tbone

I think you make valid points, as I think one and three are most likely the biggest culprits. Though the front fascia is acceptable I don’t think it is particularly good looking. I personally think it is bad enough that it should be redesigned for 2026. The current design does not feel cohesive to me and the leading edge of the hood is too flat. With the discontinuation of the Camaro and the Charger/Challenger, the Mustang should have seen a sales increase, not a decline. Not every person in that segment is brand loyal, and since you are the only kid on the block now there really isn’t an excuse.

I like your line of thinking here. The image you provided is very appealing.

I understand your point, that it is 171 units, but it is yet another headline and not good for business.

Bingo! So now you are just getting a cheap ass piece of glass in the pano’s place since it’s probable they are using the same shade setup. So it’s reasonable to assume it’s Ford “cheapening out” as you had suggested above. Brilliant move to improve sales!

This is frickin ridiculous! Ford is doing an excellent job of making the Explorer even less appealing. I was kicking around buying one more Explorer before downsizing since the Tremor with the 3.0 was kind of interesting, but we routinely open our moonroofs and this guarantees we will not buy one. I hope Ford doesn’t make this stupid decision on their trucks! I think it’s reasonable to assume they were referencing a moonroof that opens, as I am.

Ironically, my brother-in-law has a Tundra work truck that is a first year model, which makes it a 2022 I believe. The truck has a 104k on the clock already, however the motor just blew while towing a boat back from the lake. Toyota is going to replace the motor because it was covered under the recall they had. While at the dealer, they said there were three other recalls for various things. It’s funny, because I can’t recall the last time I have heard anything about Toyota recalls. Granted Ford has had a ridiculous number of recalls which must be addressed, but it’s pretty easy to protect your quality reputation when you don’t have the media sensationalize every quality woe you have.

It’s my understanding their current higher priced EV lineup isn’t making any money either. A loss is a loss I guess.

This could be a game changer for Ford, and the American people. Make sure the Chinese don't install any sensors while they’re there...

Let’s put it this way, it’s a reasonable plan at this point. In my opinion, it never made sense to build expensive EV‘s, which only the upper income bracket could afford. A target market that is typically older, more set in their ways, and less likely to accept change. The plan of building low cost EVs will obviously benefit the younger generations, who are more likely to accept EVs, and will fit in there income range more effectively. More of a grassroots effort. Now if we can just get them to show something to prove they actually have something tangible, I would have a greater degree of optimism. The the lineup is dwindling at a fast rate.

Yes, I thought that was a laughable statement.

Perhaps they see it as a safety feature that should be available to all assuming the vehicle is capable of functioning that way. I get your point though.

I read this review a couple days ago. I didn’t think it was unreasonable and I agree with some of their gripes. I recognize that most headlights are automatic nowadays, but was it really necessary to move the headlight controls to the screen. I thought it was a ridiculous change. I do like the color of that ride though.

I saw a 1990s Ford Econoline conversion van the other day that was in pristine condition. I Recalled how nice it was riding in those. Maybe RAM is to something🙂

We have had two 20+ model Escapes, a 20 and 23. I don’t disagree with you regarding the reviewers. It could be I’m biased because I’m a Ford enthusiast but it certainly appears reviewers will allow things to pass on other brands but not on Ford. The 1.5L is more than adequate. Its engine noise is acceptable. The transmission programming could use some improvement, as it is laggy here and there, but not problematic. The fit finish of our Escapes have been good. There were some nice upgrades to the 23, that definitely made it a nicer looking vehicle with a better interior. I’m still disappointed about the removal of physical controls in the 23, a trend I hope reverses. Overall, they’ve been good for us, and my daughter has liked them. In the real world, I think this is a negligible. I’ve driven and ridden in my mother-in-law’s RAV4 a number of times, and I did not think it felt any different than our Escape, nor does the cargo area appear to be noticeably bigger. I too would argue Ford’s interior materials were nicer than the RAV4, which felt like it had more hard plastic. Ultimately, I didn’t think our Escapes were any better or worse than the RAV4.

It could’ve been dealer advertisements. I could be conflating things, and too lazy to look for the examples.

Seems to be the case doesn’t it.

Yes, had the new models reflected the design sketches, they certainly would have been considered all new. The sketches are very nice looking. I hope this refresh only lasts a couple model years, but I’m not optimistic based on current Ford trends.

No, I meant Explorer. They were billing their very late refresh as a new model, but then the tone changed about it later when most of the media referred to it as a refresh.

Perhaps, but that doesn’t make it a bad motor. It is interesting how Rams tanking sales corresponded with the discontinuation of the Hemi.

Precisely, this is a substantial refresh not a new model. Although I still think it looks pretty good, there was far too much carryover to call it all new. Just like the Explorer. No significant drivetrain changes and the same body. At the prices they are charging for these now, the Navigator is definitely not sufficiently over the top.

Yes, it’s an interesting question. Apparently they didn’t want to push it over to Ford Performance, effectively making it just an appearance package. I suppose people can throw a Ford Performance supercharger on it to gain the engine performance, but it would have been nice if Ford had done something from the factory, such as the 3.5L HO. the powertrain and exhaust was available from the Raptor so it would have been pretty easy to do. Speaking of the 3.5L HO, I think it’s time for an upgrade to that motor. It’s been 450hp for a long time and the motor is obviously capable of more. The Ram 3.0L HO is at 540hp so I see no reason why they can’t boost the 3.5 to at least match that.

Here’s a positive move by Ford, and in my opinion will help elevate the Tremor to a more premium model. https://fordauthority.com/2025/06/2026-ford-explorer-tremor-gains-3-0l-ecoboost-option-exclusive/

Don’t forget some immediate decontenting thrown in there.

I saw this earlier today. I’ll be curious to see if anybody follows suit. This has been a successful model for Hyundai/Kia. Contray to what some auto enthusiast think, I think it says that you stand behind your products and you’re not concerned about the need to repair them. I would love it if Ford followed suit from a consumer’s perspective. I think this will help Ram along with the return of the V8. I know a number of people who have Rams, and they have not had any significant problems with them, so the cost of this may not be too bad. it certainly is a selling point when the cost of these vehicles is so high now.

It’s an understandable position, but they are running out of models to carry the water. The current lineup is thin, and about to get thinner.