2020 Ford Explorer
#166
Lexus Fanatic
2013 Range Rovers had it too
#168
Lexus Fanatic
Yeah its probably the XF. That was 12 years ago, so hardly new and hardly unusual. Perfect sense why it wouldn't even be mentioned in a review today.
#169
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
Agreed, though you could put almost any model in the middle of that sentence and it would probably be accurate. Mark is the best overall auto reviewer imo, and absolutely has the highest production values I've seen. He has a five-part series on the Miata that is amazing. This is a typical thorough, engaging review.
There's also a pretty great comment on the video:
Here's his (far more positive) followup review on the Aviator:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNrffrN5TIU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNrffrN5TIU
although the price is off the rails, i may test drive one before deciding on my next vehicle. Have a good ford dealer here.
#170
Lexus Fanatic
Not only that, but it is also apparent that they spent at least some of the money that normally would have gone into the interior on other things, like converting the drivetrain back to RWD/AWD instead of FWD/AWD, and some heavy-duty hardware in the underpinnings.
#171
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
The savagegeese review of the Aviator shows how the suspension is much more sophisticated in the Aviator vs. the Explorer. I'd like to drive one with the dynamic handling package (air and adaptive shocks i think)... should ride like a cloud.
#172
Lexus Fanatic
They really do ride and drive great (the Aviator)
#173
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
#174
Lexus Champion
Are the the Explorer and Aviator past the initial quality problems they had? I haven't seen anything about those issues in a while so maybe they corrected the issues.
#175
2020 Ford Explorer nabs IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating after updates
The 2020 Ford Explorer has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the agency's best rating. The redesigned Explorer initially fell short of that mark, however, only making the grade after Ford introduced a running change to the vehicle's design starting in May 2020 — a change made to the 2020 Lincoln Aviator as well.
To achieve a Top Safety Pick+ award, a vehicle must have a Good performance rating in all six of the agency's crash tests. It also must have Acceptable or better ratings for all of its available headlamps and must earn Advanced or Superior ratings for its automated collision avoidance systems in tests of their performance against pedestrians and other vehicles.
The 2020 Explorer initially achieved only an Acceptable performance in the IIHS's driver's-side small-overlap crash test, as the agency found a risk of injury to the driver's left foot due to intrusion into the footwell. Ford subsequently modified the design of the front subframe in a running change to Explorers and to Lincoln Aviators built after May 2020. The modified Explorer was re-tested, and this time the model achieved a Good performance in the driver's small-overlap test. That, combined with a Superior performance in both tests of the standard collision-avoidance system plus Acceptable ratings for both headlight systems, pushed the 2020 Explorer over the goal line to Top Safety Pick+.
The Aviator, which shares the Explorer's platform, has received the same modification and achieves the same crashworthiness ratings. However, its standard headlights are judged Marginal, and therefore the 2020 Aviator achieves only the Top Safety Pick rating (even though its optional curve-adaptive LED headlights are judged Good).
To achieve a Top Safety Pick+ award, a vehicle must have a Good performance rating in all six of the agency's crash tests. It also must have Acceptable or better ratings for all of its available headlamps and must earn Advanced or Superior ratings for its automated collision avoidance systems in tests of their performance against pedestrians and other vehicles.
The 2020 Explorer initially achieved only an Acceptable performance in the IIHS's driver's-side small-overlap crash test, as the agency found a risk of injury to the driver's left foot due to intrusion into the footwell. Ford subsequently modified the design of the front subframe in a running change to Explorers and to Lincoln Aviators built after May 2020. The modified Explorer was re-tested, and this time the model achieved a Good performance in the driver's small-overlap test. That, combined with a Superior performance in both tests of the standard collision-avoidance system plus Acceptable ratings for both headlight systems, pushed the 2020 Explorer over the goal line to Top Safety Pick+.
The Aviator, which shares the Explorer's platform, has received the same modification and achieves the same crashworthiness ratings. However, its standard headlights are judged Marginal, and therefore the 2020 Aviator achieves only the Top Safety Pick rating (even though its optional curve-adaptive LED headlights are judged Good).
#176
Lexus Fanatic
Here's a Dandy....from Consumer Reports. 2020 Explorers/Aviators recalled for separation of drive-shafts.
By Keith Barry
November 13, 2020
Ford has issued a recall for 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs to replace the driveshaft, which transfers power to the rear wheels, because it might fail in ways that could cause a crash and/or injury.
In a written statement, Ford said that the driveshaft may detach from the transfer case and rear axle. This could cause the vehicle to lose power while in motion or move in ways the driver doesn't expect. In addition, a driveshaft that detaches from the vehicle may come in contact with the fuel tank and cause a fuel leak and/or a fire.
Although 10,905 vehicles have been recalled, the automaker estimates that only 18 of them will need new driveshafts. Inspecting the vehicles to determine which ones need a repair is part of the recall.
The problem: The driveshaft may fracture along a weld seam. If this happens, the connection between the transfer case and rear axle may be lost, and the driveshaft itself may come in contact with the fuel tank.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the driveshaft and replace it if necessary, free of charge.
How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332.
NHTSA campaign number: NHTSA hasn't issued a campaign number for this recall yet. Ford’s own number for this recall is 20S65.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.
Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator Are Recalled for Possible Driveshaft Failure
It’s a serious problem that could cause loss of power or even a fuel tank fire
By Keith Barry
November 13, 2020
Ford has issued a recall for 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs to replace the driveshaft, which transfers power to the rear wheels, because it might fail in ways that could cause a crash and/or injury.
In a written statement, Ford said that the driveshaft may detach from the transfer case and rear axle. This could cause the vehicle to lose power while in motion or move in ways the driver doesn't expect. In addition, a driveshaft that detaches from the vehicle may come in contact with the fuel tank and cause a fuel leak and/or a fire.
Although 10,905 vehicles have been recalled, the automaker estimates that only 18 of them will need new driveshafts. Inspecting the vehicles to determine which ones need a repair is part of the recall.
The Details
Vehicles recalled: 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator SUVs manufactured between Aug. 24 and Sept. 30, 2019.The problem: The driveshaft may fracture along a weld seam. If this happens, the connection between the transfer case and rear axle may be lost, and the driveshaft itself may come in contact with the fuel tank.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the driveshaft and replace it if necessary, free of charge.
How to contact the manufacturer: Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332.
NHTSA campaign number: NHTSA hasn't issued a campaign number for this recall yet. Ford’s own number for this recall is 20S65.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.
#177
#178
Lexus Fanatic
Yeah, recalls happen.
#179
Lexus Fanatic
Yes I agree it may be isolated.....but this vehicle has had more than its share.
A shame, too, since, unlike the Explorer, the new Aviator is very impressive inside and out. The new Explorer shifted to a RWD layout and a torque-heavy turbo V6, which helps its towing some, but, otherwise, (IMO at least) has a lot of cheapness and poor design, particularly inside. Lincoln, in contrast, clearly seemed to give you your money's worth.
#180
Lexus Fanatic
You've clearly decided you don't like these vehicles Mike lol