Just my opinion but also yeah they really messed up on the software not using the full screen
Must be an interesting meeting when Ford Execs realize that Hyundai and Kia out did them.
I doubt it, if there where any interesting meetings about this vehicle, I don't think they would have let them ship. I am afraid they are ok with it just like it is and don't get a damn, which says all you need to know about the direction they are going.
God help me next time I need to buy a vehicle, I don't like Dodge, GM burned me hard core and now Ford is slipping up.
Until you reach 80k miles. Hyundai/Kia's begin to fall apart and depreciate like a Yugo.
@@pbaker7160 I remember when I think it was kia's first started selling here in the states, we had a dealership that was doing buy one kia, get another one free
@@pbaker7160 my 01 elantra has 216k on it and still going strong lol
With those Korean vehicles, it's hit or miss. 60% of those cars will reach 250k. American cars are bad all around. I trust Japanese vehicles.
The Ford Explorer Platinum trim starts at $58,525... comparably equipped competitors below:
Toyota Highlander Platinum: $46,850
Hyundai Palisade Limited:$44,925
Kia Telluride SX: $41,790
Honda Pilot Elite: $48,220
VW Atlas SEL Premium: $48,395
Furthermore base luxury 3-row SUVs,
Lexus RXL base: $48,325
Acura MDX base: $44,500
Audi Q7 Premium: $53,550
GMC Yukon XL base: $52,400
The list goes on. Can someone PLEASE explain to me how the Explorer Platinum is $6,000-11,000 more than comparably equipped competition, AND the luxury competition?
Great point!
Ford half-assed it and wants top of the market segment prices. That's one way to say cars are less profitable.
Never mind the fact that people think an Explorer is a nameplate where you can even think of asking 60 bones for. I'm old enough to remember what kind of quality and luxury you could get for north of 50 grand, and this ain't it Ford. It also wasn't that long ago either.
One last thing. Giant touch screens age poorly. Even if it still functions in 5 years, that ridiculous tablet is going to tank this SUVs resale value something fierce.
subaru ascent is great 3 row
What’s is crazy is, compare it to a genesis gv80 😬
Forget the platinum model... you can't get an explorer in a 6 cylinder for under $50,000. Toyota.. Hyundai, Kia, Traverse, pretty much all competitors have a 6 cylinder starting in the low to mid $30s.
Ford putting a 4 cylinder on a 4,000 pound SUV is moronic.
These are absolutely the best reviews on UA-cam
I'm more so surprised Ford is still sending you vehicles to review
They are probably not competent enough not to.
Randy Jackson him and everyday driver are the only car people I trust
he probably wont get another one after this one lol
I would think they have to. If they don’t then he’s just going to borrow one or rent one and review it anyway. That would make them look even worse. Ford needs to take their lumps and focus on addressing the issues brought up.
Won't stop him from reviewing.
Having owned domestic vehicles, I am continually amazed at how much domestic manufacturers insult their customers. It’s junk from the beginning and will not last. They just don’t seem to give a shit.
We'll just bail them out again.
this is why ford stock is 6 bucks a share. yep leech on tax payers
And I plan to buy this junk 😁
Unfortunately people like my parents have to buy a Ford or Chevy where they live or they have to drive 100+ miles to get an import serviced.
@@jasonshort3047 Good for you, enjoy the maintenance costs
I had one of these as a rental and really liked it but you’re right about the transmission, it literally feels like a highschool kid doing a clutch dump downshift on his Honda civic
Exterior: looks like a Rav4 and an Equinox did a drunken face swap selfie
Interior: "crap we forgot the touch screen, just glue an ipad somewhere"
I absolutely hate infotainment systems that stick out from the dashboard, and this looks even worse.
I love that you guys do the audio testing and have actual numbers to back up your observations about the audio. But to be frank, looking at those graphs, I don't know what I'm looking at. I have no idea what to look for. You said the Explorer's audio is bad and that the graphs back it up, but it really doesn't show me anything because I don't know how to read it.
