So, some guy rammed into my 2006 4Runner SE V6 a while ago, and I finally get a chance to send my T4R into a body shop today. AAA provided me with the comparable rental car while my car is still in the shop. I wasn't really picky about it since I thought I will be driving my IS350, and just took the rental just because it's no charge to me.

When Hertz said, they are going to give me Ford Explorer, I was like umm ok, whatever.

But, as soon as I drove it, I was just blown away by how good the Explorer is. I must admit that Ford was never ever on my shopping list whenever I do car shopping, and I didn't even bother to test drive one. But this car impress me beyond my expectations. I honestly think the car is a superior alternate to my Toyota 4Runner if you are going to use it around the town. Much quieter on the freeway cursing, and the engine makes much less noise at WOT. (This is only V6 version, so I am comparing my V6 to this V6). And the car has ZERO rattles at 18k miles. ABSOLUTELY ZERO!! My 4runner has squeaks everywhere and IS350 has rattles on the dash.

But I prefer the look of my 4Runner much better than its, but the look is subjective anyway.

I must say Good job Ford! I thought they can only make POS from what I read on the internet, but clearly they are much more than that. You have earned my respect!

 

On the side note, it's 9:43PM on the friday night and I am praising about FORD on the internet. What the hell is happening to my social life?

 

Sorry to hear about the accident but glad it's getting fixed now.

Glad you like it, and that exactly corresponds to my experience (I own one, 2006). VERY quiet, very tightly put together, no creaks, squeaks, etc. Mine's the V8 version with the 6 speed auto so it's a bit more responsive, smoother, and quieter than the V6 version. Mine's also a 'Limited' (top trim) which I prefer over the others because of the body colored lower panels, nicer grille, 18" rims, full steering wheel controls, etc.

I agree the Explorer is not a great looker and I *did* look at the 4Runner when shopping but a 4Runner with V8 and nav (I wanted nav) was way more expensive than my loaded Explorer and the dealer had exactly *1* 4Runner in stock, so I passed.



I also cross shopped the Honda Pilot (WAY too noisy - Honda doesn't believe in sound insulation much ), Honda Element (didn't like reverse rear doors and lack of front leg room), and a couple of hatchbacks.

I'm still very pleased with my Explorer after a year.

 

my family had a v6 explorer in Hawaii, and I don't understand where this praise is coming from. I've heard civics that sound beefier than this thing, and while it was quiet, the interior sucked. The rear seat was not that comfortable (but way better than a honda pilot) and WHAT THE $^&! IS WITH THE DOOR HANDLES??? I can see where somebody thought: "oh what a brilliant idea it would be to integrate where I place my hand and where I open the door." It is big, bulky, and cheap.

We now own a '06 v8 4runner and I can say it is much better. I will admit that it's fuel consumption leaves something to be desired, but in terms of looks, fit and finish, features, and ergonomics the 4 Runner wins hands down...

In any case: glad to hear you are OK.

 

my family had, had ford explorers ever since I could remember, and I can tell u they can take alot of obious and still keep going, and the new ones are realy comfortable and drive real nice for what there priced at I dont think anything can beat them, including my durango, which is a huge pile of **** and I wouldnt recomend it to anyone who is looking for an SUV, on the other hand Im kinda digging the new ford edge it looks like a chinese range rover :P, that also could be an alternative if your thinking of a new truck in that price range.

 

See, I don't think the problem is a lack of effort from domestic makers like Ford. I had a Pontiac G6 as a rental once and I enjoyed that aside from the electric steering and the gearbox with ratios wider than the Grand Canyon.

However, its the consistency of the quality that I'm not sure about. Sure, I already know they can produce a decent vehicle. However, just cuz your Explorer is rattle free, doesnt mean the one manufactured 3 cars after your is, or the one before yours.

I'm surprised that your IS and 4runner rattles though. Maybe you got a "bad" one.

 

We had Explorers for 10 years and were happy with both of them. The only issue we ever had with either of them was a radio that dimmed itself when it shouldn't.

I haven't driven a new one but wasn't impressed with the feel of if (door handles got to me).

One of my buddies parents just bought him a new loaded 4Runner limited that he said topped out near 40k. Personally, I think thats a bit expensive for a Toyota branded truck considering you can get a GX starts at 46k. Granted I'd buy a 4Runner over a GX because they're just too similar to warrant the price difference.

Seriously, if there is one thing American car companies do well, its SUVs. The new Tahoe and Escalade are definitely worth a look too.

 

They are durable little vehicles and you can get them to last down here in Mexico, however given the fact that Japanese SUVs haven't been here as long, it will be interested to see if people gradually get the concept of quality and move away. Already this seems to be true, as I was reading a story the other day that the RAV4 and CRV are the most popular models of Toyota and Honda respectively sold down here.