2012 Ford Explorer consumer reviews

I bought this because I loved the styling and the safety ratings for my new family vehicle. However, I had mechanical problems with the steering on this car from Day One. Ford had to replace part of the steering system to address the problem -- within my first two weeks of ownership. The vehicle had less than 200 miles on it, and I kept getting warnings that the advancetrac needed servicing with intermittent stiff and weird-feeling steering. After it finally got out of the shop, Ford customer service gave me lifetime maintenance free of charge. I thought the issue was resolved, silly me ... Now, less than six months later, same problem all over again: Warnings that the advancetrac needs servicing and intermittent stiff steering that just feels all wrong and dangerous. We'll see what Ford customer service does this time around, but the dealer appears to be really struggling to find the right fix for this problem. They've had my car again for the past two days. Looks like they'll have it for a few more before all is said and done ... I am just grateful I only have 19 more months left on the lease. I would stay away from this model unless you want headaches!!!

I am completely enjoying my new 2012 Ford Explorer. Did a considerable amount of research prior to my purchase as I needed an SUV that would pull my boat and also provide decent gas mileage for my daily commute. I found both with the Ford Explorer. The new body design is sleek and nicely appointed both inside and out. I selected the XLT due to the upgraded leather interior and nice aluminum wheels plus some other niceties. Great car for the money. Only criticism was a recall note received but it was promptly managed.

Our new 2012 Explorer is one of the finest new cars we have purchased. The styling is very clean and unique, not just another cookie cutter crossover. This is a bigger car than most of the others we have owned recently but it is very easy to manuever and handles well on the open road as well as in town. Being larger gives it the exceptional ride qualities of a bigger vehicle. The interior is spacious and easy to enter and exit. Visibility is good both front and rear, side vision is free of the annoying blindspots found in many newer cars. Interior sound levels are very comfortable in town and on the highway. Our Explorer is the 2 wheel drive version and performance is very good from a v-6 in a vehicle this size. With approximately 750 miles on the vehicle we took our first road trip and exceeded the manufacturers recommended gas mileage figures by 1.5 miles to the gallon. Overall we are exceptionally pleased with our new car.

Only problem I encountered was visibility forward and to the rear if not equipped with a camera. Also, entry and exit is a problem if power seat is at top of adjustment. Styling and performance are excellent.

I was all ready to buy my new Explorer, when I saw the gas cap is on the wrong side. I told my self I would never buy a car that has the gas fill on the passenger side. I asked why Ford moved it this model, he answer "Ford wanted the European look" Well in Europe they drive on that side of the car. Ford, I own your stock, I drive your cars all my life, I will NEVER buy a car that has the gas cap on the wrong side!

Great value, roomy and stylish. The My Touch & Sync system is incredible and very user friendly. The leg room is what we enjoyed most because everyone in our family is almost 6 feet tall and everyone has leg room, even in the 3rd row.

We needed an AWD for winter trips to Idaho, that seated 6 (including a child's car seat) comfortably (including luggage). This Explorer exceeded our expectations. Traction was great on ice and snow with the stock goodyears.

We bought this car 2 months ago, and already the back windshield blad fell off in a car wash and it cost 45 dollars to replace and my Sync has died. It won't respond so I am stuck listening to CDs or the Sirius satellite (which I like). Not sure if these are precursors to worse issues down the road, or if we just had bad luck. This is our third Ford, so we are surprised at what's going on with the car. The interior styling of the basic model with the cloth is horrible, but it was all we could afford. It's an 80s looking pattern. I think they chose the ugliest pattern so that you would be forced to upgrade to the leather. We chose this car after test driving the Toyota Highlander, which was too basic for us, but had more room, by far. The Sync was a big plus, but if it's already broken 2 months in, I begin to wonder...

I purchased my 2012 Explorer based upon my experiance with my 2009 F150 Crew-cab. Big mistake! The quality found in my F150 far exceeds the Explorer. While the vehicle drives smoothly the suspension is horrable over rough roads. Rattles and bangs over rough roads front and rear. I keep getting default messages on my computer screen! I can not get the GPS to take known street address! I am suffering a real case of buyers remorse at 3600 miles!

as everyone has mentioned, the SYNC system is basically unusable. do not believe a word they tell you. i have had all the upgrades, and they made it worse. the entire touch screen sync thing is utterly useless. they should be recalling it and refunding everyone's money. it is slow, buggy, badly designed, confusing, freezes all the time, doesn't respond to voice commands or touches in the screen, navigation system does not recognize addresses or let you enter exactly the address you want, etc etc etc. it's a nightmare. they should give all the passengers iPads. it would be cheaper and they work as advertized!