There is a video on explaining audio testing we did. In this case there are massive variations in db for harmonic distortion and in frequency response. m.ua-cam.com/video/2RB7otNfB1I/v-deo.html
savagegeese love that you’re doing this. I’ll just take your word if it’s good out not.
@@Wasabi9111 don't take his word on it, but actually go test drive the cars he reviews if you can. While Savagegesse reviews are great, he's not always right or sometimes he can be too jaded as someone who has a ready access to these cars. You never truly know what you like if all you have to go on is the words of someone else.
I'm glad it wasn't me just thinking the audio was awful when I tested one. There's numbers to back up my suspicions!
Awful car. Everywhere you look it screams MEDIOCRE! A great nameplate ruined.
Ford: "the sexy soccer mom next door is not gonna care about any of this"
Wrong!! LOL!! Sexy soccer mom's do care!! LOL!!
Fireblaze x ...The sexy soccer moms are driving Chevy Tahoes and Suburbans, I see it all day long.
Yes they are sexy....😋
Fireblaze x but her lawyer husband paying the note will
Nah, they've moved on to leasing Land Rovers
@@smokestack9795 Yoga pants ftw
Best car review I’ve seen on
anything , in a long time! Going to send this to a friend of mine who is all about that Explorer ST to give him something to ponder before he pulls the trigger
I just bought a 2020 Explorer Limited 2.3L and I absolutely love it!👍
This review absolutely proves how you’re one of the best doing this on UA-cam.
Before my wife decided on the Palisade we looked at this. We spent maybe 5 minutes sitting inside this mess of an interior before we walked out of the dealership. Not even in the same league as the Kia/Hyundai.
Had the same experience with the previous generation explorer vs. cx-9.
Michael Snow This is inexcusable from Ford imho...they have the experience to get things right and this isn't exactly an insignificant vehicle in their lineup. Meanwhile Hyundai/Kia has gone from cranking out basically rubbish to REALLY competitive vehicles in a span of only about 20 years in the States.
Glad Ford at least got the "trucky" aspect right to set it apart from the crowd.
It's still rubbish if you plan on keeping your vehicle for a long time... Check parts availability of GM and Ford vs. anything Japanese or Korean.
Hippie Bits There isn't innovation because...CORPORATE AMERICA
The telluride/palisade are MUCH nicer for the same price. Have way more tech, look better, have nicer interiors, and drive much better. 100k warranty makes it a no brainer.
Almost bought a telluride the other day but went for a 4Runner instead.
Ford’s fit n’finish in their already overpriced Explorer has always been disappointingly half assed 👎🏽
Everyone: nobody can make a transmission worse than cvts
Ford: hold my 10 speed
LOL
He really seemed to like the "10 speed" cvt in the new Corolla's a lot more
CVT is great for highway cruising and just for comfort driving but if you looking for driving engagement is total failure!
@@abt4702 Actually not quite. Check out savagegeese's video on the corolla hatchback. By no means is it a fast car, but I own one and the transmission does very well for what it is. I was scared to get a cvt and I think this is one of few cars, if any others, where I would not regret my decision
@@thenoon97 I think u misunderstood my point there, yes CVT'S are great for economy cars to save gas and for regular driving style they are really good for cars like Corolla u mention and others in this segment but if u pair CVT in car that supposed to give u performance is total failure. Performance means driving engagement and dynamics not from straight line speed or how fast it goes from 0-60, i can take any car from straight line and it will be fast, thats not my point but respect ur opinion ofc and i hope we understand each other.
Who is the customer for this at 60k? Even if you are a Ford fanatic, why would you not upgrade to a Lincoln at that price?
Who would pay that much for a half-assed Ford? This has to be the dumbest car I have ever seen.
Steve E you should meet these ford fanboys. This could be $100,000 and they will buy it and be obsessed with it
You can buy a m340i or RS3 for less than that.
Admiral Ackbar people who shop for explorer do not have rs3 or m340i on their list.
Soccer moms
What goes through a persons head when they get an email from “savage geese” to borrow a car for review lmaoo
The goose is on fire with this one. Dang.
Personally, I really hate the way the new giant headlights intrude on the grille. Weird look.
The previous generation actually looks better from almost every angle.
