2015 Ford Explorer

I can appreciate the advances in construction of the Explorer, having owned three 97, 02 and 2015). The 2015 feels quieter, tighter, softer! The advancements in tech are obvious leaps forward considering my other experiences.

We just love our 2015 Explorer!!!! Love voice activation, Navigation, side mirror sensors, the safety features, the way the Explorer looks, the heated seats, so comfortable!!!

We REALLY love how the interior of the Explorer looks with the light-colored leather seats -- but a stain problem that started only 6-8 weeks after purchase, which I thought was limited to the driver's seat and 2 new pairs of jeans I had been wearing, is NOT limited to the driver's seat -- ALL of the seats are now taking on stains from the jeans we are wearing. Now we wish we had bought one of the color pairings that came with black leather seats. Ford really needs to figure out how to seal the light-colored leather so it doesn't stain. I've only had the car 4 months and we are either going to have to clean the seats monthly, or get seat covers - which I will NOT be happy about having to use.

I choose to buy a US made auto. This was my number one criteria

Horrible experience. Will never buy another Ford

Sync voice command for navigation is HORRIBLE. It couldn't find a destination ever, but does want to recommend Starbucks... Love it.

Needs bigger gas tank

I had a terrible wreck in 2000 and was driving an Explorer. I feel I would not have survived in another car.

A car at this price range ~$50k should not have halogen bulbs in headlights. They should be xenon HIDs or LEDs. Thankfully the 2016 model will have LEDs. The Ecoboost 3.5L V6 motor was my biggest factor in choosing this vehicle over the competitors (lots of torque and horsepower) in addition to the aggressive looks and rims. Steering feel could be improved substantially especially in the "Sport" model since I myself wanted a sportier drive. It does have a tuned suspension compared to other trims but a better steering feel wouldn't hurt as well.

The car has significant torque steer upon significant acceleration (ie, in passing). This causes the car to tend to go somewhere other than where it is being steered and is quite concerning. I consider this a significant performance weakness. Front visibility could be better. It's probably better for a taller person. It is proving difficult to achieve the gas mileage expected based on the EPA sticker. Highest I have ever achieved is 18.4.