Ford Explorer For Sale

Ford Explorer From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation , search See also Ford Explorer Sport Trac for the Explorer-based pickup truck Ford Explorer Manufacturer Ford Motor Company Production 1990–present Model year(s) 1991–present Predecessor Ford Bronco II Class Mid-size SUV (1990–2010) Full-size crossover SUV (2011–) The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV sold in North America and built by the Ford Motor Company since 1990, as a replacement for the smaller but related Ford Bronco II . It is manufactured in Louisville, Kentucky (it was also assembled in Hazelwood, Missouri until the plant closed on March 10, 2006). The Ford Explorer was instrumental in turning the SUV from a special-interest vehicle into one of the most popular vehicle types on the road. It is marked as Ford's only mid-sized SUV and is slotted between the larger Ford Expedition and the smaller Ford Escape . Though the Ford Escape is a crossover and the Expedition and Explorer are traditional SUVs, Ford considers all three vehicles to make up their "SUV" portfolio. Their "crossover" portfolio consists of the Ford Flex and the Ford Edge . The Explorer has also been involved in controversy, after a spate of fatal rollover accidents involving Explorers fitted with Firestone tires . Both two-door Explorer Sport and four-door models of Explorer have been sold. Part-time four-wheel drive is an available option, and since 1995 this has been a 'shift on the fly' system with full protection against being engaged at high speed. A specially modified Special Service Vehicle version is also available from Ford Fleet for law enforcement agencies , fire departments , and EMS agencies . Explorer was also the name of a trim package offered on the Ford F-Series trucks from 1968 to 1986. Contents 1 First generation (1991–1994) 2 Second generation (1995–2001) 3 Third generation (2002–2005) 3.1 Intake manifold defect 4 Fourth generation (2006–2010) 4.1 Explorer America concept 5 Fifth generation (2011–) 5.1 Features 5.2 Capability 5.3 Safety and security 6 Explorer Sport variation 7 Special Service Vehicle 8 Export sales 8.1 UK models 8.2 Current exports 9 Controversies 9.1 Rollover and Firestone Tire controversy 9.2 U-Haul trailers 10 Yearly American sales 11 See also 12 References 13 External links [ edit ] First generation (1991–1994) First generation Production 1991–1994 Assembly Louisville , Kentucky , United States St. Louis , Missouri , United States Valencia , Venezuela Body style(s) 2-door SUV 4-door SUV Layout Front engine , rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive Engine(s) 4.0 L Cologne V6 Transmission(s) 5-speed M5OD-R1 manual 4-speed A4LD automatic Wheelbase 3-Door: 102.1 in (2593 mm) 5-Door: 111.9 in (2842 mm) Length 3-Door: 174.5 in (4419 mm) 5-Door: 184.3 in (4673 mm) Width 70.2 in (1778 mm) Height 3-Door: 67.5 in (1714 mm) 5-Door: 67.3 in (1709 mm) Eddie Bauer 4-Door 4WD: 68.3 in (1735 mm) Related Mazda Navajo Ford Ranger Mazda B-Series The Explorer was released in March 1990 as a 1991 model. It was equipped with a 4.0 L 155 hp (116 kW) V6 engine and either the 4-speed A4LD automatic transmission or 5-speed M5OD manual transmission . Like the Bronco II it replaced, it was an SUV derivative of the Ranger pickup , and came equipped with many of the Ranger's optional features. Like its direct competitor, the Chevrolet S-10 Blazer , it was available in both 2-door and 4-door body styles, and with rear or four-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive versions were equipped with a Borg Warner 13-54 part-time four-wheel drive transfer case. The 13-54 was available with "Touch Drive" electronic push-button shifting or manual lever-operated shifting. Both were "shift-on-the-fly" designs that allowed the Explorer to be shifted from two-wheel drive to "four-high" at any speed, although "four-low" was only available when the vehicle was stopped. All Explorers were equipped with the 8.8 in (22 cm) Ford rear axle in either a limited slip or open version with a variety of available gear ratios. Four-wheel drive front axles were the TTB ("Twin Traction Beam") Dana 35 with some Dana 44-spec components. Explorers initially came in 4 trim levels: base XL, XLT, Sport (only available on the two-door version), and the upscale Eddie Bauer edition. For the 1993 model year, engine output was increased by 15 hp (11 kW) for a total of 170 hp (127 kW). The Limited edition, added for 1993, was available only in the 4-door body style and was positioned at the top of the lineup above the Eddie Bauer edition. It featured automatic headlights, foglamps, an auto-dimming rear view mirror , a center roof console with compass and outside thermometer, unique wheels and grille , and an automatic transmission as standard equipment. Both the grill and headlight trims on the Limited model were paint-matched to the body color, unlike the chrome or black versions on other trim levels. Technically similar to the 4-door Ford Explorer, the 2-door Explorer came in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive variants. It replaced the 2-door Ford Bronco II , and was larger than the Bronco II. A variant of the 2-door Explorer Sport was sold by Mazda as the Navajo , which won Motor Trend's Truck of the Year award but was discontinued in 1994. Many, but not all 2-door Explorers are badged as Sport models. Common complaints about the first generation models mostly came from the A4LD automatic transmission, which was not well-suited for towing and was unable to cope with higher power output from modified engines; improved fluid cooling systems aided these issues. The automatic locking front hubs also tended to fail prematurely; the manual versions, made for Ford by Warn, suffered from fewer reliability problems. [ citation needed ] [ edit ] Second generation (1995–2001) Second generation Production 1995–2001 1995–2003 for Sport 2001–2005 for Sport Trac Assembly Louisville , Kentucky , United States St. Louis , Missouri , United States Valencia , Venezuela Body style(s) 2-door SUV (1995–2001) 4-door SUV (1995–2001) 4-door pickup truck (2001–2005) Layout Front engine , rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive Engine(s) 4.0 L Cologne V6 5.0 L Windsor V8 Transmission(s) 5-speed M5OD-R1 manual 4-speed 4R55E automatic 4-speed 4R70W automatic 5-speed 5R55E automatic Wheelbase 1995–97 5-door: 111.5 in (2831 mm) 1998–2001 5-door: 111.6 in (2834 mm) 1995–99 3-door: 101.7 in (2565 mm) 2000–03 3-door: 101.8 in (2568 mm) Length 1998–2001 5-door: 190.7 in (4826 mm) 1998–99 3-door: 180.8 in (4572 mm) 1995–97 5-door: 188.5 in (4788 mm) 1995–97 3-door: 178.6 in (4536 mm) 2000–03 3-door: 180.4 in (4562 mm) Width 70.2 in (1778 mm) Height 67.0–68.3 in (1702–1735 mm) Related Mercury Mountaineer Ford Ranger Mazda B-Series The Explorer saw significant exterior, interior and suspension updates in 1995. The former "Twin Traction Beam" (TTB) front suspension was replaced with a more carlike independent front suspension. The Explorer lineup now consisted of two models: 2-door Explorer Sport and the 4-door Explorer . The Limited was a higher end 4-door. Selectable part-time/full-time ControlTrac 4-wheel-drive débuted with a two-speed transfer case featuring three-modes, Auto, 4 High and 4 Low. A 210 hp (157 kW) 5.0 L Windsor V8 engine and heavy-duty 4-speed 4R70W transmission were added for 1996, along with a "full time" all-wheel drive system on the Eddie Bauer and Limited in 1997. A more-powerful SOHC 205 hp (153 kW) V6 engine came as an option in 1997 along with an optional 5-speed automatic. A Mercury twin, the Mountaineer , was added in 1997 as well. In early 1997, the 5.0 L V8 received new cylinder heads (GT-40P series), which upped power to 215 hp (160  kw ). Since this change was made in the middle of the 1997 release, the 1997 GT-40P equipped Explorers and Mountaineers were dubbed 1997¼ models. [ citation needed ] The 5.0 L V8 powered Explorer has become favored in the high performance SUV crowd, with many performance parts available. This is due to the fact that many aftermarket 5.0 L Ford Mustang parts are interchangeable with the Explorer