I think all the explorers were ugly. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is where the styling is!
@@Natethegreat200c that or a Durango RT. Which somehow Mark forgot to mention.
ford must have spent 95% of their budget trying to make this RWD and the 5% was the rest of the car
Excellent review. Ford if you’re watching this is the kind of review that is determining my next car purchase. Was considering the Explorer and now will be considering competitors. Current C-Max and F150 owner too.
If EA made vehicles, this would be it.
Nah if Rockstar made a game this would be it but 2 times worse
Chris Peoples ruined the joke
@@Chrisp707- ruined the joke
That’s Chevy
LOL dead on brother
They just bought a Chinese Tablet from Wish and just shove it up right there damn it looks like is an afterthought,
It sabotage the interior looks
I work on these things every day. You guys aren't even scratching the surface. This new Explorer may go down as the worst vehicle Ford ever made. A couple of weeks ago, I got a call from one of the engineers in Dearborn asking me why I'm fixing so many water leaks, and putting so many hours into fixing them. I asked them why they needed to drill 6 holes on each side of the vehicle to mount the roof racks from the bottom up? They didn't even seal the holes. All they put is a tiny piece of foam the size of a dime, as a seal. It does nothing. On top of that, every time you need to do something with the roof rack, you have to drop the headliner. They also didn't design the cowl trim right. If it doesn't sit perfectly, water goes right into the hole on the firewall for the evap box. And you have to remove that to replace the battery. Now, 90% of the time on a battery install, you end up with a swimming pool in your RF seat. The motors suck, the transmissions suck. You even pointed out that some of the suspension is aluminum, and the hub assembly is steel. You're not supposed to do that because when you have AL and steel touching, it corrodes. I need a 20 ton press just to separate suspension parts that should fall apart when you unbolt them. These cars are less than a year old. Then there was the headlight disaster.....
I smell a recall and lawsuit for crashes because of the aluminum and steel combos
Also whats the headlight disaster?
@@princedarkness8029 They couldn't get the headlights to work properly on some of the new explorers. It took Ford over 6 months to come up with a fix. People that bought new vehicles couldn't take delivery on them for months.
@@solarfall2728 I miss my 2016 explorer
@@princedarkness8029 "I smell a recall and lawsuit for crashes because of the aluminum and steel combos"
For the most part, that's not a safety issue. It just makes it a pain in the ass to work on.
That will be the last time Ford loans him a vehicle to review lmao.
That's what happens when you are too busy slapping each other on the back instead of, oh I don't know designing a good car.
Did a solar flare hit there during your left turn? lol
They almost died.
my favourite part of the video lmao
His camera fell probably.
"Better off spending a thousand dollars getting my back waxed for six months". CLASSIC! LOL
Palisade is 10k cheaper for 10k more features.
Yeah, at least Kia/Hyundai/Genesis actually put in effort.
And will be worth 50% less when you go to sell it. Kia/Hyundai has some of the worst depreciation of any cars.
@@pbaker7160 yeah because of the engines seizing. They (probably) fixed that.
@@pbaker7160 u forgot that fords also depreciate horrible u can get a fully loaded 2019 ford fusion for less than 20k
@@pbaker7160 lol still fools out here commenting on depreciation, damn near every car (especially new luxury cars) out there depreciates like hell.
Test drove a 3.0 Platinum 4 days ago with a $55k dealer tag in the window with 51 miles on the odometer. 100% agree with this review; it felt like I was driving a 3/4 baked prototype. Strong engine (fast), felt planted on the road, sharp exterior styling...thunky suspension on heavy hits, terrible execution of the interior fit and finish. You could tell the leather upper dash had been apart and the A pillar trim on both sides had been off to fix something- probably one of the vehicles shipped from Chicago to Detroit for repair. Really disappointing...I have been in Fords for about the last 15 years and on my 3rd F150. This thing is overpriced around 10 grand and wasn't finished. Nice idea for a package that missed the mark.
What did you end up buying?
We have a 2020 Limited. Of course it doesn't have near the features as this Platinum, but it was also about 15K less. I'm sure the 3.0 V6 runs like crazy, but so does the 2.3 4 cylinder. It makes 300 hp and does just fine. The lower trim levels have the center display horizontal, rather than vertical like that one. It's not as big, but you get a full back up camera display instead of just one corner.
I have one too and agree with you
They literally double-sided taped an Amazon tablet to the dashboard 😂
Mr. Ramirez
That’ll explain why Amazon were out of stock when I ordered a Kindle...!!!!
😂😂😂
I took my wife and 16 year old daughter to see the Explorer and the Telluride. I wanted the Explorer. I'm a long time Cherokee guy and I never had an Explorer . I was excited about the purchase. The Telluride was my second choise. My wife felt the Explorer was very plasticky. When my kid sat in the front passenger seat, she thought it was to narrow. Then when my wife tried to get into the third row, it was to tight. Additionally, the monkey handle to pull the second row chair forward to get into the third row was to difficult to lift. I knew it was over when my wife broke her nail trying to lift the handle. She didn't even want to talk about the iPad on the dash. It looked like lazy designing. She wouldn't even speak to the sales person once she exited the vehicle. Needless to say, I have a Telluride SX on order for February delivery.
You made the right choice brother, or I should say your family actually made the right choice!
This explorer looks very cheap inside and outside, it's built with cheap bad plastics all over. On the other hand the Telluride looks very expensive and high end. Honestly it looks like it's 20-30 grand more expensive just by looks. When I saw it first time I thought it's a 80k car. Congrats!
How is telluride order? My sisters new one due in January is now pushed to March! Curious how readily available parts will be for unit with so much flaw in getting units to customers! A reason foreign equipment manufacturers can’t make it in US market.
@@cyrusumberger5285 I have been assured of the February delivery date. So far so good. I just read yesterday that Kia is increasing production to 100,000 units a year due to demand . Additionally, I would think that the Kia warranty (the best in the industry) is good for something. So hopefully a part would not be needed right away. Good luck with your date.
How freakin' wide is your 16YO daughter?
@@vincedibona4687 LOL...that's the point, she's 110lbs slim. She felt the seats were too narrow. On the other hand, from my perspective the seats are softer and wider on the Telluride.
Every car review should include comments about how the car is built underneath!!! Happy to subscribe!!
I hate new vehicles with huge tablet display on the dashboard making the interior space looks tacky and add on cheap.
not teslas
When he complained about the the strips of “fake wood” in the interior of the car, I thought he was nit picking honestly. I didn’t really see what the big deal was, but then I saw the infotainment system on this thing and it pissed me off because of how stupid of a design that was
So you're OK with ford slapping a $60,000+ price tag on a vehicle with fake wood that doesn't even fit the dashboard correctly?
For 60k he should be nit picking. The wood looks like shit
for 60K, I at least want my fake wood to align properly.
@@trekvdm Heh. The last brand new vehicle I ever bought was back in 1995. It was a full size Bronco Eddie Bauer, totally loaded. Drove it off the lot, and one of the screws holding that plastic trim piece along the top of the windshield fell into my lap. Screwed it back in. During that same week, every one of those screws worked themselves loose and fell out. I owned that truck for 6 years, and it was a constant thing, screwing those things back in. Aside from that though, I was in love with that truck, man. I really miss it.
You can see the seams where the cheap plasti-wood paneling ends. That's unforgiveable in this price range, in my opinion.
“Ohh I gotta wait for the stop start to kick in!!”
What happened at 20:38? Did the traction control kick in and ruin the fun?
Thanks for the honest reviews. Keep 'em coming!
Wow. You made Fords upper management sound like the coronavirus. Where would they be without the F150? Being bought out by Fiat?
Fiat would have been the best for them.
I think Fiat would do a much better job
Fiat is crap they would do much worse
@@683carl hey 'murican. FIAT rescued Chrysler, Jeep, Mopar, Dodge and RAM. RAM and Jeep are indeed very very successful. The germans (daimler mercedes) ruined them and FIAT turned them to gold. Just saying..
