Car-Based Explorer?

Question

There was a report in this morning's paper saying that Ford will change the Explorer to a car-based vehicle at the next major update in three years. It said that the new Explorer would be based on the same platform as the 500 and Freestyle. This sounds like the plan is to do a major upgrade to the Freestyle and call it an Explorer. It seems reasonable given the plunging sales figures for the Explorer and Freestyle. Could be the plan is to sell Expeditions to those wanting a truck base.

Anyone have more information about this?

D.D. Palmer · Accepted Answer

Sounds redundant with the new "EDGE".

Bill Jeffrey · Answer

Gaak! I pull a 3500-pound camper trailer, and I love my '02 Explorer (first year of the previous major upgrade) for that use. My plan has always been to buy another Explorer after the next big model change. I can't wait to see what the 3-valve engine and the 6-speed transmission do for me! But it sounds like I better buy the last model of the current iteration. I sure as hell don't want a car-based SUV.

When is this scheduled to happen? The 2009 model? 2010 model? Do you have a link to the story, or to any information on the rumor? Naturally the Ford website doesn't say a thing that's meaningful.

Bill

Big Shoe · Answer

Don't have any additional information, I was hoping that someone inthe group would know more about it.  With Ford in such desperateshape, it's hard to tell what might happen.

Big Shoe · Answer

Here's a link to the article about the coming car-based Explorer

C. E. White · Answer

sounds just like the Freestyle...Ed

Bill Jeffrey · Answer

Big Shoe.Bill

D.D. Palmer · Answer

That will be the end of Explorer as we know it. I just don't get it. They already have Escape and now the new Edge. Converting the Freestyle into an Explorer (which is really what they will be doing) is redundant and total sales will bear that out. I'll miss our 2003 Mercury Mountaineer, but not the 13MPG fillups. It's tolerable at $2 or even $2.25/gallon, but the UNCERTAINTY of $3+ gas would stop me from buying another. We'll keep this one a few more years then probably get a RAV4 or CRV.>

Car-Based Explorer?

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