variant. Also, the Explorer has aftermarket parts available for it including superchargers, nitrous kits, and headers. It was the first in its segment to introduce driver and passenger air bags at once. [ citation needed ] The 1995 Explorer was the first production vehicle to use a neon center high mount stop lamp. [ citation needed ] This was replaced with a more conventional LED lamp when the liftgate was refreshed in 1998. A slight change in front end design came in 1999, at which time the XLS name replaced XL as the base model. Like the basic Explorer, the Explorer Sport was significantly updated in 1995. The Eddie Bauer trim level was replaced with Expedition on 2-door Explorers (1995 only, the name would be reused on the 1997 Ford Expedition ). The rear was given a face lift for 1998. There was a North Face model also introduced, but was exclusive to the UK. 2001 also saw the introduction of the Explorer Sport Trac , which put a small pickup bed behind the four normal SUV doors. In 2009, this generation Explorer had five of the top seven spots for vehicles traded in under the "cash for clunkers" program, with the 2002 model topping the list. [ 1 ] The 1994 model from the previous generation also had the eighth spot on the list. [ edit ] Third generation (2002–2005) Third generation Production 2002–2005 (up to 2006 in the Philippines ) Assembly Louisville , Kentucky , U.S. St. Louis , Missouri , U.S. Valencia , Venezuela Body style(s) 4-door SUV Layout Front engine , rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive Engine(s) 4.0 L Cologne V6 4.6 L 16-valve Modular V8 Transmission(s) 5-speed M5OD-R1HD manual 5-speed 5R55W automatic 5-speed 5R55S automatic Wheelbase 2002–03: 113.7 in (2888 mm) 2004–05: 113.8 in (2890 mm) Length 189.5 in (4800 mm) Width 72.1 in (1828 mm) Height 71.4  in (1803 mm) Related Lincoln Aviator Mercury Mountaineer Ford Explorer Sport Trac The 4-door Explorer and companion Mercury Mountaineer were redesigned entirely in 2002, losing all design similarity with the Ranger while gaining a similar appearance to the Ford Expedition (the third generation Explorer is even often confused with the second generation Expedition, having rounded wheel sockets and "larger" back lights along with a more rounded appearance overall) and the still in production, second generation inspired Explorer Sport Trac. Engines were either the 210 hp (157 kW) SOHC 4.0L V6 with 254 ft·lbf (344 N·m) of torque or a 239 hp (178 kW) 4.6 L V8, with the 203 hp (151 kW) 4.0 L still available on the Explorer Sport. A third-row seat became available for the first time, bringing total passenger capacity to seven. Both manual and automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive were available (with 2002 being the last year of being able to order a 4-door and manual transmission). Trim lines were the base Sport Value , Sport Choice , XLS , Sport Premium , XLT , Eddie Bauer , and top Limited . AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control were standard for 2005 but an option from 2002 and on. Beginning with the 2002 model year, Ford installed a fully independent rear suspension in the Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer (but not in the 2-door Explorer Sport). This replaced the non-independent ("live-axle") rear suspension used in previous model year Explorers. In the fully independent rear suspension each rear wheel connects to the rear differential via a half-shaft drive axle. The benefits of a fully independent rear suspension for ride comfort, handling, and vehicle stability have been known for many years, and many rear- or 4-wheel-drive vehicles (cars and SUVs) use this type of suspension; for example, the Hummer H1, and the Mercedes-Benz ML SUV. Ford installed the independent rear suspension in the Explorer beginning with the 2002 model year because of the well-publicized vehicle rollovers and resulting fatalities that occurred with previous-edition Ford Explorers. All of the Explorers involved in the rollovers had non-independent rear suspensions, and many of the vehicles had tires which Ford judged to be defective (see below). [ 2 ] All three SUVs use code U6 (for rear-wheel drive), U7 (for four-wheel drive), and U8 (for all-wheel drive) in the 5th, 6th, and 7th positions of the VIN . When the Explorer was redesigned for 2002, the Explorer Sport continued unchanged for 1 more year. Due to the decline of 2-door SUVs, the 2-door Explorer Sport was discontinued in 2003. [ edit ] Intake manifold defect Main article: Ford Modular engine Certain 2002 V8 Explorers, using an all-composite intake manifold, are subject to coolant leaks. Late in 2005 Ford settled a US class action lawsuit. [ edit ] Fourth generation (2006–2010) Fourth generation (U251) Production 2006–2010 Assembly Louisville, Kentucky , U.S. St. Louis, Missouri , U.S. Valencia , Venezuela Body style(s) 5-door SUV Layout Front engine , rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive Engine(s) 4.0 L Cologne V6 4.6 L 24-valve Modular V8 Transmission(s) 5-speed 5R55S automatic 6-speed 6R automatic Wheelbase 113.7 in (2890 mm) Length 193.4 in (4902 mm) Width 73.7 in (1854 mm) Height 2006–07: 71.2 in (1803 mm) 2008: 72.8 in (1849 mm) 2009–10: 71.9 in (1826 mm) Related Mercury Mountaineer Ford Explorer Sport Trac The Explorer and the Mountaineer were updated for 2006 on a new frame, produced by Magna International rather than Tower Automotive . It was upsized, because the Ford Freestyle (now called Ford Taurus X ), slotted between it and the Escape . Along with this new, stronger base were a new interior, redesigned rear suspension, and power-folding third-row seats. A tire-pressure monitoring system and Electronic stability control are standard. Power running boards (like those on the Lincoln Navigator ) that lower to allow easier to access for someone entering the vehicle and then later retract upon door closure are available. Unlike previous Explorers, there will be no right-hand drive version. The new Explorer is marketed in Japan in a left-hand drive configuration, as LHD vehicles are considered prestigious there. Ford reverted to a one piece rear door due to reports of cracks that appeared on the plastic panel below the rear window. Third-generation Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers can sometimes be seen with a single crack vertically, close to the center Ford oval badge. A 210 hp (157 kW) 4.0 L V6 is the base engine, with the 292 hp (218 kW) 24-valve V8, similar to the Mustang engine, as the top choice. A six-speed automatic transmission is available with this engine as well. The Explorer was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2006. A new Sport Trac was added to the Explorer line in early 2006 for the 2007 model year . Unlike its predecessor sold through 2005, it will feature the V8 engine as an option, and will be based on the new, larger Explorer platform. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control will be standard in the Sport Trac. A special 2007 SVT model called the Sport Trac Adrenalin was to use a supercharged version of the 4.6 L Modular V8 , with 390 hp (291 kW) and featuring 21-inch (530 mm) wheels. It was to be a successor to the F-Series Lightning pickup. However, it was cancelled in a cost-cutting move, as part of The Way Forward . [ 3 ] In 2008, Ford added side curtain airbags across the range. The satellite navigation system was upgraded with voice control. [ 4 ] In 2009, the Explorer got trailer sway control standard and the navigation system got traffic flow monitoring and gas prices updated from nearby stations. [ 5 ] For the 2010 model year, Ford's MyKey became a standard on all Explorer trims. [ edit ] Explorer America concept Ford Explorer America concept Ford unveiled an Explorer America concept vehicle at the 2008 North American International Auto Show . [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ] The Explorer America concept is built on a unibody platform to reduce weight and improve driveability, migrating from the body-on-frame platform of the current Explorer. It is designed for up to six passengers while improving fuel economy by 20 to 30 percent relative