@JGD Take a look at Jeep and RAM and their sales number from 2009 to now
I guess I'm one of those Ford guys that will overlook minor issues and not stress over things that at the end of the day don't make the vehicle perform any better or worse. I like the styling, the comfort of the seats, the audio system is good and I particularly like how much better the infotainment screen is. Something that I would consider an issue is the left foot space in the older models. I had a 17 Platinum and felt like the driving space was completely out of sync. That's something worth complaining about.
When will we get the 5 part documentary of the 6 month back body wax adventure?
This is the video I was waiting for lol. I'm an explorer driver now and a Ford fan, but I just put my factory order in for my Telluride SX. This video confirmed my choice. Thanks Mark for your Telluride review, that was a huge factor in my choice
@CammedFox Congrats on your Telluride order. I got a call from my Kia dealer on Monday and picked up a Telluride SX Prestige on Tuesday. AMAZING!
@@dalex7777 cannot wait! I ordered Snow White Pearl with Butterscotch SX (non prestige). I'm looking at about 6 month wait though lol
@@tuple4986 thanks Doug I am extremely excited. Did tons of research, and the Telluride/Palisade are clearly a step above
@@tuple4986 yep I'm ready for the long haul. I love the Butterscotch can't wait to see it in person
Glued on tablet. I'm out.
I grew up a die hard Ford guy who has had dozens of them but after years of unreliable vehicles built with poor quality materials, especially the interiors where you spend so much of your time in, I have reached a limit. I finally had enough in 2008 with my brand new twin turbo diesel F-250 which in less than 6 weeks had to go in for service twice with check engine lights, I left it at that dealership & walked away from it buying a new Hemi Ram which I had for 11 years without a single problem, done with Ford & their highly questionable choices & poorly made vehicles with lackluster styling on top of it.
A brutally honest and totally needed review. Thank you.
The best and most honest review I have ever seen. I have a 2018 Platinum explorer and I approve this message!!!!
I’m glad that you guys like the new explorer for the most part. I’ve been a ford employee for 15yrs at the Chicago Assembly Plant here in Chicago were we build the new Lincoln aviator & the new Ford Explorer. Now some the first run explorers & Aviators had software issues and a few other issues. Over the past year and into the new year the quality has gotten a lot better. Now what I think ford should’ve done with this SUV. These should’ve been 2021 models. We should’ve built the old platform for one more year, build a few 2021 SUV’s, get the issues worked out and get these vehicles worked out. Once we do this, then release the vehicle to the public. Upper management tried to blame it on production rank & file. I had a very high up supervisor from another plant tell me and I quote” Ford rushed this retooling, launch & production of this vehicle.” This plant is to small to accommodate all the new technology that’s needs to be used to do a successful launch. Very few of the line workers were trained properly. Granted we do have personal issues but that really has nothing to do with assembling the SUV. We’re not responsible for “ software “ issues. Those are your JR engineers who designed this vehicle. The launch team which advised them on the issues with the truck just went by the waist side. I’m very proud to be a ford employee. I just wish they would’ve listened to us more.
In solidarity. UAW-FORD
Darrin Carter - Should’ve, Would’ve, Could’ve. I’ve been done with American cars for the past 10 or so years and I’m so glad. Only Honda and Toyota
Mathew Chen.. Your choice of car manufacturers has no bearing on me or ford. Honda, Toyota? Their good cars. But I’m a big boy. I’m a Mercedes man myself and that’s what I drive besides my 2 other Fords I have in my garage.
In solidarity- UAW ford
Hey man thanks for being a hard working American. Do you feel ford has ironed this shit out or should I wait another year for my st exploreer. I love my toyotas but my family owns a ford dealership and I wanna go back american
As always one of my favorite car analysts. These cars are mass produced and I ofter remind myself the explorer is now designed for police cruiser fleets. I think Ford has lost the war in this segment. I definitely agree on the repeatable Ford buyer not even knowing the difference between model years. Those cars are now part of the recyclable car programs.
You can say that about many car manufacturers today. If I start putting an ordinary person inside all these different vehicles, they won't notice the difference. With today's market being so over saturated, you really wouldn't notice unless you buy the car used.
@@icenine135 That's why Toytoa has sold so much and is the most profetable company today, they know what the normies like.
