Ford Explorer - KickingTires

Cars.com's Issues With MyFord Touch

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The news today that Ford is rethinking its capacitive touch-heavy MyFord Touch multimedia system isn't a shock to our team of editors. Since we first tested it in a 2011 Ford Edge there has been a nearly unanimous cascade of criticism from our team.

Ford to Add More Physical Buttons to MyFord Touch

"While there's plenty to like about the 2011 Ford Edge, its electronics remind me of my not-so-smart phone: bedazzling in theory, befuddling in practice," editor Kelsey Mays said in that first review. "A number of editors got behind the wheel, and the verdict among them was unanimous: MyFord Touch needs a lot of work, and it's worth sticking to an SE or lightly equipped SEL trim to avoid it."

That was in January 2011, a year after Ford introduced MyFord Touch to raves prior to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Our disdain has carried on to the most recently upgraded system found in the redesigned Ford Fusion. "The Sony system is busier with many more capacitive buttons — none of which feature an audible click or send a pulse of feedback through the panel to confirm you've actually achieved the desired result of your finger pressing," said Managing Editor David Thomas in his review.

By David Thomas | June 17, 2013 | Comments (1)

2013 Ford Explorer: Family Checklist

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The Ford Explorer's popularity has always vexed me. There was a time in the late 1990s that it seemed to be everywhere — much like the Kardashians today. Back then, I didn't get the appeal of the Explorer. Thanks to a well-received redesign in 2011, the Explorer started to add worth to its celebrated weight. Now, with the advent of the Explorer Sport model, I get it.

The 2013 Ford Explorer Sport showcases a powerful new engine and sleek styling while incorporating some family-friendly attributes and top safety ratings. I'm no longer confused; this three-row crossover should be popular.

By Courtney Messenbaugh | June 12, 2013 | Comments (3)

Recall Alert: 420,000 Ford Sedans, SUVs

Ford is recalling more than 420,000 model-year 2013 sedans and SUVs to check for fuel-tank leaks that could result in a fire; affected models include the 2013 Ford Fusion, Flex, Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor sedans and SUVs, as well as the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, MKS and MKT. In addition, Ford also announced two more separate recalls to address problems with engine-block heater cords in 500 model-year 2013 Lincoln MKZ sedans and steering gears in a small number of 2013 Ford Fusion sedans.

In the largest of the recalls, as of March 31, Ford had received 600 consumer complaints pertaining to potential leaks in the vehicles' fuel-delivery module, which could result in a fire. Ford said there had been no reports of fires or injuries as a result of the leaks.

"The condition could result in customers detecting an odor of fuel, or in some cases, observe evidence of a fuel leak on the ground," said Kelli Felker, Ford safety communications manager, in a statement. "While a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire, there have been no reports of fires. We are not aware of any accidents or injuries attributed to this condition."

By Matt Schmitz | June 3, 2013 | Comments (0)

Most-Read Car Reviews of the Week

Last week's top four most-read reviews stayed put this week, with the 2014 Subaru Forester and 2013 Toyota RAV4 once again occupying Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, and the 2014 Chevrolet Impala and 2013 Ford Escape holding fast in fourth and fifth. Meanwhile, at No. 7, our 2013 Mazda CX-9 review makes its debut roughly two months after first appearing on Kicking Tires, and the 2013 Ford Explorer returns at No. 10. Check out what was popular this week:

1. 2014 Subaru Forester
2. 2013 Toyota RAV4
3. 2014 Chevrolet Impala
4. 2013 Ford Escape
5. 2013 BMW 3 Series
6. 2013 Honda Accord
7. 2013 Mazda CX-9
8. 2013 Buick Encore
9. 2013 Toyota Avalon
10. 2013 Ford Explorer

By Matt Schmitz | April 28, 2013 | Comments (1)

Recall Alert: 3,037 Ford and Lincoln Sedans and SUVs

Ford is recalling 3,037 model-year 2012 Taurus and 2012 Lincoln MKS sedans and 2013 Ford Explorer SUVs due to leaky fuel tanks, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The affected vehicles were manufactured between July 19, 2011, and March 15, 2012, and their fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed side seam, which may not be strong enough in an impact. This could cause the tanks to leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Ford will begin notifying owners on April 22, and dealers will inspect the fuel tanks and replace them as necessary for free. Owners may call Ford customer service at 866-436-7332 or NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236; for more info, go to www.safercar.gov.

By Matt Schmitz | April 1, 2013 | Comments (0)

Most-Read Car Reviews of the Week

In Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays' critique of the 2014 Lexus IS 250, he says the new model's practical improvements are what make it stand out among competing sport sedans, but in a field where being fun to drive is the key concept, it stands little chance of leading the pack. The same goes for its chances on our list of most-read reviews, where the IS 250 — the lone newcomer to this week's list — finished sixth. Still at No. 1, where it has now spent a full three months, is the seemingly unstoppable 2013 Toyota RAV4 — though it's worth noting that the 2014 Subaru Forester came within about 400 page views this week, closer than any review in recent memory.