tofer

Hey hey TOFER here :bandance: I would definately say that the Explorer is all the way around a better vehicle (but it's not my $90 each month)... Personally, the "soft/weak" GM switches, flat drivers seat, styling, and engine/road noise were big reasons i did NOT go with a GM... Sure it's body on frame, it can tow, it HAS XM RADIO (Hello Ford??) but the handling and the overall experience, not the same. The Envoy is at the end of it's current design cycle and is due to be updated (and needs it) soon. It's your choice and $$, but the differences are strong, drive the Envoy 1st, then the Explorer (V8 please) and you will see. Are either PERFECT? no.... but is ANY vehicle really? As an owner and 15k miles, the handles are ALWAYS commented on by non-owners and sure it's different, but the road handling (on and off --yes it is NO Jeep) has far exceeded my expectations all the way around. Interior noise (what noise - almost) is AWESOME and well done Ford!! V8 and 6spd automatic works very well and IF you keep your foot out of it you can certainly touch the 20+/- mpg Yeah both me and Calvin@LAP are slightly biased, but shouldn't we? Him builds them, i love mine and we try to spread the word so others enjoy them and he can build more of them!! :bandance:

i really like the "black trimmed headlamp units" the black grill looks good, but that would not replace mine on my EB

Really? wow! yeah I would notice that too... :shrug:

As i have not driven them in a while..... (other SUV's) Ford has the strong V8 and nice and the interior is nice and quiet for sure. Outside entry keypad, there is something that you don't get with the others

OK so this year i have has 3 rental cars (2 non-Ford's) that have designs/features that Ford (at least my 2006 Explorer Eddie Bauer V8) does not have and honestly.... it should have. The comparision vehicles... 2006 Cadillac DTS 2006 Dodge Magnum SE (Base/rental) Features/designs... ==> Quick lane change signal functionality... simply tap (not hold) the turn signal stalk/lever for left or right and the signal will automatically flash 3-4 times. ==> Dash LED's for radio and other displays both GM and Chrysler seem to understand there may be times that in DAYLIGHT you may want/need to turn on your headlights and still want to be able to read your stereo display / time. GM and DCX must have a "magical sensor" so that those LED's stay lit up brightly enough to still maintain that visual quality/brightness, but of course dim in the dark.... Ford is missing this too. You may say, ya know those are small things, but I want to tell you, they add up to the overall experience. Sure the Caddy is $10k more than my Explorer and that Magnum was $10k LESS than my Explorer. Would these things make me change vehicles? No, Would they go into the consideration/decision of the next vehicle purchase? Certainly. Ford, please listen to your customer's feedback. I know you have heard from some about the "difficult" handles in the 2006 Explorers (thou I am not one of them) and are making changes for 2007.

OK so this year i have has 3 rental cars (2 non-Ford's) that have designs/features that Ford (at least my 2006 Explorer Eddie Bauer V8) does not have and honestly.... it should have. The comparision vehicles... 2006 Cadillac DTS 2006 Dodge Magnum SE (Base/rental) Features/designs... ==> Quick lane change signal functionality... simply tap (not hold) the turn signal stalk/lever for left or right and the signal will automatically flash 3-4 times. ==> Dash LED's for radio and other displays both GM and Chrysler seem to understand there may be times that in DAYLIGHT you may want/need to turn on your headlights and still want to be able to read your stereo display / time. GM and DCX must have a "magical sensor" so that those LED's stay lit up brightly enough to still maintain that visual quality/brightness, but of course dim in the dark.... Ford is missing this too. You may say, ya know those are small things, but I want to tell you, they add up to the overall experience. Sure the Caddy is $10k more than my Explorer and that Magnum was $10k LESS than my Explorer. Would these things make me change vehicles? No, Would they go into the consideration/decision of the next vehicle purchase? Certainly. Ford, please listen to your customer's feedback. I know you have heard from some about the "difficult" handles in the 2006 Explorers (thou I am not one of them) and are making changes for 2007.

$4K on an 06? i have not heard of that amount... yet

Well I will be in Oregon soon and will certainly keep an eye out for them. Been looking for them in Washington, but haven't seen any yet (thankfully!)

As an OWNER i would disagree... i have and use the handle, door pull and the padded arm rest to maintain control of the door and it is not that tough really, again think D I F F E R E N T I do think adding the "cup" to the padded arm rest is a good change, and will reduce the possibilies of the accidental ding. To each their own, we could beat each other over the head on this, but as someone who owns and drives one i find the banter humorous from non-owners.

U got it, they are not hard to use, just different. As to the gas gauge, i find the temp gauge hard to see, wait maybe that's due to my cellphone sitting there

I know my speedo has seen the higher side of 100mph, but took my foot out then as I was getting close to my exit

The dark will show road spray almost as bad as a black-ish color... trust me on this one

Good to know, hope i don't get to test mine thou :o

hmm.. no heated option for the Explorer, but based on this feedback, maybe a good thing.

mine is not overly noisey either, and i would notice this as well. :shrug:

Seems strange the sport trac is delaying the nav system when for all practical purposes it's the same as the Explorer which has had nav since oh August of 2005? Saw a base one at Bowen Scarff in Kent, looked nice, but would like to see one loaded.

If they do, this will be another reason i wished i have sprung for the nav system. Lovin' XM and want it to be integrated now, vs. the FM receiving from my MYFI unit on 107.3fm

Exactly... :P

No issues with mine (ok it HAD a overly sensitive passenger seat belt and now has a squeaky brake pedel) and I love it. 8600 miles

In my normal routine of mixed driving 16-18 and I use the V8 :bowdown:

Being built in similar fashion to the Explorers (I LOVE MINE!!) it should be a good ride for sure and the V8 is great!

Is the 6cd NON-nav unit, pioneer or Visteon?

OK that's just crazy talk, it's like saying "I am unhappy with the house we bought 'cuz the carpet is the wrong color.." You can always change out a radio and get superior aftermarket pieces if that's what you are really after. How does your EX drive and such, has that pleased you? :D I built an Explorer online yesterday and not an option for Sirius... yet. Wish XM were an option...

I like the wheel design on yours, think they look good on the EX

You got a VIN in 3 days?? WOW!! sorry, i don't have the information you are looking for thou....