to the current V6 Explorer. The powertrain packages in the concept vehicle include a two-liter four cylinder turbocharged direct injection EcoBoost gas engine with 275 horsepower (205 kW) and 280 ft·lbf (380 N·m) of torque, and a 3.5 liter V6 version EcoBoost with 340 horsepower (250 kW) and up to 340 ft·lbf (460 N·m) of torque. [ 9 ] [ edit ] Fifth generation (2011–) Fifth generation (U502) Production 2011– Assembly Chicago, Illinois Body style(s) 5-door SUV Layout Front engine , front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive Platform Ford D4 platform Engine(s) 2.0 EcoBoost I4 3.5 Duratec V6 Transmission(s) 6-speed automatic Wheelbase 112.6 in (2,860 mm) [ 10 ] Length 197.1 in (5,010 mm) Width 78.9 in (2,000 mm) Height 70.4 in (1,790 mm) Related Ford Taurus Ford Flex Lincoln MKS Lincoln MKT Final production versions of the next (fifth) generation 2011 Explorer will not resemble the Explorer America concept. It will however take cues from the concept vehicle’s construction and will include a monocoque (unibody) structure based on the D4 platform , a modified version of the D3 platform. [ 11 ] [ 12 ] The new Explorer will feature blacked-out A, B, and D-pillars to produce a floating roof effect similar to Land Rover’s floating roof design used on its sport utility vehicles. Ford already uses this floating roof design on the Ford Flex . The Explorer's C-pillar will however, remain body colored. It will also get sculpted body work with stepped style headlamps similar to the Flex , Edge , Escape , Expedition and F-150 . In addition, Explorer will also receive new stepped style tail lamps. Explorer’s grille will receive the corporate three-bar design with upper and lower perforated mesh work, similar to that of the sixth-generation Taurus . Explorer’s chief design engineer is Jim Holland, who was also a chief design engineer for Land Rover . Holland is responsible for the design of the current generation Land Rover Range Rover (L322). Furthermore, Holland also worked on the outgoing Ford Expedition (U324) during its initial development. [ 13 ] The fifth generation 2011 Explorer which was developed under the U502 program code name, [ 14 ] made its debut online on July 26, 2010; Ford had set up a Ford Explorer Facebook page ahead of its debut. [ 15 ] Assembly of the fifth-generation Explorer will move to Ford's Chicago Assembly plant, where it will be built alongside the Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS. The Louisville plant, where the previous generation was built, will be converted to produce cars based on Ford's global C platform (potentially including the Ford Focus , Ford C-Max , and Ford Kuga ). [ 16 ] Like the Escape, the Explorer will continue to be marketed as an "SUV" rather than a "crossover SUV". It is planned to go on sale early in 2011; pre-launch sales had by the end of November 2010 totaled around 15,000. [ 17 ] [ edit ] Features Available features will include: intelligent access with push button start, remote engine start, power liftgate, power adjustable pedals with memory, premium leather trimmed seating, heated and cooled front seats, dual headrest DVD entertainment system, adaptive cruise control , active park assist, SIRIUS Travel Link , MyFord Touch , Ford SYNC by Microsoft , Sony audio system with HD radio and Apple iTunes tagging, in-dash advanced navigation system , SoundScreen laminated acoustic and solar tinted windshield with rain-sensing wipers, 20-inch polished V-spoke aluminium wheels, high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and LED tail lamps. [ edit ] Capability When the Explorer goes on sale, it be available in either front-wheel-drive or full-time four-wheel-drive . Available power plants will initially consist of only one engine, a standard 3.5 Liter TiVCT twin independent variable camshaft timing V6 (290 hp, 255 lb-ft of torque) mated to a 6-speed 6F automatic with a 6-speed 6F SelectShift automatic as a option. A second optional engine will become available early in 2011. That engine will be a 2.0 Liter EcoBoost turbocharged , direct injected I-4 (237 hp, 250 lb-ft of torque) mated to a 6-speed 6F automatic. The latter I-4 engine will not be available with the optional 6-speed 6F SelectShift automatic and will only be available in front-wheel-drive form. [ 18 ] [ 19 ] Full-time four-wheel-drive models will receive shift-on-the-move Intelligent 4-wheel-drive with Terrain Management System , Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Ascent Assist (HAA) along with "4WD" badgeing on the rear liftgate . [ 20 ] [ 21 ] Approach, departure and ramp brakeover angles are 21°, 21° and 16° respectively. Minimum running ground clearance is 7.6 inches. [ 10 ] Terrain Management will include four selectable modes. Each mode can be selected by a rotary control dial on the center console aft of the transmission gear shifter. Depending on the mode selected, the system will control and adjust the engine , transmission , throttle response, traction control system , torque distribution, ABS brakes , ESC, RSC and various other vehicle systems to adapt the SUV for optimal performance on the corresponding terrain . Terrain Management System [ 22 ] Default start selection: Normal Driving mode Subsequent modes are selected by turning the control dial clockwise . Second selection: Mud & Ruts mode Third selection: Sand mode Fourth selection: Grass / Gravel / Snow mode Unlike the Explorer America concept vehicle which only seats five occupants, the production Explorer will have two rows of seating with available PowerFold fold flat third row seating (like the previous generation) and will be able to accommodate up to seven occupants. [ 23 ] Moving to a monocoque body will have a negative impact on towing capacity. The new Explorer will be available with an optional trailer tow package. The package includes a Class III trailer hitch , engine oil cooler, trailer electrics connector, trailer sway control (TSC), wiring harness and a rear view camera with trailer alignment assistance to help in backing up to a trailer. If equipped with the trailer tow package the new 2011 Explorer will be able to tow up to 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) of braked trailer. That’s 1,500 lbs (680 kg) greater than the towing capacity stated for the Explorer America concept and 2,115 lbs (959 kg) less than the outgoing Explorer’s towing capacity, although that was only available with the 4.6L V8 engine. [ 24 ] [ 25 ] [ edit ] Safety and security Safety features include: Dual front adaptive SRS air bags, dual front seat side impact air bags, dual rear safety belt air bags (available first quarter, 2011) and side curtain head, torso and rollover protection air bags. Other safety features include BLIS blind spot information system with cross traffic alert, collision warning with brake support precrash system , Roll Stability Control (RSC), Electronic stability control (ESC) and Curve Control. The fifth-generation Explorer will be the first-ever vehicle to be equipped with inflatable dual rear safety belt air bags. Air bags are sewn into the inside of the seat belts, and inflate with cold air to prevent burns. Ford claims it will be released as an option and to introduce inflatable seat belts on other Ford models eventually. [ 26 ] [ edit ] Explorer Sport variation The Ford Explorer Sport was a 2-door version of the Ford Explorer, designed to take the place of the Bronco II in Ford's model line, and was produced from 1991 to 2003. The Sport began as a trim level of the Ford Explorer, but it eventually became its own model. It rode on a 10" shorter wheelbase. There was only one Sport, but there were several other trim levels of the Explorer that were available with 2-doors (edmunds trim levels) , such as the XL (1991–1997), the Eddie Bauer (1991–1994), and the Expedition (1995). In 1998 the Explorer Sport became the only 2-door trim level of the Explorer, and in 2001 it became its own model, as the second generation Explorer moved on to a 4-door-only 3rd generation. 