Used 2017 Ford Explorer Consumer Reviews
2 weeks in my ‘17 Limited
I got a SMOKING deal on this 2017 limited- 45% off MSRP(51k), and it was 18 months old with 36k miles and brand new Michelin LTX tires. The bad- front seats seem a little narrow(or I’m just too fat), SYNC3 is a little too busy for me, as I was/am used to SYNC2, mileage could be better19mpgs around town. The good- this thing rides and drives like something costing 3 times as much, interior is well thought out, styling is outstanding, Very easy to get in and out of, the NA 3.5 engine seems to have pretty good power for what it is. To sum it up- a good deal for the money, but would be spectacular if it got better MPGs. I might just have to buy one of those aftermarket tunes in the future. * one year update: I still think it's a good vehicle although I have a couple small-ish points. I had to replace the battery AND the positive cable end, due to a leak in the top of the battery right next to the positive terminal. Ford wanted $349.00 for the positive cable(in the harness), but I bought just the cable end from Amazon for $14.00. Also, I replaced the battery with an AGM from Batteries plus, which is what it should have had to begin with. I had the rear toe-in links replaced under recall- no problems with that. It has an occasional "glitch" in the sync 3, but it clears it's self in a couple seconds. I don't think this is the type of vehicle you would want to own when it is more than say- 15 years old(due to the level of electronics), but I think that is true of all vehicles today.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best Sports SUV on the Market for the money!
So I've only owned this Explorer for a Month so my review will be updated after the first year anniversary. But I can tell you individually this vehicle isn't the Best in any one single category. However, when you combine all of this vehicle's attributes together for the price Ford asks this becomes the best deal and value around. I compared 27 different vehicles to this one, The main line companies (Honda, Nissan, Dodge, Chevrolet, Mazda, etc) all had vehicles that rounded out to the same price and features, but none of them had the performance to match the Ford. The speciality guys (BMW, Audi, MB, Porsche, etc) could match the performance and the luxury but they were several thousand, and in a lot of cases tens of thousands more expensive. The build quality is excellent with good materials choice and they make it appealing to look at when you get in. Everyone I've put inside the Explorer has said "I'm surprised how nice it is in here" and "Wow this thing moves!" and "It's so quiet!". It was developed side-by-side with the Range Rover Sport and it even had the same designer (that's why it looks so much like it). There are only Ford parts so it's very reliable, unlike the Range Rover. They did some very nice touches to the car like the aluminum volume knob, the driver and passenger double paned windows coupled with the Acoustic Sound Shield front window. The Nappa Black leather with Red contrast stitching and the black headliner is something you don't usually see as standard equipment. Lets not forget the extremely capable 3.5L V-6 with 365hp standard all wheel drive 0-60mph comes and goes in just 5.8 seconds and you also get the sport suspension design and setup from the Rangerover Sport and magnetic dampers and shocks. One heck of a three row suv for 50K.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- Sport 4dr SUVMSRP: $11,995In-stock online
- XLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $13,8973 mi away
- XLT 4dr SUVMSRP: $15,998In-stock online
To SUV or not to SUV...
Made a big mistake and bought at end of model year, trade in on this low mileage example is now about $8k to $12k below a new one after only 8 months. Cheap foreign tires for a $48K SUV which require constant, under warranty, rebalancing so they're wasting money on labor not putting good tires on them. It has developed a vibration that the dealer can't find so they say it doesn't have one so can't trust it for long trips. Fuel economy is 18 with 90% highway driving and fuel tank is too small. Tailgate sensor is way too fussy and will open when you don't want it to (got pinned between tailgate and garage door just walking by). Fuse box is impossible to access. Back up camera is necessary because it's difficult to back up looking thru the rear window. It is quick but the torque steer on acceleration will take some getting used to as it will take you into the other lane. It's front wheel drive 95% of the time. It lights up like a Christmas tree every time you get into it or out of it so you'll alert the neighbors every time you come or go, free Ford advertising. Electrically activated rear seats can be accidentally activated by a curious or excited dog or child. I should have rented one for a week or so before even thinking of buying but emotion got the better of me and now I'm stuck. Like most reviews on the net I don't understand all the positive ones.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My Exploder
Great vehicle, but ride is a bit harsh and the fuel mileage is horrible so far
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Excellent Value
I buy a new vehicle every 8 months. I purchase high end models, and technology is a must. I consider myself a very experienced car buyer and have been doing this for over 35 years! Had a new fully loaded Volvo XC90 (2016) a CT6 Cadillac Luxury (2017) and now, a 2017 Platinum Explorer. Hated getting in and out of the Caddy. The Volvo was OK, and the Explorer is great. Plenty of power and zip with the turbo V6 which is standard. Technology is pretty easy once you remember where to find the buttons, and the navigation is superb. Volvo was way too complicated, Caddy was OK, but not as easy and intuitive as the Ford. The Ford's voice commands could use some help, but tapping on the keyboard is the solution. Platinum has every bell and whistle, but I do have a few minor complaints: when using the navi and being on the phone, I prefer a voiceover for directions, not a beep. I like to her the next instruction. When changing lanes, I like a beep option, not just a vibrating steering wheel. I would also prefer a button to shut the auto water sensing windshield wipers when using a car wash rather than having to go through a series of menu's from the steering wheel controls. Other little things such as it needs a more solid noise when closing doors. It sounds a bit tinny. The gas mileage (although mine is very new) has yet to hit 17 mpg either city, highway or combined but I didn't get this vehicle for the mileage performance. The rear seat could have a little more room, and as far as I am concerned, the third row could be an optional feature. If I really want to get picky, the concert stereo system in the Volvo was an upgrade and amazing. The Platinum has a Sony, but it lacks the depth and quality of a high end system. You won't be disappointed with this vehicle!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability