Opinions on a new SUV

**loudog2** · 03-03-2011, 07:59 AM

I am in need of a new car. Currently I have narrowed it down to the new Ford Explorer Lmited or a new Toyota Highlander Limited, both AWD. What are your opinions on both. I love the explorer, but first year and already 5 recalls are holding me back. My mom has the Highlander and it rides very nice, plus more bang for the buck compared to the explorer. I have bad knees/back(multiple surgeries). so my Infiniti G35 I have is too small for for me now and getting my daughter in and out of the back car seat is a task.

Any highlander or 2011 Explorer owners here?

**vet** · 03-03-2011, 09:44 AM

Not an owner, but I like the new Explorer. I wasn't aware of the recalls (I must live in a cave, lol). Probably first year design bugs, if they aren't serious things, I wouldn't worry about them.

**ScubaCougr** · 03-03-2011, 11:07 AM

First year teething pains are not unusual. Ford is likely to get them sorted and Toyota has had their recalls too.

if both cars are similarly comfortable to you, I'd look strongly at the dealership. Some are pretty pleasant and easy to work with. Others make Vlad the Impaler look like a kitten.

**termigator** · 03-03-2011, 11:09 AM

I try my best to avoid first year vehicles. Besides working out bugs that slipped through the design phase, the second year always seem to have new tweaks that I find highly desirable.
e.g., when I first bought the 1992 Honda Prelude Si, I thought it was really cool. Then in 1993, they came out with the Prelude VTEC. Thirty extra horses. I was dying!

One of my neighbors have a Highlander. She absolutely hates it. The fit and finish has not been to her liking and she misses the convenience and utility of her previous vehicle, a Honda Odyssey. What's funny is that she admitted she dumped the Odyssey for the Highlander because of the "soccer mom" stigma. Now she can't wait for the lease to be over so she can go back to an Odyssey.

Have you thought about any other vehicle? The Honda Pilot, for instance? It's been out a few years now and it's always rated at or near the top of most SUV ratings.

**ryanbabz71** · 03-03-2011, 11:20 AM

My parents have an older hilander. It is ok but there are features it lacks compared to other vehicles. It has had 2 recalls but other than that has had held up well with no other issues. Just for reference they are going to be looking into the Chevy Traverse when they plan on replacing it.

**TheCougarGuy** · 03-03-2011, 11:47 AM

My brother just got his Explorer Limited as his company vehicle. I drove it the other night and it's really sweet. It's built off the Taurus platform. It's a unibody now, not a frame. The ride is fantastic and we both had plenty of room (I'm 6' 3" and my brother is 6' 6").

**ExoticAutoDetai** · 03-03-2011, 11:51 AM

I use to work for Ford and all I got to say is DON'T BUY FORD AT ALL

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**LuxuryMobile** · 03-03-2011, 12:04 PM

Jeep SRT8!?

Like someone else mentioned the Honda Pilots are very nice

**C. Charles Hahn** · 03-03-2011, 12:24 PM

Anyone crazy enough to buy a Toyota deserves what they get. Way too many safety recalls and they keep magically finding issues that have existed for years and should have been taken care of long ago.

**Scott DeBrun** · 03-03-2011, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by ExoticAutoDetai

I use to work for Ford and all I got to say is DON'T BUY FORD AT ALL

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You may want to check out Consumer Reports because they don't agree with you. I've owned several Fords and have a 2011 Fusion SEL and they have all been great vehicles. The Fusion has a 3.0L V6 that will break the tires loose with no problem and handles great. Ford has done alot in the last few years to improve quality, fit/finish and ride. I say go test drive them both and see which one you like the best.