I agree. My ford explorer st 2020 has been in dealer for over a month. Multiple issues, and because of this they will buy vehicle back.
Are you buying another one?
$60 grand!!?? That's CRIMINAL!
Jonathan Norris 60K is not incriminating. The fact this car will value less than 50% off of its MSRP in 2 yrs is what really scary.
welcome to 2020...prices for ANY new vehicle are criminal...i mean the new RAM is nearly 100k and if u want a cummins its over 110K
@@Scypher0th 75k is the highest I found for a 6.7 single wheel fully loaded. Quit your lying
So don't buy it. 🤔
In my country a AWD XLT 2020 explorer cost 65k XD
The honest car reviewer... Savagegeese is bomb! 💥💥
You perfectly described my relative. He has owned 5 Explorers in a row, and is getting a new ST. He won’t look at anything else. So sad.
I love this show. One of the most honest reviews I have watched.
Adam Lamberti 2%
I don't even see how this could be a fleet or rental car with seats wearing out at 4000 miles. The trim fit is hideous but that can be overlooked with fleet and rental but seat wear is something even rental car companies won't accept.
For the right price they will
They'll put denim seats in the fleet rentals.
@@OMGWTFLOLSMH I find your comment hilariously funny. I actually visualized denim seats in my mind. Add in the "for the right price they will" comment - genius!
@@OMGWTFLOLSMH The 1973 AMC Gremlin came in a "Levi's Edition", which is exactly what it sounds like.
The police Interceptor looks really good. They had the hybrid version which is the slowest of the explorers.
I bought a ‘21 Explorer xlt. I may be biased because I drive semi trucks all day, but I believe the base 2.3 is more than enough to get you down the road and gets great fuel economy. Haven’t had any transmission issues yet in 6,000 miles. It feels solid and comfortable. The smaller wheels with thicker sidewalls probably help. Not a big audio guy but I do miss the Harman Kardon in the last Dodge I had. Excited to feel how it handles poor weather, if we ever get rain in California again.
Damn, that's disappointing, was really looking forward to this vehicle. You said it how it is. Awesome review as always.
It is always best to wait until the next model year on a total bottom up redesign. Keep in mind those early press cars are beat to shit. The factory was retooled on top of being a brand new vehicle so I think some slack is warranted.
There are corporate design manuals used by Ford design engineers.
My experience in QA at Ford in Australia was that the people on the ground were overridden by these manuals. Quality Improvements and Cost Reductions were stopped.
Now THAT was an honest review. Thanks for skipping the normally obligatory hype.
$60k for this? Ford must be blind to what you can buy from luxury brands for that. Straight catering to Ford fanatics.
Take my money, brand loyal idiots.
Ford isnt blind Ford is very smart. The customers are blind.
It’s actually genius. It’s kind of sad but the Explorer became a fleet car. Police departments and taxis will buy these a lot.
Hey Savage ~~~~ good review BUT it would really be helpful when underneath the vehicle to have a pointer or use your finger to direct our attention to the exact part that you are referring too ..... I think it would really confirm that what we think we see is the exact area or item you are talking about. Thanks and I appreciate your candid comments.
That screen looks absolutely ridiculous lmao
The man tells it as it is
Bro, I felt you're talking about my 2019 navigator when you discussed the transmission issues!
Ok so I bought a 2021 Explorer on my way to report to a new unit in Alaska from Florida. Now I test drove a platinum and loved it except for the exact things you mentioned. I ended up buying the XLT because quite frankly the $60K for it was too much for me. The thing I will say is the infotainment on the XLT it horizontal not straight up and down and works much better. Also the ride in the XLT is much better and I think it’s due to the smaller rims and tires with more sidewall and I’ll say it soaks up bumps pretty we’ll definitely better than the Platinum. Now the interior yes is a bit unfinished and could be better and the base sound system isn’t as bad ass what you described with the premium sound system but it could be better. Also the transmission yes I 100% agree with you. They screwed up something with the transmission. I’ve driven my in laws F-150s a ton and they shift WAY smoother than this thing does which is what gets me. I think it’s a tuning/software problem. There’s no in between the smooth and hard shifts and it will just slam into a lower gear when all you need is the torque converter to unlock or maybe down shift one gear not 4. I will say driving it 4,000 miles from Florida to Washington it was a smooth comfortable ride and had no issues and I didn’t experience any bad vibrations or noises coming from the car rattling or the engine or trans making weird noises. I hope a software update comes out for this car soon for the transmission but I think it’s a pretty good car overall it does have its issues but I honestly love my explorer. I think the lower trim levels are the ones to go with honestly.
