2012 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
Coming from a 2003 Acura MDX, this new Explorer handles and performs much better as expected. It does feel a little heavy in the corners but body roll is well controled under normal driving. The 2nd row seating isn't as wide as the MDX. The 3rd row is much more comfortable than the MDX. Acceleration feels a little slower than expected but not bad. MyTouch/Sync is ok. I expected a lot better/more advanced functionallity since I have basically the same features in my 6yr old Lexus. Overall, I'm happy with the Explorer because of it's handling and saftey features. And it satisfied my desire to buy domestic.
The handling is much better than I expected. The relaltive 'roominess' of the 3rd row is good. All the safety features of the BLIS system are great.
The steering wheel should have a powered tilt/telescoping feature. And it should be tied into the memory seating. The 2nd row center seat is unusable by any adult. The seat belt buckles protrude up into the seating space so that if someone is sitting in that center position, the two outboard seat belts cannot be locked into their buckles. I might as well have just gotten two bucket seats for the 2nd row. The gas tank filler door should be unlockable from the inside near the driver.