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Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer 2005 and earlier

3348 messages,  Last post on Oct 31, 2011 at 3:14 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, SUV

Messages Page 29 of 335

#280 of 3348 Rear Window by melodious

Jul 17, 2001 (5:30 pm)

Closing the back window on my 2002 Explorer XLT last night, was not the problem... it was opening it! I heard a snap as I lifted the rear window, paused and looked at the wiper, and then heard another pop and the window EXPLODED!!! There was a 15' radius of glass shards on me and the driveway around me! I am, thankfully, okay but rattled. My 15 day old truck is now at Ernie Haire Ford being repaired, and the dealership has been wonderful, providing a 2002 XLS for our use while ours is in the shop. It is sad that Ford customer service would not acknowledge this problem, when we were actually able to read the Associated Press article of April 10, 2001 to them. Other than that.... love my truck! Much nicer ride than the '99 XLT sport package that I loved and drove for two years. Buy a 2002 Explorer, but have your rear glass checked!

#282 of 3348 FYI: by buckwheat

Jul 17, 2001 (6:19 pm)

http://mercury.lmtraining.com/cgi-bin/SaISAPI.dll/SourceBookMercury.class/vehicles/vehicle.jsp?vehicleid=26

#285 of 3348 FYI: by buckwheat

Jul 17, 2001 (6:29 pm)

http://suv.fordtraining.com/cgi-bin/SaISAPI.dll/SourceBook.class/vehicles/vehicle.jsp?vehicleid=34

#286 of 3348 by steve_ HOST

Jul 17, 2001 (6:36 pm)

Nice links buckwheat - wonder if Ford knows they're out there .
 
When I bought my Nissan a couple of years ago, the salesperson let me look through his hardcopy version of a similar sales book. Most interesting.

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

#287 of 3348 2002 Explorer by dfahy68

Jul 18, 2001 (8:25 am)

I just rented a new Explorer XLT with the V-6 and had the following impressions:
 
Ford did a great job with the independent rear suspension for improved handling, especially over rough roads, potholes, etc. The V-6 is more than adequate although I would like to drive the V-8. There was no problem merging onto the expressway or passing cars. I was actually surprised, especially after reading several articles saying the V-6 was under powered for this vehicle. This Explorer is WAY bigger than the old one. It seems to be a nice fit between the Expedition and Escape though. I think it just looks good too. Unfortunately that's all I really liked about it.
 
Bad:
What happened to the interior in this thing? It looks and feels cheap. The plastic doesn't match on the doors or dashboard. The console has spaces that look like something should be there but isn't. The steering wheel has a ridiculous tilt mechanism like on my old Jeep Wrangler. The door handles are down below my knees. The ride height in the seats are WAY too high. I'm 6'2" and had the seats all the way down and still felt like I was looking down at the hood. The sun visor was in my line of sight. It seems Ford is trying to make this the ultimate 5'-something soccer mom ride. The front seats have no head rest?? What happens in a rear-end collision? I could go on and on, but my only lasting impression is CHEAP. I have also driven the Escape and would choose it over the Explorer any time.

#288 of 3348 My 2002 Mountaineer. by afire

Jul 18, 2001 (11:42 am)

I now have 4400 miles on my loaded Mountaineer. I seem to average about 16-17 MPG, even with the air on. My best tankful was the 4th of July holiday travelling all freeway with BOTH air conditioning units in use, and my yakima rack on the back of the car carrying all 4 bikes. We averaged 17.8 MPG with 65-75 mph driving, and that was over the grapevine south to home. Awesome.
 
The prior posts about the "pinging" --- that pinging is actually a metal sound that is more a ticking tick/light "ting" and it's metal changing, ie. the car cooling. My old Ford Explorer did this too but it wasn't as loud. The only pet peeve I have is that the MUTE button isn't on the steering wheel for when the cel phone rings, because reaching for both MUTE and phone is hazardous. I tend to ignore the phone ringing when I am in the Merc. and listening to music. :>
 
Plusses: I love the way my car looks! I took great photos of it + the sunset at the ranch and made it my back-screen on my monitor. I love the way it looks inside, with the silvery trim and black leather wheel. And, the 3rd rear seat is wonderful.
 
DFahy, your post about the interior on the Explorer was on the nose. Ugh! Plain. I loved the Mountaineer's exterior and interior instantly. The little extras (perks) were a surprise and appreciated.
I like the automatic headlamps, and the fact that they turn on and off and when I leave the car, they shut off when I click the keyless-remote alarm. The window open button being on the remote is nice but I can't find one in the car. Love the memory seats, and seat heaters for the days my back is feeling bad. I think I'd re-style the wheels (booooring) but I leased mine and don't care to throw the $ away for new wheels after I turn it back at 36 months. Power is great for a V6 and a large rig, mileage is very acceptable considering the 97 XLT Explorer with the same 4.0 V6 I had got 14.5 to 15 MPG if I was lucky! Handling - great, no complaints. Looks, a perfect 10 for me. I love my car and highly recommend it to all.
 
Fiery one.

#289 of 3348 Question and an update by zman3

Jul 19, 2001 (6:49 am)

As an owner of a 95 XLT and a candidate for a 2002 XLT, I have been monitoring several of the Explorer discussions recently. I have an update and a question for all of you.
 
Update: In one of the discussions recently someone was inquiring about the availability of Ford's stability control system in the 2002 Explorer. I talk to Ford's customer care last night and FWIW they said the availability date is November 5, 2001. I don't know if that will be bumped or not, and I don't know if that is a manufacturing date or what, but it at least gives a time frame for availability.
 
Question/gripe: How can Ford release a brand new vehicle that is targeted to suburban families and not include the LATCH/ISOFIX child seat restraint system? I was amazed to see that it did not have it. I naively assumed it would. Does anyone know why it would not be included and when it might be added? Ford customer care did not know. I have heard, second hand admittedly, that this system is significantly easier to use than the seat belt restraint method. Can anyone comment on whether it is that much better? If it is still difficult to use, that would lessen my complaining somewhat.
 
As always, thanks.

Messages Page 29 of 335

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