1st-gen Explorer 2-door 1998–2000 Explorer Sport 2001–2003 Explorer Sport [ edit ] Special Service Vehicle A NYPD Ford Explorer Special Service Vehicle. To compete with other police SUVs that are sold by other automobile companies, Ford has made a special version of the Explorer that's only available to law enforcement agencies , fire departments , and EMS agencies . Ford calls it the Explorer Special Service Vehicle (SSV). The only differences between the standard Explorer and the Special Service Vehicle Explorer are provisions for emergency services related equipment such as radios , lightbars and sirens . There are also options designated fleet only such as custom 2 tone paint arrangements that are available to the Explorer Special Service Vehicle. [ edit ] Export sales [ edit ] UK models In the UK , the Ford Explorer was initially available as just one model, with the 4.0 litre engine and with a high specification - the only dealer options being leather interior. In 1998, a facelifted Explorer was available with minor cosmetic interior changes and a revised rear tail lift which centered the rear number plate. In 1999 the model range was revamped slightly, the base model becoming the XLT and a special edition North Face version marketed with a tie in to North Face outdoor clothing. The North Face version was available in a dark green or a silver, with body coloured bumpers, heated leather seats and a CD multichanger as standard. In 2000, the North Face was also available in black. With the introduction of the all-new platform in 2002, Ford withdrew the Explorer from the UK market. [ edit ] Current exports As of 2009, the Explorer is exported to Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Israel, The Philippines, Russia, Iceland, the Middle East, and certain countries in South America and Africa. [ edit ] Controversies [ edit ] Rollover and Firestone Tire controversy Main article: Firestone vs Ford Motor Company controversy Rollover risk is inherently higher than cars in many truck-based vehicles if they are driven unsafely, as modification for bulky 4 wheel drive hardware requires increases in height to avoid compromising ground clearance (raising the center of gravity), while a short wheelbase further reduces stability. The previous Bronco II had already been cited by Consumer Reports for rollover tendencies in turns; as with the Explorer, however, it was cleared by the NHTSA as being no more dangerous than any other truck when driven unsafely. With a longer passenger compartment, the Explorer added 600 pounds, but Ford did not deem it necessary to revise the suspension or tires to carry the bigger load. It used the same tires as the Ford Ranger with a relatively low rating for high temperatures. Lowering tire pressure recommendations softened the ride further and improved emergency stability through increased traction, but increased the chances of overheating tires. A 1995 redesign with a new suspension slightly raised the Explorer's center of gravity, but it was called inconsequential by a Ford spokesman. Memos by Ford engineers suggested lowering the engine height, but it would have increased the cost of the new design. In May 2000, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) contacted Ford and Firestone about a higher than normal incidence of tire failures on Ford Explorers, Mercury Mountaineers , and Mazda Navajos fitted with Firestone tires (later including Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series pickup trucks). The failures all involved tread separation , in which the outer tread carcass would delaminate and cause a rapid loss of tire pressure. Ford investigated and found that several models of 15 in (381 mm) Firestone tires ( ATX , ATX II , and Wilderness AT ) had higher failure rates, especially those made at Firestone's Decatur, Illinois plant. Ford argued that Firestone was at fault, noting that its SUVs and pickups equipped with Goodyear tires experienced no rollover issues, even when inflated at low air pressure. By now, most Explorer, Mountaineer, Ranger, B-Series, and Navajo tires have been replaced, and the rollover reports have subsided, further lending credit to Ford's position that the design of its vehicles was not at fault, although the Explorer's manufacturer recommended tire inflation of only 26 pounds per square inch (179 kPa) likely contributed to the tread separation problem by causing the tires to operate at higher than normal temperatures. Part of the rollover issue was poor driver reaction to the tire blowout. [ 27 ] When a tire blew, the vehicle would experience a sudden sharp jerk, and many drivers reacted by counter-steering in an attempt to regain control. This action would cause a shift of the vehicle's weight, resulting in a rollover especially at higher speeds (many reports of rollovers were of vehicles being driven at speeds of 70 mph (110 km/h) and above). In a test simulating dozens of tire blowouts, Larry Webster, a test-driver for Car & Driver magazine, was repeatedly able to bring a 1994 Explorer to a stop without a single rollover, even at speeds of 70 mph (110 km/h). [ 27 ] [ 28 ] According to Forbes magazine, car experts and NHTSA claim that the vast majority of crash accidents and deaths are caused not by the vehicle, but by the driver, by road conditions or some combination of the two. [ 29 ] In response to Firestone's allegations of the Explorer's design defects, NHTSA undertook a preliminary investigation and reported that further action was not required. Its conclusion was that the Explorer was no more prone to rollover than other SUVs given their high center of gravity . [ 30 ] The subsequent introduction and proliferation of electronic stability control systems have essentially addressed and mitigated this shortcoming. [ edit ] U-Haul trailers On December 22, 2003, U-Haul , the largest North American equipment rental company, announced that they would prohibit their outlets from renting trailers to persons planning to tow behind Ford Explorers due to liability concerns. [ 31 ] U-Haul did not alter their policies regarding the renting of trailers to persons planning to tow behind the Mercury Mountaineer or Mazda Navajo , which are mechanically identical to the Ford Explorer. [ citation needed ] Currently, U-Haul still does not allow Ford Explorers to tow their trailers. [ 32 ] [ edit ] Yearly American sales Calendar Year Total American sales 1999 [ 33 ] 428,772 2000 445,157 2001 2002 [ 34 ] 433,847 2003 373,118 2004 [ 35 ] 339,333 2005 239,788 2006 [ 36 ] 179,229 2007 137,817 2008 [ 37 ] 78,439 2009 [ 38 ] 52,190 [ edit ] See also Ford Explorer Sport Trac Mercury Mountaineer Lincoln Aviator Saleen XP6 Saleen XP8 [ edit ] References ^ "Ford Explorer, Other SUVs Lead 'Clunkers'" . WSB TV . August 5, 2009 . http://www.wsbtv.com/automotive/20289907/detail.html . Retrieved 2009-10-15 .   ^ Bradsher, Keith (April 26, 2001). "Explorer Model Raises Doubts About Safety" . New York Times . http://www.nytimes.com/2001/04/26/business/explorer-model-raises-doubts-about-safety.html?p=&pagewanted=all .   ^ "Death Row: Ford Pulls Plug on GT Supercar, Lincoln LS and Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin" . Edmunds Inside Line . February 6, 2006 . http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109191 . Retrieved 2009-10-15 .   ^ "2008 Ford Explorer Review" . Edmunds.com . http://www.edmunds.com/ford/explorer/2008/review.html . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ "2009 Ford Explorer Review and Specs" . Edmunds.com . http://www.edmunds.com/ford/explorer/2009/review.html . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ ""Tags: 2010 Explorer" - 6 January 2008" . Autospies.com. 2008-01-05 . http://www.autospies.com/news/photo.aspx?photoId=29326&galleryId=1285 . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ Neff, John (2008-10-23). ""Spy Shots: Next Gen Unibody Ford Explorer Mules Caught" from Autoblog (October 23, 2008)" . Autoblog . http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/23/spy-shots-next-gen-unibody-ford-explorer-mules-caught/ . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ "Ford to reveal new fuel-saving concept in Detroit" . Media.Ford.com . January 6, 2008 . http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=27456 .   ^ "Ford to equip half a million vehicles with EcoBoost engine technology for up to 20% better fuel economy" . Media.Ford.com . January 6, 2008 . http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=27455 .   ^ a b "2011 Ford Explorer | View Exterior Specifications" . FordVehicles.com . http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/specifications/exterior/ . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ Quiroga, Tony (May 2009). "2011 Ford Explorer - Car News" . Car & Driver . http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/future_cars_2010_and_beyond/2011_ford_explorer_car_news .   ^ Shunk, Chris (March 31, 2009). "2011 Ford Explorer reportedly to be built in Chicago on Taurus X platform" . Autoblog . http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/2011-ford-explorer-reportedly-to-be-built-in-chicago-on-taurus-x/ .   ^ "Jim Holland: Bringing Luxury Levels Of Content, Craftsmanship To Reinvigorated Ford Explorer | Ford Motor Company Newsroom" . Media.ford.com . http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32661 . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ "Followup: Ford says Explorer replacement still on track - World Auto News & Reviews" . Allworldcars.com. 2009-06-28 . http://allworldcars.com/wordpress/?p=13353 . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ "Ford to Unveil 2011 Explorer on Facebook" from Yahoo.com (July 21, 2010). ^ Ford Motor Company (2010-01-26). "FORD TO BRING NEXT-GENERATION FORD EXPLORER, 1,200 JOBS TO CHICAGO MANUFACTURING FACILITIES" . Press release . http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=31941 .   ^ "Report: Ford Explorer orders nearly double expectations" . Autoblog. 28 November 2010 . http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/28/report-ford-explorer-orders-nearly-double-expectations/ . Retrieved 28 November 2010 .   ^ "Ford - Cars, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Ford Vehicles | The Official Site of Ford Vehicles" . FordVehicles.com . http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/features/#page=Feature10 . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ "2011 Ford Explorer | View Full Engine Specifications" . FordVehicles.com . http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/specifications/engine/ . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ Abuelsamid, Sam (2010-07-26). "2011 Ford Explorer puts four-cylinder EcoBoost engine above V6 in pecking order — Autoblog" . Autoblog.com . http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/26/2011-ford-explorer-puts-four-cylinder-ecoboost-engine-above-v6/ . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ "Ford - Cars, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Ford Vehicles | The Official Site of Ford Vehicles" . FordVehicles.com . http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/features/ . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ "Ford - Cars, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Ford Vehicles | The Official Site of Ford Vehicles" . FordVehicles.com . http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/features/#page=Feature1 . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ "Ford - Cars, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Ford Vehicles | The Official Site of Ford Vehicles" . FordVehicles.com . http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/features/#page=Feature2 . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ "Ford - Cars, SUVs, Trucks & Crossovers | Ford Vehicles | The Official Site of Ford Vehicles" . FordVehicles.com . http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/2011/features/#page=Feature11 . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ "2010 Ford Explorer | View Towing Specifications" . FordVehicles.com . http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explorer/specifications/towing/ . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ "2011 Ford Explorer Will Offer Inflatable Seatbelts to Rear Seat Passengers – Automotive News & Car Rumors at Automobile Magazine" . Rumors.automobilemag.com. 2009-11-05 . http://rumors.automobilemag.com/6574402/news/2011-ford-explorer-will-offer-inflatable-seatbelts-to-rear-seat-passengers/index.html . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ a b "Bad Drivers, Good Credibility - car makers face uphill struggle against public perception", Ward's Auto World , April 2001 ^ Doron Levin column, Detroit Free Press , October 27, 2000 ^ Dan Ackman, "Ford, Firestone Face Off", Forbes , June 19, 2001 ^ NHTSA Denies Firestone Request For Ford Explorer Investigation [ dead link ] ^ Mayne, Eric (January 14, 2004). "U-Haul rejects Explorers" . USA Today . http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2004-01-08-uhaul-ford_x.htm . Retrieved May 2, 2010 .   ^ "Frequently asked questions: Truck rentals" . U-Haul . http://www.uhaul.com/trucks/faq.aspx#equipment . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ "Ford Motor Company Sets New Full Year U.S. Sales Record" . Theautochannel.com . http://www.theautochannel.com/news/press/date/20010103/press033466.html . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ "Ford's F-Series Truck Caps 22nd Year in a Row as America's Best-Selling Vehicle With a December Sales Record" . Theautochannel.com. 2010-09-13 . http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2004/01/05/175829.html . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ "Ford Achieves First Car Sales Increase Since 1999" . Theautochannel.com. 2010-09-13 . http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/01/04/204860.html . Retrieved 2010-10-07 .   ^ http://media.ford.com/article_download.cfm?article_id=27379 ^ http://media.ford.com/images/10031/dec08sales.pdf ^ http://media.ford.com/images/10031/December09sales.pdf [ edit ] External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Ford Explorer Ford Explorer official websites: U.S.A. (2010 Model) | (2011 Model) | Canada Ford Explorer America Concept SUV at Ford Auto Shows Ford Explorer America Concept SUV On Ford and the Environment SMPR History of the 1st Ford Explorer Serious Explorations - Ford Explorer Enthusiast Website v   •   d   •   e Recent, current, and future vehicles, United States market from Ford Motor Company Passenger cars Crown Victoria  · Fiesta  · Focus  · Fusion  · Mustang  · Taurus Crossover vehicles Edge  · Flex Sport Utility Vehicles Expedition  · Explorer  · Escape Trucks E-Series  · Explorer Sport Trac  · F-Series  · Ranger  · Super Duty  · Transit Connect Recently discontinued models (2000s) Contour  · Escort  · Excursion  · Five Hundred  · Freestar  · Freestyle  · GT  · Ranger EV  · Taurus X  · Thunderbird  · Windstar  · ZX2 v   •   d   •   e « previous - Ford Motor Company light truck timeline, United States and Canada , 1980s–present Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 Mid-size crossover Edge Full-size crossover Freestyle Taurus X Flex Compact SUV Bronco II Bronco II Escape Escape Mid-size SUV Explorer Explorer Explorer Explorer Explorer Full-size SUV Bronco Bronco Bronco Expedition Expedition Expedition Excursion Expedition EL/Max Compact pickup Courier Ranger Ranger Ranger Ranger Mid-size pickup Explorer Sport Trac Explorer Sport Trac Full-size pickup F-Series F-Series F-Series F-Series F-Series F-Series Super Duty Super Duty Minivan Aerostar Aerostar Transit Connect Windstar Windstar Freestar Van Econoline Econoline/E-Series v   •   d   •   e Ford Motor Company of Australia , automobile timeline, 1980s–present Type 1980s 1990s 2000s 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 City Ka Subcompact Festiva Festiva Fiesta Fiesta Compact Escort Laser Laser Laser Laser Laser Focus Focus Meteor Mid-size Cortina Telstar Telstar Taurus Corsair Mondeo Mondeo Full-size Falcon / Fairmont Falcon / Fairmont Falcon / Fairmont Falcon / G Series Fairlane / LTD Fairlane / LTD Fairlane / LTD Sports Capri Probe Cougar Mustang Utility Courier Courier Ranger Falcon Ute Falcon Ute Falcon Ute Van Falcon Van Spectron Econovan Econovan Econovan Transit Transit Transit Compact SUV Escape Mid-size SUV Raider Territory Bronco Maverick Explorer Explorer || Search Consumer Guide Auto and the web Home New Cars Used Cars Buying Guides Resources Articles & Advice Local Listings Dealer Quotes Finance & Insurance Trade-In Calculator Compare Cars Search Local Listings Sell Your Car Vehicle History Report Trade-In Calculator Certified Pre-Owned Home > Used Cars > Ford > 1991-2005 Ford Explorer/Sport Trac/Sport 1991-2005 Ford Explorer/Sport Trac/Sport: Overview Updated: 11/13/10 2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac View the Photo Gallery 1991-2005 Ford Explorer/Sport Trac/Sport ▼ Price Range: $600 - $11,300 CARFAX Vehicle History All Ford Explorer/Sport Trac/Sport Reviews CG Rating 51 out of 100 About our Road Test Search Local Listings Price Range: to Radius: Reviews & Ratings Overview ► Year to Year Changes Road Test Reliability Pricing Prices Explore Photos Specifications & Safety Technical Specifications Safety Recall History Related to Ford Explorer View Local Listings All Used Trucks All Used SUVs Related Reviews 2009 Ford Explorer 2009 Ford Explorer Sport Trac See All View Another Vehicle overview Year to Year Changes road test reliability ► Print Share Full Review Pros Acceleration (V8) Antilock brakes (optional later models) 4WD traction Passenger and cargo room Visibility Cons Engine noise (ohv V6) Fuel economy Wind noise Vehicle Highlights New from the ground up, the Explorer replaced the Bronco II as Ford's compact sport-utility vehicle. Both 2- and 4-door body styles went on sale. The 2-door used a 102.1-inch wheelbase, and the 4-door a 111.9-inch wheelbase. The sole engine in early years was a 4.0-liter V6. Both body styles came with either on-demand 4-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive. Antilock brakes operate only in rear-wheel drive. Power steering was standard. Until 1994, Mazda sold a nearly identical 2-door sport-utility called Navajo. Advertisement Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report) Category Ford Explorer Sprt Trac 4WD Rating Performance 5 Fuel Economy 4 Ride Quality 4 Steering/Handling/Braking 4 Quietness 3 Controls/Materials 7 Interior Room 6 Room/Comfort (rear) 6 Cargo Capacity 6 Value within Class 6 Total Score: 51 Year-to-Year Changes ► 1991-2005 Ford Explorer/Sport Trac/Sport Buying Resources Car Buying Resources Trade-in Calculator Research how much your car is truly worth. Trade-in Calculator Used Cars Search online classifieds and find a local dealer. 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Contact Us Submit News Contact Us Write for Us Spark of Genius Series Mashable | The Social Media Guide Business Mashable Awards Voting ends Dec 15, 2010 Home Social Media Business Entertainment Tech Web Video Dev & Design Apple Mobile Social Good Startups Jobs Business News Advertising & Marketing Small Business Advice Career Development Money & Finance Business Apps Now Trending : WordPress Rolls Out New HTML5-Friendly Theme July 26, 2010 Jennifer Van Grove View Comments Inside the 2011 Ford Explorer Facebook Reveal email share email share Do you like this story? In just a few minutes the 2011 Ford Explorer will be unveiled to the world. The reveal is coming six months prior to the car appearing on lots nationwide, and taking a much different form than any of the car reveals that came before it. That’s because, for the first time ever, Ford is bucking with tradition and turning to the web — with Facebook as the platform — to exhibit its latest vehicle. Ford has been using the Ford Explorer Facebook Page to drum up excitement in anticipation of the all-day event. The automaker has already far surpassed its goal of 30,000 fans prior to the reveal, which means the the company will be giving away an Explorer to one random fan. Now, all that remains is a web-wide media blitz, the likes of which is designed to make a big enough splash to reach more than 50 million people. We spoke with Scott Kelly and Scott Monty, the digital marketing minds behind the campaign, for the full story. An Auto Show Like No Other According to Kelly and Monty, the 2011 Ford Explorer has been 100% reinvented. As such, the team felt the reveal process needed to be completely redesigned to match the car’s enhanced form and style. The automaker took the lessons it learned around the Ford Fiesta movement and decided to make the launch an online play with Facebook as the primary platform. They also decided to make interactive online media buys to drive people to the Ford Explorer Page in order to supplement the social media side of the campaign. Ford’s Facebook-heavy scheme marks the first time a major car company will forgo an auto show for a new car reveal. Instead, Ford will bring the auto show to Facebook, where everyone can simultaneously experience the unveiling. In fact, Ford has a series of videos and events planned throughout the day to not only replicate the auto show experience, but will also introduce consumers to executives and allow for conversations around the new vehicle to occur. At 12:01 a.m. ET Ford put up the “Reveal” tab on its Facebook Page with a pre-reveal video featuring celebrity spokesperson Mike Row and CEO Alan Mulally. At 7:40 a.m. ET, Ford will release a video that finally displays the 2011 Explorer in auto-show-style on Facebook. The rest of day will include a detailed tour of the new car, a gallery of photos, more Mike Rowe, a live wall Q&A with Mulally and Facebook chats with featured Ford employees. The Paid and Earned Media Blitz While Facebook will serve as the core of the web campaign, the digital marketing team has made a number of strategic ad buys to drive people to the Facebook Page and get them engaged in the day’s activities. “We will reach more than 50 million people on Monday on sites like AOL, Yahoo, Washington Post, Facebook and hundreds of other websites,” Kelly said. The advertisements in question are anything but ordinary. Ford has used Facebook’s Open Graph to implement “Like” buttons into the ads themselves. This means that should Ford succeed in garnering “likes” from ad viewers, the company will essentially gain a Facebook Fan for life. Ad viewers can also click to learn more about the new car on Facebook or FordVehicles.com , where Facebook has been heavily integrated into the site design. If Ford can reach Facebook users and web denizens with its creative, the company hopes to keep them engaged with the day’s activities as described above. It’s a one-two punch of paid and earned media that the company believes will help make the 2011 Facebook Explorer a part of online and offline conversations. “We want to be blanketed with coverage of the new Ford Explorer. We don’t want anyone to miss the reveal,” said Kelly when describing Ford’s ultimate goal around the campaign. Success Through Social Media? Both Kelly and Monty seem very confident in the company’s alternative auto show strategy. The two point to Ford’s continued social media savvy, even suggesting that Ford’s second-quarter net income of $2.6 billion is proof that the company is on the right track. In some ways, Ford’s Facebook strategy is risky. For one, it’s never been done before. There’s also potential for this to be a big flop, especially given that we’re still six months out from when consumers can actually purchase the hyped-up vehicle. To that end, Kelly and Monty hope for the six-month lead time to spawn online conversations that will propel interest in the new vehicle and translate in to sales. For more Business coverage: Follow Mashable Business Subscribe to the Business channel Become a Fan on Facebook Download our free apps for Android , iPhone and iPad Print Story More About: 2011 ford explorer , facebook , ford , MARKETING , trending More Stories in Business Brightkite Permanently Checks Out of Checkins View Comments P&G Shifts Marketing Strategy From Soap Operas to Social Media View Comments 10 Ways Business Leaders Can Turn Ideas Into Execution View Comments How Social Media is Changing the Business of Television View Comments Related Stories P&G Shifts Marketing Strategy From Soap Operas to Social Media View Comments For Restaurants, Social Media Is About More Than Just Marketing View Comments Sr. Software Engineer at BlueCava (Irvine, California) Jobs Join Web Based Platform Engineering Team in Sunny Southern California! .Net Engineer with design abilityBlueCava is a fast growing, industry-leading, web based technology company. Headquartered i... View more jobs » http://www.bueropirat.de/?p=35 Ford stellt neuen Explorer zuerst auf Facebook vor | Der Büropirat! [...] via mashable [...] http://timengledesign.wordpress.com/2010/07/26/inside-the-2011-ford-explorer-facebook-reveal/ Inside the 2011 Ford Explorer Facebook Reveal « SMELL WHAT I AM THINKING [...] Inside the 2011 Ford Explorer Facebook Reveal http://mashable.com/2010/07/26/ford-explorer-facebook-reveal/ [...] http://thenewslist.com/2010/07/26/2011-ford-explorer-revealed-can-this-new-model-save-the-suv-photos/ 2011 Ford Explorer REVEALED: Can This New Model Save The SUV? (PHOTOS) | The News List [...] reports that Ford is relying on a large Facebook campaign to push the new model, which is expected to cost about [...] http://www.plannercollective.com/twitter/kirkhullis-httpmashab-2/ kirkhullis: http://mashab… | Planner Collective Tweet Farm [...] http://mashable.com/2010/07/26/ford-explorer-facebook-reveal/ Ford using Facebook to unveil new car design. Lots of [...] http://ninaramos.com/2010/07/26/fords-newest-facebook-expedition-part-1/ Ford’s Newest Facebook Expedition…Part 1 « NinaRamos.com [...] Read Full Story via Mashable.com [...] http://www.buzera.info/2011-ford-explorer-revealed-can-this-new-model-save-the-suv-photos/ 2011 Ford Explorer REVEALED: Can This New Model Save The SUV? (PHOTOS) | Buzera [...] reports that Ford is relying on a large Facebook campaign to push the new model, which is expected to cost about [...] http://emanwo.wordpress.com/2010/07/26/hello-world/ Hello (New) World (Order)! « EMA NWO [...] http://mashable.com/2010/07/26/ford-explorer-facebook-reveal/ [...] http://nextjencommunications.com/mad-props-for-the-ford-explorer-facebook-reveal/ Mad props for the Ford Explorer Facebook Reveal | nextjencommunications.com [...] of saying that, Ford showed it by putting Facebook first in this launch. (Mashable’s got a great interview with Ford’s Scott Monty and Scott Kelly about the [...] http://wearesocial.net/blog/2010/07/socials-monday-mashup-34/ We Are Social’s Monday Mashup #34 / we are social [...] of the new car and its features. The campaign isn’t just in social media, but it’s integrated across other platforms, with conventional banner advertising directing users to the social hub; the ads have Facebook like [...] zafarali is this article sponsored by ford? I really like their CNN ad. and their decision to announce it through facebook is innovative :) http://www.psfk.com/2010/07/ford-forgoes-auto-show-unveils-new-ford-explorer-on-facebook.html Ford Forgoes Auto Show, Unveils New Ford Explorer On Facebook – PSFK [...] [via Mashable] [...] http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=41202048 David Amirault Integrating FB Like into the ad was a wise idea. http://www.thelostagency.com/ David Iwanow I like the idea but they also have to be careful how much they are building traffic to Facebook.com , its smarter to integrate Facebook into a purpose built site without having to encourage users to click away from Facebook to visit http://www.fordvehicles.com/ to learn more about their cars. http://twitter.com/jpierceisme Jeremy Pierce I think the innovation of Ford and there willingness to look outside the box is amazing. I would like to see how the success plays out in numbers. The Fiesta launch was a success but look at the value of the car to the audience it is attracting. The base model of this car is a reasonable price, which will attract the audience that is on Facebook. However the models there showing us are going to be of the higher end, which will be at a price point that the average Facebook user may not be able to reach. The hope would be that those that are following will talk about it to there friends, family and those that will be able to reach it. BTW I want one, it was an amazing launch and might get me to stop looking at the Lincoln MKZ which now that it is a Hybrid will be tuff to compare the two. Decisions Decisions. http://twitter.com/thegaf Bryan Gaffin Wait, is it still a shitty Ford product? Oh, then who cares where its launched. http://twitter.com/kyleplacy Kyle Lacy This is the first of others like it to come. It's a great move for Ford. It'll raise awareness, excitement and hopefully sales. Plus people are talking about it. It's perfect. http://twitter.com/sureine surein edwards good place to launch, though i would have thought the extra publicity will cause landrover to notice they ripped off their design a lot faster http://twitter.com/abonde Allen Bonde I think Ford's done a real nice job here – great content, plus they created a 'seed' community via Facebook. But this is NOT the first time an automaker did an online car launch. I remember studying what Volvo did with their first S60 launch in 2000 when I was at McKinsey (see http://www.clickz.com/471601 ). It was pre-social media for sure, but certainly paved the way for Ford and others. Interestingly, Ford owned Volvo at the time! Allen CMO, Offerpop http://twitter.com/abonde http://twitter.com/marketmpb Matt Blum I have to respect Ford as the only car company that did not take money from the government, I commend them for that and they seem to be doing well… for a marketing blog with a girl or two, please see http://marketmpb.blogspot.com matt kenrchoat Doesn't it seem like Ford was strongly influenced by Apple on product rollout and even design details? http://www.seospidy.com SEO India very interesting Post http://www.matuk.com/2010/07/26/ford-explorer-2011-estrenon-en-facebook/ Matuk.com » Ford Explorer 2011: estrenón en Facebook [...] Mashable AKPC_IDS += "17025,"; Otras entradas de interés¡Es oficial! 500 millones de amigosMotorola [...] http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/UV5BZTYAHKUKPEPZJGJVGU4QFM David In one day Ford will be can create good SUV for all. latest issue about Ford Explorers http://magazine.joomag.com/Ford_Explorer/4444 http://pulse.yahoo.com/_PPSEJSHPCPEEIZXNS64AWYHAWA Jan Good Job in replicating their PR stunt and not mentioning this car is a gas-slurping climate nightmare mashable! sumdumgoi Yeah I'm confused what they are supposed to be unveiling like its a big deal – its just another year of the explorer. not like its a new line. sumdumgoi Mashable is not an eco-blog. Its about social networking and technology. http://pulse.yahoo.com/_RWQOBT7RPISDHOIGKEX5NR4YAQ Dinar Iraqi This is the primary of others approximating it to approach. It's a huge move for Ford. It'll raise consciousness, enthusiasm and expectantly sales. good thing people are discussion about it. It's wonderful. http://pulse.yahoo.com/_RWQOBT7RPISDHOIGKEX5NR4YAQ Dinar Iraqi This is the primary of others approximating it to approach. It's a huge move for Ford. It'll raise consciousness, enthusiasm and expectantly sales. good thing people are discussion about it. It's wonderful. http://www.usedconecrusher.com crusher machine BTW I want one, it was an amazing launch and might get me to stop looking at the Lincoln MKZ which now that it is a Hybrid will be tuff to compare the two. Decisions Decisions. http://scottmonty.com scottmonty We used to own Land Rover, so it's no coincidence that there's some similarities there. :-) Scott Monty Global Digital Communications Ford Motor Company http://scottmonty.com scottmonty Jan, this is going to be best in class in fuel economy – more than 30% better than the old Explorer. We don't have specific EPA certification yet, but it'll likely be in the mid to high 20s for mpgs. For a large vehicle like the Explorer, that's no mean feat. We're producing a full line of vehicles that our customers demand: small, medium and large cars, utilities, and trucks. Best in class quality in every single one, and best in class fuel economy in every new vehicle we launch – with choices for consumers from electrics to hybrids to the EcoBoost internal combustion engine. http://auttr.com/blog/ford-launches-2011-explorer-through-social-media/ Auttr [...] Inside the 2011 Ford Explorer