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Has anybody looked at/considered the 2002 Explorer. If so, how do you feel it compares to the MDX? We have looked at the MDX and we drove the Explorer today, so I was just wondering. Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Wildcat |
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| I couldn't wait for the 7 passenger Explorer, which wouldn't be released before my other lease ran out, so I ruled it out, but it was as expensive as the Acura and I really hate Ford interiors. My husband has wanted a 4 seater convertible with good performance and he looked at the Mustang, but similarly, the interior is just so junky. The Expedition isn't too bad, but everything else is just so plastic and boxy. The Ford dealers are excited about this new car and I hope that for the sake of the Big 3 it does well, but I just love the interior of the Acura. I hope that American cars soon get a handle on that. |
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I had a 1998 Explorer XLT and it wasn't too bad overall. It handled like a truck, since it was, and the interior wasn't the greatest. But it served its purpose at the time.
My biggest problem with the Explorer was that there were way too many safety recalls. Typical Ford. I had 5 recalls in the 3 years that I had the truck. And all for safety related issues, not to mention the Firestone tire issue. You would think they could do a better job after all these years. In the 15 years that I have owned Hondas, Toyotas and Acuras, I only can remember one recall.
The 2002 Explorer may be better (good write-ups), but I wasn't willing to take that chance. Plus, I wanted something with a bit more luxo features. And since hearing of the big recall on the new Ford Escape, I think I made the right choice.
You can't go wrong with MDX. It fit our needs for passenger space, overall cargo space, power, reliability, safety and comfort features. |
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| Acura is a more upscale brand name than Ford, and besides I always believe that our MDX probability will be much more safer and reliable than the Explorer; and it looks better both inside and out. Just my 2 cents. |
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The big differences I saw between buying a 1999 Ford Explorer Limited and MDX Tour/Navi was:
1. Price - Expl was far cheaper.
2. Driving quality - Expl drives like a truck, MDX is sedan smooth, turns very gently, unlike the Expl where you slide all over the seat
3. Interior - better in an MDX. More attractive overall
4. Pickup - MDX has more usuable hp between 3000-5000 rpm and consequently gives you great speed/acceleration
5. Quieter - MDX is much quieter on the inside
6. Storage - more storage space for driver/passenger. My explorer had NOTHING! A cup holder, that's it. And a small map storage area in the doors.
7. And finally, add all everything you've heard people praise the mdx about - navi, drive quality, mileage etc....
-S |
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We own a '99 EB Expedition. Picked up the MDX last night.
We began looking for a 3rd vehicle and was NOT looking for a vehicle as large as or expensive as the MDX. Nevertheless that was what we decided on. There is no comparing the two in my opinion, MDX is much superior.
The Expy is now for sale (don't need both) then we can get a third vehicle aong the lines of what we set out for. |
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| Three words wildcat384, NOT- EVEN -CLOSE |
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Another Recall by Ford.
Just proves that I made the best choice possible when buying the MDX and getting rid of my Exploder.
On the bright side for those Ford customers: "Ford said Tuesday it has asked dealers to pick up the affected vehicles, provide a loaner vehicle and make the repair, then wash, vacuum and return the affected SUVs to customers with a full tank of gas."
You just don't get that kind of service on a normal visit ;) |
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| The MDX and the Explorer are both SUVs but other than that they're in different leagues and should never be compared. It's like comparing apples and oranges. As JD Power & Associates have classified them, the Explorer is a midsize SUV while an MDX is a "LUXURY" SUV! |
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Over 55 thousand defective vehicles! Frustrating, though. Can't we produce a quality SUV?
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Ford to Recall New SUVs for Possible Window Defect
Ford Motor Co. is recalling its all-new 2002-model Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer sport-utility vehicles, 12,669 of which are already in customer hands, to correct a possible design problem with the rear window. The problem—which Ford said on Tuesday may cause the glass in the rear liftgate to detach or shatter when the liftgate is closed—is the latest setback for the world's No. 2 automaker, whose brand name was severely tarnished by last year's crisis over deaths and injuries in rollovers of the popular Explorer SUV fitted with certain Firestone tires. Ford spokesman Mike Vaughn said there had been 35 complaints from customers and dealers so far about the liftgate window problem. Brackets that hold the glass in place may loosen, he said. He said 55,652 Explorers and Mountaineers, produced between Feb. 5 and March 30, were believed to be affected by the problem, or nearly 70 percent of the new SUVs produced so far. There have been no reports of injuries stemming from the window problem. Vaughn also said Tuesday's action was not a recall, in the strict legal sense of the term as it is used by Detroit automakers, but "a customer notification program." At Ford's expense, Vaughn said, dealers are offering to pick up the 12,669 SUVs already sold and provide customers with a free rental car, or loaner vehicle, while the liftgate is inspected and, if necessary, repaired. The vehicles will be returned to customers washed and with a full tank of gas, he said.
Reuters, April 10, 2001 |
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I have owned 3 Explorers since 1991, and I must say I really like the vehicle. Two of the Explorers were XLTs and my latest was an XLS. I did not have any trouble mechanically with any of the cars, and I pulled my 4500# boat with ease.
When I started looking for a replacement for the current Explorer, I was dissapointed with the 2002 model (I did not consider the leftover 2001s due to anticipated accelerated depreciation due to the body stle change). The 2002 lower side panels are all plastic ('cept on Limited/Bauer), and this looks cheap to me. The running boards look like an aftermarket product. Inside was better, though if you start adding the premium features like the third row seat you start creeping up on the MDX base price.
IMOHO, if you would like to compare two more similar vehicles, and you like the Explorer, look at the Mountaineer. A bit more pricey, The Mercury has a sleeker look and the third row seat is standard. With fleet pricing on the Mountaineer I would save about 5K over the MDX.
I chose the MDX, however, due to several reasons. Yes it was more expensive. But MDX fit and finish are miles ahead of the Ford and Mercury (as well as Durango and Cherokee, et. al.). Also, there are simpler options choices on the Acura, and they are all DIO, which makes customizing my MDX much easier. Further, the look of the interior is truly apples and oranges. Performance and ride are equal or superior, with gas mileage about the same as the Explorer.
It is more of a hassle to acquire the MDX, considering most of the dealers I spoke with were arrogant at best. They have a great vehicle and are not afraid to offend customers since supply is exceeded by demand. Luckily there are a few great dealers out there, and the MDX is truly a great SUV. I look forward to taking delivery of mine from Acura of Augusta in the second week of May.
BTW, let's not get too nasty about the Ford recalls. These types of things could easily happen to the MDX as well. Hey, who knows, they might have to recall those weeping MDX side mirrors!
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