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Used 2012 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
51 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

Toyota guy, love this Ford

billoddity, 06/09/2021
2012 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I went to buy a used Tacoma and left the dealership with a 4x4 Explorer. I bought it with 90k miles, have put 30k on it and it’s a lovely, reliable car. 4WD system is similar to Land Rover and very capable, drove over the Rockies and Steamboat Springs in 10 feet of snow. Rides beautifully on the freeway and around town. Whisper quiet, no rattles or squeaks inside. The seat layout is terrific, I sometimes lay the middle row down and sit in the back seats making a small living room. The sync system is very good for being 10 years old, maybe people who can’t deal with tech get frustrated but the functionality is great, only the layout is strange. The only downside to the whole car is a seam separating on the door and the steering wheel leather slightly wearing on top. Still very highly recommended.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

A Handsome Hauler

Kelly, 05/01/2016
2012 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful

Let's say you are an outdoors type or a family type, either way you need something to haul your gear or your people or both. This truck, I like calling it a truck - it's not a car, and "SUV" sounds silly, carries your stuff in style. I sigh every time I look at my Ex. It's just so good looking! It hauls my husband, two dogs, camping gear, luggage, a bike on the back, and a small kayak on top. I keep the third-row seats lowered for more room in the cargo area. I love knowing I can raise the lift gate and easily load my gear or groceries into the cargo space. The front and back seats are comfortable. People in the back like having access to their own heating and cooling controls. Other than that, my Explorer has basic controls but I'm okay with that because it kept the price low when I bought it used. Besides, I do not want nor need navigation, bluetooth, or the MyFord touch. The truck's auxiliary ports are sufficient for playing my music through my phone. I fill up the tank once a week for my daily trips to work and back. I drive 250 miles a week plus local driving on the weekends. My only concerns are the whistling noise around the windshield at high speeds and sometimes the engine refuses to go faster than 80 miles per hour though that might be the result of a safety feature - and really who needs to go faster than 80 mph.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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3.75 out of 5 stars

First Ford - not very happy :(

newfordowner, 09/06/2012
2012 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful

So...I leased this vehicle because I fell in love with the body style! Well...it was 2012 demo left over - but still beautiful! So after the first month - the computer froze up - went blank...I thought for sure I did something - they said it had a virus - ok - and now month 3 months later - the transmission feels like it is slipping - so today - it is back at the dealer for that and the computer again - it froze up and went black screen again. I am not really happy with my first Ford experience so far. Also - the gas mileage has been horrible! My last vehicle a Toyota Highlander (6 cylinder) was awesome - I got at least 22-25 mpg. I am only getting 16.3 mpg - and that is highway too.

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1 out of 5 stars

Problem after problem

Josh Schwartz, 03/08/2018
2012 Ford Explorer XLT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
8 of 12 people found this review helpful

Interior of car started falling apart at about 40k miles. Stitching on arm rest came apart and then separated. “Leather” seats are of poor quality and tore early. Back up camera also went out around 40k. At 70k had to replace transmission at a cost of $4500. A week later had to replace engine mounts which 2 out of 3 broke and was causing severe vibrations. Cost $550. Will never buy another Ford.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
1 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

2012 Best Explorer Ever

rockrat, 03/30/2012
2012 Ford Explorer Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful

Bought this Explorer several weeks ago and must say the ride is fantastic. Very quiet, excellent handling, acceleration much better than my last Explorer V8. Four wheel drive works excellent, doesn't need a low 4WD because the first gear of the 6 speed is so low. Goes anywhere. Still learning all the electronics, loving them all so far. Getting on average 20MPG, should increase once the vehicle is broken in. Highly recommend this vehicle to everyone, so comfortable and easy to drive!

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