Topic: Long-term test: 2012 Ford Explorer, Part two

[Autos_Editor]

Chris Chase finds that the Explorer can handle 1,000-lb loads but the cargo floor height is rather high.

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[Ex-airbalancer]

if you want talk about food banks , it should be done in the off topic section

[paul246]

Interesting article and a nice lead up to the cargo capability of the new Explorer.
Just one thing though.... this aint no truck.
Looking forward to more articles on the Explorer.

[SapphireSeo]

if you want talk about food banks , it should be done in the off topic section

It was a bit noticeable wasn't it? I think it was a great anecdote, but it might have been shorter. Still, getting active in the community is important around this time of year and it did get me thinking about it, though I should have been thinking about how the Explorer isn't a truck any more but is instead a gigantic cross over. The fuel consumption would be better the V6 ecoboost but the extra weight is going to take a toll on performance and economy whether or not the cross over is loaded, which is a bummer.

[Solstice2006]

So a long term test, that is divided into different parts, in this one, we learn something about fuel economy, which we could have learned from a normal test drive of 100km of mixed driving , and a bit about the payload, and the load height vs a minivan.  The load height of a crossover/suv are pretty similar, as are load heights of van, and sedans.  Have to say I didn't learn much.  It would be nice to learn things that are unique to this experience of the Explorer.

[Spec5]

I'd like to see how the Ecoboost 4 and this v6 actually compare. Obviously we can't trust manfs ratings. Isn't it the Venza that actually gets better mileage with the v6 vs the 4? I'd be willing to bet that it would be close to the same case here. This thing is just too heavy I think for the whole turbocharging a smaller engine deal.

Nothing against Chris but ya the near full page preface - well lets just say it doesn't have to deal with cars. Still - glad there's people like Chris out there willing to volunteer their time to do such things for the less fortunate - but again, doesn't really apply. I learned more by watching/listening to the Motoring review - which btw was pretty neat, will this "feature" be included in future vehicle reviews?

[wing]

Spec5, if the videos receive enough interest yes they will.

[timelynoise]

if you want talk about food banks , it should be done in the off topic section

On this occasion I disagree.

Christmas is less than three weeks away. We're reading a web site that's devoted to a self indulgent pastime - a passion about cars and motor sports.

So while we indulge our interests, it's valuable to be reminded that there are people in our own communities who we may see every day that are struggling to get by. Perhaps some of us will be moved to donate some of our resources to helping out those less fortunate.

Yes, that's off topic on an auto enthusiast's web site. But on this occasion I believe it's appropriate and commendable.

Merry Christmas everyone.

[Pleem]

 

[aquadorhj]

is that 1000 pound payload on board WITH driver or without?

i once carried about 900 pounds of roofing shingles in my family's old 1980's Ford Taurus wagon.  yes, the suspension bottomed out on every bump, but it rode quite well.   

that thing ran forever.....