For some of us in Car Chat, such as myself, this article probably doesn't tell us much of what we don't already know. I reviewed the current-generation Explorer when it debited in 2020, and was very unimpressed with it in a number of areas. Its introduction was further tarnished by a number of serious quality-control problems at the Chicago assembly plant...so much so that a number of vehicles had to be sent to another completely different plant at FlatRock, MI (which used to produce both Fords and Mazdas) to correct those problems. Lincoln Aviators are also produced at the Chicago plant, but personally I found the Aviator to be a far nicer vehicle than the Explorer both inside, outside, and on the road....Lincolns, today, are not simply rebadged Fords with some more wood-tone and leather like they once were.

This article, BTW, comes from FordAuthority, a media-source which is usually supportive of the corporation's products.

https://fordauthority.com/2023/06/20...sumer-reports/

2023 FORD EXPLORER SHOULD BE AVOIDED: CONSUMER REPORTS

By Brett Foote

June 9, 2023 2:06 pm



The current-generation Ford Explorer has long held a reputation for being one of the more unreliable vehicles on the market, earning it “distinctions” such as being one of Consumer Reports‘ 10 least reliable vehicles on sale today not just once, but twice, as well as a two- or three-row SUV that shoppers should avoid due to its reliability concerns and low owner satisfaction. Ford is working to rectify its quality woes with a goal of obtaining best-in-class reliability by 2025 for select models, though that process could ultimately take months or even years to begin to produce results. In the meantime, Consumer Reports has once again identified the 2023 Ford Explorer as a popular vehicle to avoid.



Consumer Reports notes that many new vehicle shoppers intend to prioritize things like reliability and safety, but ultimately, wind up falling for styling or image instead. That’s precisely where this list comes into play – the 2023 Ford Explorer still sells in large quantities, and yet, its reliability data lags behind the competition.

“The Ford Explorer may be a common sight in your neighborhood, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice,” CR said. “In fact, while the mediocre SUV ranks near the bottom in the three-row category, it outsells the excellent Kia Telluride by more than two to one. It handles with relative agility, but an overly firm ride, rough shifts, and a noisy engine hurt the Explorer’s road-test score. Plus, reliability is well below average.”





Indeed, the 2023 Ford Explorer has a predicted reliability score of just one out of five, though there are no specific reliability trouble spots to note, as the vehicle is too new at this point. Regardless, the Explorer is also plagued by a low owner satisfaction score of two out of five, further complicating its case among new vehicle shoppers.

We’ll have more on the Explorer soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Explorer news and non-stop Ford news coverage.

 

Hi mmarshal,

Do you feel the review was fair for the Ford Explorer?
I had an Eddie Bauer edition Ford Explorer back in the day and that truck was so reliable.

Have they lost their way or are they about the same and other cars just got a little more reliable.
What's your ideas?

 

I think it’s fair. I rented one for a week one time and I was very underwhelming.

My first car was an Explorer, so I really want to like it

 

Thanks for the question. The Early 90s-vintage Explorers, of course, were little more than Ford Rangers with enclosed passenger compartments...and had the truck-sourced Twin-I-Beam front-suspension which went back to 1964. That suspension, the shortcomings of the Firestone Wilderness tires, and Ford's unrealistically low tire-PSI recommemndations, were blamed for a high rate of Explorer roll-over-accidents (particularly when heavily-loaded, at higher speeds, and on hot pavement) and and were subjects of later investigations/recalls/and a redesign. Later-generation Explorers, and their Mercury Mountaineer siblings, had both a better safety and reliability record. But the latest Explorer, launched in 2020, had serious quality-issues from the start, some them could not even be sold or delivered to customers without being repaired at another plant, and, IMO, most of CR's comments are probably justified. I'm also not a fan of the general design of the latest model, inside and out, and the interior has some what IMO are awkward controls.

 

I am perplexed by the sales numbers of this and the previous gen. Explorers. How come they sell so many when there are so many better options out there?

 

^
Lots of non retail sales to fleets, rental, government etc
Same with MachE - NYPD bought thousands of them.

 

Because most people don't do much research, if any, and don't really educate themselves about the $50K+ purchase they are about to make. They think it looks cool, and Jack down the street has one. And it's a well known brand name.

 

OK but look around. There's tons of Explorers on the road that are not fleet buys.

 

Explorer has huge brand recognition, lots of people are programmed to just buy Explorers.

 

One of my neighbors (our ex-Condo-Board President) bought a leftover brand-new new 2019 several years ago. After a bad experience with a GMC Terrain, she wanted an Explorer, and I got her, on my advice, to avoid the 2020.

 

Yep, one of my employees just replaced their Explorer because it was starting to seem like there were some expensive repairs coming. So they got another Explorer.

 

people who buy explorers don't read or care about consumer reports.

 

what does "one out of five" even mean?

 

Or, maybe they like Ford Explorers. lol

Trade it in for a new one, problem solved. lol

I'm not sure but it doesn't sound good.

 

CR likes to make shrill claims, especially against makers other than toyota.

this site gives the explorer average reliability.

https://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/explorer

from that link:

does that sound like a 1 out of 5 nightmare?