We’ve known the Ford would build the 2011 Explorer on a unibody car type platform for awhile now – and here are the first spy shots. First impression? It looks… awkward… goofy.. and lumpy. The side / rear view is particularly awkward -the roof jumps up after the rear doors. Why in the world does it do that?
Really, the 2011 Explorer looks like a Freestyle whoops I mean Taurus X on steroids. While the Taurus X is a somewhat competent package ( trying to be nice here ), it’s not an attractive vehicle. I don’t think this is the right direction for the Explorer at all…. and Ford doesn’t exactly need yet another midsize crossover vehicle in their lineup, do they?
Update: The 2011 Ford Explorer has been unveiled!
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
This *IS* the Freestyle/Taurus X on steroids. The “Bump” in the roof is to allow head room in the rear seat. We have an Explorer and a Freestyle in our driveway. The Freestyle reminds me of a Volvo- while the Explorer is a TRUCK. Looks like I’ve bought my last Explorer…..
Not even close to what it’s going to look like… Sorrrrry!
I hope not either it would be a waste. With all the new exciting designs Ford is comin out with they design that thing. Please Alan Mullay don’t let them do it your on a role right now.
Wow what’s I seen the future of 2011 Ford Explorer. Currently I am own late 2006 Ford Explorer Baurer Eddie Limited and I really love it as great to driving. I think I agreed with Mike that kind of currently Ford Explorer is last style for model from 2006 to 2010 we had. I think I might really not like that style in 2011 and let wait and see the real come out since it look totally different from Ford Explorer and not agree the future design. It should not named Ford Explorer since it is cross design.
To who ever wrote the article, thanks for the pics , these are called mules, they use parts from other vehicles to test the powertrain, the actual body willbe diff
Clearly this above pictured vehicle is meant to throw everyone off the trail. The picture is what was to have been the facelifted Taurus X (Freestyle); most definitely not the Explorer. Pay no attention to the styling above, this is very likely just a test mule.
When will the 2011 Ford Explorer come out?
Please tell me there will be nice colors, like ICE BLUE. I hated the Steel Blue that they came out with in 2010
Too bad this isnt want the 2011 Explorer will look like at all!!!
Check out the update – Ford pulled back the curtain on the 2011 Explorer.
What? Are we heading back to station wagons? Looks like I’ll have to hold on to my 2004 for another ten years or go with an import.
what it looks like is a ford freestyle yet still very incredibly and distinctively just as horrible. I like ford explorers but i dont know about now though.