Facebook Reveal By Jennifer Van Grove [...] http://scottmeis.com/2010/07/27/ford-facebook-reveal-day-smart-digital-launch/ Ford Facebook Reveal Day = Smart Digital Launch « Social Media Snippets [...] Mashable announced Ford’s plan to unveil the new Ford Explorer via a dedicated Facebook [...] http://marketisingexpress.wordpress.com/2010/07/28/what-ford-just-revealed-a-new-vehicle-on-facebook-when/ What? Ford just revealed a new vehicle on Facebook? When? « Marketising Express [...] received SOME coverage of the event… from the usual know-it-all’s like Mashable and New York Times. Nothing earth [...] http://www.wordwritepr.com/blogstorytelling/?p=400 WordWrite Storytelling Blog » Social Media Tool of the Month: Using Social Currency in the Online B2B Space [...] somewhat easy to track the social currency impact on a huge consumer brand like Old Spice or the recent unveiling of the 2011 Ford Explorer. But what about small, niche business-to-business companies that sell a specific product or service [...] http://blog.networkedinsights.com/index.php/2010/07/overheard-during-the-week-ending-7302010/ Networked Insights » Overheard during the week ending 7/30/2010 [...] The Explorer’s new clothes. Ford Motor Company uses Facebook to reveal the newest edition of one of its most iconic models. The Ford Explorer is reinvented. [...] http://theahhabox.wordpress.com/2010/07/26/inside-the-2011-ford-explorer-facebook-reveal/ Inside the 2011 Ford Explorer Facebook Reveal | The Ahha Box [...] http://mashable.com/2010/07/26/ford-explorer-facebook-reveal/ Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)New Ford Explorer to make debut on FacebookNo Title2011 Ford Explorer Will Debut on Facebook2011 Ford Explorer unveiled live from coast to coast [...] CheapCars Nice Post, Ford is one of the most reputed brand all over the world. This ford car looks very luxurious and comfortable. This car will surely rock the market. This is one of the most awaited car. Regards, Cheap Cars http://jcraig2.wordpress.com/2010/08/02/did-ford/ Did 2011 Ford Explorer Marketing Team Make All The Right Moves? « Jcraig2′s Weblog [...] http://mashable.com/2010/07/26/ford-explorer-facebook-reveal/ [...] MrGamma Its debatable. I do have to wonder if 30,000 people is enough friends to generate excitement with people who may have a thing or two against the American Auto Industry. On the plus side, people can easily refer their friends without having to click a share link from a website. I would try out and pull out some lame excuse that somehow brand consolidation is lost, but there are like 2 other ford websites. They seem to have a whole bunch of various websites. So this is no surprise I guess. I would have thought that maybe the video with the Lamborghini with Britanny Taylor would have been a much better campaign to launch inside facebook. http://www.ford.com/ Bookmarked and I will be back to see if the numbers keep growing or if the number of fans syphon off… Interesting, thank you for pointing it out… http://www.bostoninteractiveblog.com/?p=806 Social Media ROI— Yes, It’s Real | The Interactive Pulse: Boston Interactive Blog [...] and became the first major auto maker to NOT debut a new model at an auto show. Rather, Ford debuted the new Explorer on Facebook, with a full day scheduled of video presentations. Ford now has an audience of over 56,000 on [...] http://ahhabox.com/2010/07/inside-the-2011-ford-explorer-facebook-reveal/ Inside the 2011 Ford Explorer Facebook Reveal | ahhabox [...] the 2011 Ford Explorer Facebook Reveal Posted on July 26, 2010 by tengle1080 http://mashable.com/2010/07/26/ford-explorer-facebook-reveal/ This entry was posted in The Work. Bookmark the permalink. ← Nice View from Paul Brown [...] http://urgensia.com/2010/08/ford-explorer-drives-all-over-facebook/ Ford Explorer Drives All Over Facebook | Urgensia – crowdsourced content, social video production, freelance lifestyle, media addiction [...] (via Mashable) Share. [...] http://www.facebook.com/andymilk Andy Milk Any idea who developed the Reveal Facebook tab? There's some functionality on it that I'm DYING to find out how it's done. http://www.fordinthenews.com/the-all-new-2011-ford-explorer-comes-into-focus/ The All-New 2011 Ford Explorer Comes Into Focus | Ford in the News [...] weeks of teasing through a bit of clever Facebook marketing,  the latest Ford Explorer finally made its full debut [...] http://www.delvinia.com/5-most-viewed-articles-on-the-delvinia-link-pool-july-26-august-1/ Delvinia – 5 Most Viewed Articles on the Delvinia Link Pool: July 26 – August 1 « [...] Inside the 2011 Ford Explorer Facebook Reveal | Mashable.com [...] http://www.improove.se/2010/08/09/ford-explorer-lanseras-med-facebook-som-huvudkanal/ Ford Explorer lanseras med Facebook som huvudkanal – Improove [...] Men nu gör Ford samma sak igen. Men häftigt denna gång är att det inte är en tung webbproduktion man vilar sig mot utan mot sin Facebook-sida på: http://www.facebook.com/fordexplorer . Vad jag slås av är hur enkelt och snyggt det faktiskt är gjort. Det luriga med lanseringar på webben är att det är svårare att köpa sig den uppmärksamhet som behövs för en lansering. Denna är dock väl regisserad och man har gjort mycket för att skapa sig maximal uppmärksamhet. Smart är att de dragit ut på lanseringen och låtit den pågå under en 12-timmars period. Smart för att skapa en känsla av att man inte ”missar” lanseringen. Mashable har mer bakom kulisserna här. [...] http://www.justinjsilva.com/2010/08/11/auto-industry-hot-heavy-over-social-media/ Auto Industry Hot & Heavy Over Social Media | The Social Perspective [...] Inside the 2011 Ford Explorer Facebook Reveal [...] http://timengledesign.com/archives/1532 Inside the 2011 Ford Explorer Facebook Reveal :: Tim Engle Design [...] By SWIT | Jul 26th, 2010 | Blog | http://mashable.com/2010/07/26/ford-explorer-facebook-reveal/ [...] http://www.ikedahayato.com/?p=1897 “Like”稼ぎの時代 « ソーシャルウェブが拓く未来 [...] 面白いところでは、FordがLikeボタンを埋め込んだ広告なんかも出しています（画面真ん中あたり）。やはりファンは増えたそうです。 [...] http://www.headlightblog.com/2010/09/bentley-tries-its-hand-at-digitally-revealing-its-redesigned-continental-gt/ Bentley tries Its hand at digitally revealing its redesigned Continental GT : Headlight: The Digital Automotive Blog [...] and safety. The campaign surpassed its goal of 30,000 fans even before the unveiling. (See related article on Mashable for [...] http://blog.iuvoonline.com/social-media/5-game-changing-social-media-marketing-campaigns-mashable-awards/ 5 Game-Changing Social Media Marketing Campaigns [Mashable Awards] | iuvo Shopper & Community Newspaper News [...] the industry works. American automaker Ford might have made a significant enough impact with its 2011 Ford Explorer Facebook Reveal to forever change the status quo.Earlier this year, Ford bucked with tradition and turned to [...] http://vanessahallo.com/socialmedia/2010/10/top-5-emerging-brand-trends-on-facebook/ Top 5 Emerging Brand Trends on Facebook | Vanessa Hallo(um) [...] also probably recall Ford’s ambitious 2011 Ford Explorer Reveal. The car maker decided to forgo the auto show and reveal its new car on the web, with Facebook as [...] blog comments powered by Disqus Sign up for Mashable news sent to your inbox More Subscription Options » Twitter RSS Top 6 Today 1 Mark Zuckerberg to Donate Most of His Wealth to... 2 10 Chrome Web Apps to Check Out 3 How the World Googled in 2010 4 The 10 Most Innovative Viral Video Ads of 2010 5 Evernote By the Numbers [STATS] 6 The Top iPhone & iPad Apps of the Year Top 5 Mashable Lists Twitter List Directory » 1 @mashable/mashable Followers: 8832 Members: 33 2 @mashable/social-media Followers: 7013 Members: 98 3 @mashable/marketing Followers: 4184 Members: 51 4 @mashable/tech Followers: 3115 Members: 65 5 @mashable/media Followers: 2751 Members: 92 Get Mashable updates on your mobile device! iPhone & iPod Touch Download Mashable for iPhone 152,000+ users iPad Download Mashable for iPad 104,100+ users Nexus One, Droid, Incredible Download Mashable for Android 9,400+ users show QR code The 4th annual Mashable Awards Congratulations to Category Top 5 Finalists. 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