ExplorerX

2006 New York International Auto Show

Ford Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, and Mercury Mountaineer report 

Ever since 1999, I have been going to the annual New York International Auto Show in the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in midtown Manhattan. And every year, I leave the show overwhelmed by Ford's presentations - until this year. I couldn't help but think that amidst the less extravagant displays this year that the disappointing sales and model cuts by Ford led to a sour taste in the Ford employees and show attendees.

This year, Ford really cut it back in terms of displays and hype. I clearly remember only two years ago when the Mustang GT made its debut along with a Mustang GT-R prototype, Ford GT, and SVT Lightning that Ford's floor set was nearly impossible to navigate. The crowds were overjoyed in their gawking expressions of these iconic American muscle cars. Both adult and child were mesmerized by the works of art that stood within a finger touch.

This year, the scene was incredibly different. Ford's floor set was wide open, and except for the Ford SVT Shelby GT500, Ford really lacked a flagship vehicle for everyone to be sucked into. Maybe it is Toyota's current reign as the top auto manufacturer in sales in the United States, the closing of numerous Ford plants, the cuts of expected production models, or high prices at the pump. But something was awry with the audience of this year's New York Auto Show. The lack of a SVT Explorer Sport Trac version significantly hurt Ford in my opinion - crowds were oogling over Chevrolet's Trailblazer SS models and with good reason.

The 2006 Explorer

This year, the 2006 Explorer was shown both on the bottom and top floors, which is unusual for Ford to do since mainly the trucks and SUV's remain on the bottom floor for most manufacturers. Ford is really pushing the 2006 Explorer, placing several models on each floor and having the Ford personnel brag about the redesigned model. A couple Limited, Eddie Bauer, and XLT models were placed on the bottom floor, and a XLT was placed on the top floor.

Despite the exposure, I am still a little disappointed at Ford for not providing more models on the bottom floor. They had plenty of Fusions, F-150's, and Expeditions available but only a select few 2006 Explorers. Finally, the model they had above was tucked in a corner and the doors were locked. The top floor is a much more high traffic area then the bottom, and nothing is more irritating to expecting buyers then a locked show vehicle.

Although this was not a debut for the 2006 Explorer, for many it is the first close encounter future and current Explorer owners have had with the vehicle. The exterior is completely refined especially in the front, with attention to an aggressive but luxurious grille, with bold headlights for a rugged look. The interior has been inspired from the F-150, especially in regards to the center stack and console area. The instrument cluster looks like it was pulled from the 2005 Mustang, which is not a bad thing. The only gripe anyone could find with the interior was the much criticized (at this point), awkward door handles which require you to pull up on the lever in order to open the door. It is not as bad as most people make it out to be, but on a windy day in a tight parking lot there will absolutely be a problem. Ford is redesigning the door handle mechanism and layout for the 2007 model year.

The 2007 Explorer Sport Trac

No other way to put it: major disappointment from Ford in terms of display models. Ford really blew it with this one, because they only put one model on display in the entire three-story building. On top of that, the model was roped off and locked. Despite the female Ford announcer boasting the totally redesigned look and performance, it does nobody any good to have it roped off from the public. It is one thing if it was a Shelby Mustang, but an Explorer Sport Trac XLT? It is a fact that the Sport Trac owners are some of Ford's most loyal supporters, and to only have one model on display is ludicrous.

Lack of floor models aside, the 2007 Explorer Sport Trac looks identical to the 2006 Explorer from the front, and even shares the majority of the same interior inside. As nice as the outgoing Sport Trac is, the redesign truly refines many things that were necessary to take the Sport Trac into the more competitive truck/SUV market. The V8 engine is also shared from the 2006 Explorer, which itself was borrowed from the current Mustang generation. A slightly larger interior, completely new chassis from the 2006 Explorer, and more luxury should guarantee a win for Ford. I would not be surprised at all if sales of the Sport Trac eventually exceed the standard current generation Explorer.

The 2006 Mercury Mountaineer

Not a lot has been reworked for the 2006 Mercury Mountaineer, and unless you were aware of the specifics, it might be very easy to pass over the minor modifications and upgrades. Most of the upgrades are electronic, performance, or safety oriented; only a couple are cosmetic. Most notably for 2006 the Mountaineer receives clear rear tail lights, different style wheels (which I do not know what Mercury was thinking), the Explorer's new V8 engine, and a whole slew of safety and interior upgrades.

The interior dash area is pleasing but not nearly as nice as the outgoing Aviator. It is significantly more refined then the 3rd generation Explorer's interior, but compared to the 2006 facelift, it is a close call which is the best when comparing to a 2006 Explorer Limited. The 2006 Mountaineer finally receives the floor console shifter.