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2011 Ford Explorer Limited Review

21st Century Sport Ute

A three-quarter front view of a blue 2011 Ford Explorer Limited

In short: Ford's iconic SUV, reimagined for the new millenium.

Once one of Ford's best-selling models, second only to the perennially-popular F-Series pickup, the Explorer has seen a sharp decline in sales in recent years as buyers have turned towards crossovers, wagons, and other more fuel-efficient alternatives to the traditional SUV. However, with the completely redesigned 2011 Explorer Limited, Ford hopes to reinterpret the sport utility vehicle for the 21st century, and in the process, regain the confidence and support of former SUV devotees. Featuring a modern, lightweight design, an intelligent, situation-selectable 4WD system, and premium features like the MyFord Touch infotainment system and high-quality Sony speakers, this capable, off-road ready vehicle just may be the Ford SUV of the future.

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Warranty/Service: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty;
5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty; 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance

QUICK SHEET

Base Price: $39,190 / As Tested: $44,655

Technical Specifications

Vehicle type: front engine, four-wheel drive, 7-passenger, 5-door SUV

Engine: 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine
Horsepower: 290 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 255 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed SelectShift automatic

Wheelbase: 112.6 in
Length/Width/Height: 197.1/90.2/70.4 in

Brakes: 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake distribution
Suspension: front independent with stabilizer bar; multi-link rear independent with coil-over shock absorbers
Traction: AdvanceTrac with RSC and Curve Control

0-60 mph: 7.4 seconds

EPA City: 17 mpg
EPA Highway: 23 mpg

Safety: driver and front passenger airbags with passenger sensor; side curtain airbags; inflatable rear seat belts; SOS post-crash alert system

Likes: looks; fuel economy; spaciousness; electronic appointments

Dislikes: large for city driver; cramped third row; less-than-refined interior

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Photography: AlphaMedia

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(Updated: 10/10/11 NW)

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