Osage

I have a 2012 model, and can report that I have the A-pillar rattle as well. I was wondering what that noise was in winds and at highway speeds. Guess I'll have to get the fix as well.

So, I had the terrible misfortune of discovering that the new Explorer will roll backwards if you turn the vehicle off and forget to shift into park. Long story short: There was an impending hailstorm near my area, and I was in a hurry to pick up dinner from a local restaurant for the family. I turned it off via the push button start after parking in a space at said restaurant. However, I forgot to shift into park after the engine was off. I went into the restaurant quickly, grabbed my order, and on my way back to the new Explorer, discovered the horror that the car had rolled backwards into another vehicle, ruining the lift gate and rear bumper. Bizarrely, the Explorer had somehow turned itself back on after rolling back and hitting the other vehicle. Makes me wish it had a "safety" feature that wouldn't allow it to be shut off unless in park, but it is what it is I suppose. It wasn't a steep incline, either, so be aware that the car will roll on you if you forget to shift into park after shutting her down.

Thanks for the replies, folks. I am considering the Titanium model for 2012.

1) How many guys drive this thing? Is it a "womanly vehicle" in your opinion? I ask because I am contemplating one insofar as the Explorer does not offer the V6 EcoBoost. I also love the rear tailgate seat option and supposedly it has a great sound system. I just want to know whether I would look foolish driving one. 2) Will MyTouch be offered for MY 2012?

A 28 ft. Sea Ray boat. I'd like the extra EcoBoost power.

Moderately quicker though it may be, it also has better towing capacity.

Yes, I realize there is another topic on this, but I wanted to add another to demonstrate the significant demand there is for the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 for the Explorer. I am a 29-year-old male with a 7-month old child in the market for a new vehicle within the next 10-12 months. I believe that the current engine choice (including the likelihood of adding only the 4 cylinder EcoBoost for 2012) is weak compared to the Explorer's closest competitors--the Durango and 4Runner. In fact, I can tell you with certainty that I will not be purchasing an Explorer as my next vehicle unless the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost is available for 2012. One of my intended uses for the Explorer would be to tow a boat to the lake (a 2.5 hour trek), about twice per month from March through October. Thus, I want the added torque of the V6 EcoBoost. Also, as a male driver, I want something with some decent zip to it, and I think that both the existing V6 and the 4 Cylinder EcoBoost will not cut it relative to the direct competition. I know that I am not alone in this line of thinking and would imagine a lot of consumers have voiced there opinion on this issue. I understand that Ford developed the SVT Raptor SuperCrew for 2011 shortly after seeing the interest from prospective buyers with families and that wanted the extra space, etc. I hope that Ford will be as proactive in this situation. It seems absurd to me that the Flex would have the V6 EcoBoost for 2012 but not Ford's flagship SUV. So Ford, if you're listening, please offer the 3.5L EcoBoost for 2012 in the Explorer. If you do that, you can count on a purchase from me. If not, I am afraid I will (reluctantly) have to go in another direction. Thanks for the consideration.

As an American male in his late twenties with a 7-month-old baby, I am interested in a new vehicle within the next 10-12 months. I like the Explorer; however, I think the current engine choices are weak (read: feminine), especially compared to the Durango V8, Jeep V8, 4Runner V6 (i.e. compared to the Explorer's direct competition). The ironic thing is that Ford has the solution right under their noses--the V6 EcoBoost engine, but, near as I can tell, there are no plans to offer it for the 2012 MY. This is a huge mistake in my opinion, and I can guarantee you that I won't be driving an Explorer unless the V6 EcoBoost is an option for 2012. I want the extra torque/speed/driving experience that a turbocharged engine offers, and the family goes to the week (towing a boat) nearly every other weekend. It's too bad that the Explorer SHO rumors were quashed, because I think that would've been an awesome vehicle in the $40,000-50,000 range. Does anyone have an email contact at Ford that I can express my recommendation to? It is my understanding, for example, that the Raptor SuperCrew was only built for 2011 because of folks contacting Ford telling them that they want a Raptor but have a family, etc. There is no reason that Ford couldn't offer the V6 EcoBoost for 2012, and I know I am not alone in that I will purchase a competing vehicle to the Explorer unless it's offered.