Exit32

Finally, some progress on the order I placed on 8/10/2017 for a 2018 Explorer Platinum ... Yesterday (11/8/2017), status was updated to "in production" and I was able to view the window sticker today (11/9/2017). If I'm deciphering the codes imprinted on the window sticker correctly, my Explorer will be built on 11/16/2017.

I received another production update on my 2018 Explorer. Original schedule was for production to happen during the week of November 6. Latest update from my sales guy says schedule has slipped a week and now calls for vehicle to be built during week of November 13. Not surprised.

Things are moving along. I ordered my 2018 Explorer on August 9, received an Order Number on August 28, and received the VIN on September 14. According to my sales guy, my Explorer is scheduled for production during the week of November 6. Given that I now have the VIN, I thought the online Ford Order Tracking app (http://www.cotusb.ford.com/) would work. Unfortunately, it doesn't.

OK, so I placed my order for a 2018 Explorer on August 9 and received an Order Number from my sales guy on August 28. Does this mean my 2018 Explorer has been scheduled for production? Or does it only indicate the order has been accepted by FoMoCo?

Yup. Charlie is my sales guy. He's the best!

I appreciate your response and insight, ice-capades. I will check with my sales guy to make sure he did not include the license-plate bracket order code (153) on my order for a 2018 Platinum.

Last week, I ordered a 2018 Explorer Platinum at Acton Ford in Acton, Massachusetts. I have only a single "green" Massachusetts license plate for the rear of the vehicle, so I asked if could order my new Platinum without the front license-plate bracket. My sales guy explained that all Explorers built for delivery in Massachusetts come with a front license-plate bracket affixed at the factory because Ford Motor Company believes (incorrectly) that all vehicles in Massachusetts require two license plates. (See Page 20 of the 2018 Explorer Order Guide). When I ordered my existing 2016 Explorer Platinum, it came with a front license-plate bracket even though I had requested otherwise. Because I don't have a front Massachusetts license plate, I had to remove the factory-mounted bracket and plug the holes in the front bumper with ugly plastic "warts." It looks better than it would with a vacant front license-plate bracket, but I regret having unnecessary holes in the front bumper. During our discussion about this, my sales guy mentioned that the Ford Mustang can be ordered without a front license-plate bracket. Is there any way to do the same for my 2018 Explorer?

Thank you, ice-capades! Very helpful.

I drive a 2016 Explorer Platinum with the 3.5 Ecoboost engine and have never experienced the exhaust-smell-in-the-cabin issue. I've heard it happens most under wide-open throttle operation. I've done that many times with my Explorer but never detected a trace of exhaust stink inside. You'd think this issue would affect all D3 Explorers, but I can tell you it doesn't.

This is consistent with info I received from a contact at Ford Motor Company who said the 2018 Explorer Order Guide would be released "on or about August 1st."

FWIW, I just received this update from my local Ford sales guy: "I just spoke to our Ford rep. She thinks the ordering bank will be open in 2-3 weeks with initial production in October."

This morning, I received an update from my sales guy at my local Ford dealer. He said, "Looks like the Explorer will have a late ordering schedule. Could be as late as September." I don't know where he's getting this info. And, ice-capades, you are correct regarding minor changes for the 2018MY Explorer: Mild front-end refresh, three new paint colors, and quad-exhaust outlets for the Sport and Platinum trim levels. That's about it.

I really appreciate your attention to this, ice-capades. Looks like Ford decided to postpone opening the 2018MY Explorer USOB (Unscheduled Order Bank) for some reason.

Thanks, ice-capades. I'll check here often to snag the 2018 Explorer Order Guide as soon as its released. Please excuse my enthusiasm. I guess I'm just a bit weird wanting the first 2018 Explorer on the block!

Visited my Ford dealer yesterday (July 18) and attempted to order a 2018 Explorer. My sales guy tried, but he said the order bank is not open and the order guide is unavailable. He will contact me as soon as Ford decides to enable orders.

Why is it called an Unscheduled Order Bank? If I'm among the first to place an order for a 2018 Explorer Platinum when orders are accepted tomorrow, won't I be among the first to take delivery after production starts on October 16? (Assuming my dealer has adequate allocation.)

I appreciate the replies, fuzzymoomoo and ice-capades. I was able to find an online photo of a 2018 Explorer painted with the Blue Metallic color. My wife's opinion is that it's too light and bright for such a large vehicle (she picks the color; I pick the vehicle). Good to know the dealer has the 2018MY color chips, so we'll take a look before ordering. Leaning toward Burgundy Velvet Metallic Tinted Clear Coat paint at this time. I'll monitor this forum for the appearance of the 2018 Explorer Order Guide. Hope to be among the first to place an order for a 2018.

I'd like to place an order for a 2018 Explorer Platinum when the order bank opens on July 18, but I'd like to review the 2018 Explorer Order Guide in advance so I understand all features and options. Any news on when the 2018 Explorer Order Guide will be available? Also, my wife is curious to know how the new-for-2018 "Blue Metallic" paint color compares to the 2016/2017 "Blue Jeans" paint color. Does anyone have the paint codes for these two colors? Thanks!