“endless money pit” 😂😂😂😂
Gotta love the long term dependability of a twin turbo set up.. maintenance is gonna be dirt cheap..LOL
Anything that isn’t Japanese is a piece of crap to him. Not very logical.
@Owen Bailey-Waltz Lmao BMW and Mercedes are like Ford and GM in Europe. They just market themselves as luxury brands in the U.S. If anything Scotty is much more reliable than you since he actually has videos fixing cars.
@Owen Bailey-Waltz who hurt you?
Absolutely the best review on the explorer I’ve seen
Got myself a 2018 Mustang GT PP1 with 10spd auto...new custom order two years ago. After the nightmare experience with dealers with inability to find and fix a blow strut, and no support from Ford Corporate (yeah, I wrote letters), I dumped the Mustang and Ford for me for a long time. I was a Ford guy and that was my 9th new Mustang in 17 years. No more. Everything hit on in this video is a big problem with Ford Corporate and their awful dealership experience!
I used to be a loyal Ford customer; it’s heartbreaking to see what they are doing. The Focus PowerShift debacle was the last straw for me.
Ford automatics always had problems, but at least they were fairly simple and cheap to repair and improve. The PowerShift was just flawed from the starting line and impossible to improve.
The cherry on top of that shit cream sandwich was Ford could have teamed with Borg Warner to make a great auto trans but cheaped out. So disappointing
bigpjohnson Fords 4R70, 4R100, 5R110, 6R140 and 10R80 have all been great, and generally better than their competition. Always had problems? Less so than most for the last 20 years at least. The PowerShift and the GM design 6F35 are the exceptions, not the rule.
Ford never struck out to me as a Brand one should be loyal about. The company has a very corporate feel. I mean all of them are but Ford, maybe american car Companies in general just takes it up a notch. But I find Dodge to be an exception to this at least
Carlos Leon Ford is the only American manufacturer worthy of any sort of loyalty. The only one that wasn’t saved from Chapter 11 on taxpayer dime. They are the only ones that tied up their bootstraps and got to work surviving through the private sector like any business in a free market should.
The fact that they popularized they mass produced car, V8, and have probably the most storied racing history anyone this side of Ferrari also adds to the legacy.
Ford definitely has corporate fiefdoms to contend with, as do all Detroit car makers, but they are also the only one that is family owned.
GM is the biggest offender of committee design and governance, and is only in existence today thanks to $12 billion in taxpayer money that will never be returned
Lmao the transition into the driving impressions. It’s the little things that make me love this channel. 13:57
The most underrated part of your videos is Jack’s sporadic expression of frustration with the tech in the b roll🤣
Honestly beyond me why anyone would get a Ford in this day and age. Kia/hyundai provide a way better value and quality for far less. Toyota will out last and honestly is just as good now with their designs. And especially with that hedious infotainment screen.
As a fellow Chicagoan I'm upset that it's not better. I really hope they can turn it around soon.
He was spot on with the first part about fit and finish. Where I work, we built a lot of the molds for the IP. When I saw the grained parts, I was like...yeessshh...I don't know who came up with that. There were so many issues with fit and assembly. We kept making changes but they could not figure out where the deviations are. It was not all cars but how the IP is assembled creates many issues. We are already working on the mid-cycle refresh, which usually happens a couple years after release, they are already doing it months after release. This is a big deal at Ford and a lot of resources are directed to make this right. It's a nice looking SUV, I just hope they get it right. They nailed the expidition/navigator, they screwed up royally on this one.
See GintaPPE1000's comment from 5 days ago along with my reply. It's probably the best explanation of what went wrong.