2022 ST arrived, do I really want it?

Mitchx · Jul 3, 2022

Gents,
I have a 2022 ST on hold on the dealer lot until Tuesday

I read and watched reviews and am aware that the low quality interior and freakish iPad are the lowligjhts. The style and performance are great to me

I admit until I got the call yesterday I never looked at the awful reviews and recalls. Note that those aren’t mentioned in reviews and even boilerplate review Car and Driver doesn’t mention them.

Should I buy this car or walk away? I’ve never owned a ford and never owned a non European brand. These sloppy quality stories I just discovered are why

Jeppo · Jul 3, 2022

Buy it and drive it to your new home in another state.

minuteman3 · Jul 3, 2022

Well, all I can say is our 2020 with 28k miles, including 4 cross country trips to AZ and ID, has been virtually trouble free. The only serious QC issue I've had is the trim panel on the outside of the driver's seat breaking, and the most recent replacement carried a whole new part number so I'm hoping a clearly poor design has been fixed. I would assume a 2022 would already have that fix. Otherwise, we're more than pleased. There's nothing that has the "git up and go" along with up to 7 seats, huge luggage area, smooth ride, plus it's capable of some spirited handling (especially considering it's size.). Have a read through the threads about those of us who have taken the Ford Performance courses at Asheville or Park City ... you'll see how capable this truck really is!!

And, if you do decide to get it ... take advantage of those classes!! You'll learn quite a few things that will surprise you!!

Also remember, folks who have issues complain and seek help online far more than those who are not having serious issues. Ford sells a lot of Explorers in the various trims, including Police Intercepters, and overall they have not been bad at all. What problems there are have been addressed through repairs and recalls ... just like the repairs and recalls by ALL manufacturers for their cars. Best indicator? Check their value as "used" cars!!

Ken

Ricky · Jul 3, 2022

Sounds like you're in the market for a 1975 Chrysler New Yorker.

CareerFiremanGuy · Jul 3, 2022

Mitchx said:

Depends on whether or not you want a full sized performance SUV (many others are quite a bit smaller) without spending $20-$30k more.

You can nit pick the little stuff or put down hard wads of cash for better trim, less aggressive styling and a tighter interior.

I'll save you the time by letting you know that nothing matches the ST for price/performance/styling/size. Literally nothing ...

leomio · Jul 8, 2022

I'm in a very similar boat, but I have not ordered mine. I've never owned a Ford product and am equally apprehensive after buying mainly GM and Japanese. I really like the way these new Explorers look and drive. The performance of the ST for the price is unbeatable. The next closest thing honestly is the MDX Type-S for $20k more.

The MDX-S is undoubtedly nicer inside, but with my current Acura, build quality to me is a giant question mark going into any vehicle these days. When new, my Acura RDX which costs within a stone's throw of an E-ST, has been the most poorly put together vehicle I've ever driven in in the past 20 years of driving ... well, I've driven my dad's 96 Blazer ... so second worst. I've also seen people complain about rattles in new BMWs and Mercedes. Basically, if it's assembled in the US or Mexico, it's likely not going to be put together well.

My biggest apprehensions are the mechanical issues I've been hearing. Have the transmission issues been sorted? Anyone with a 2022 having transmission issues? I've seen driveshafts shearing. Exhaust rattles. Steering knuckles binding. As minuteman3 pointed out, I get that problems are highlighted rather than positive experiences ... but they're still concerning with how frequently I see the issues popping up around the internet. The biggest one being the transmission.

YetiMonkey · Jul 8, 2022

In my case, there wasn't much that I had to complain about with my interior and whatnot. A couple things here and there that I worked out with my dealer or that I was able to fix myself. Again, its been said dollar for dollar nothing touches this for performance and size. And you're going to have issues currently with almost anything you buy. There's always going to be something. Until you get your eyes on it and do a check yourself, the reviews are that, reviews. Its not an every model thing.

CareerFiremanGuy · Jul 8, 2022

FORD has sold ~1/2 million 2020-2022 Explorers in the US.
Say ~5% were ST's.
That means there's ~25,000 ST's out there.
And on the internet forums, you see maybe a few dozen people complaining about stuff.

Not bad ...

KANSAS · Jul 8, 2022

Ford had been saying twenty percent of new Explorers are ST.

Rocketw19 · Jul 8, 2022

CareerFiremanGuy said:

I agree with this right here. I had a trackhawk (just sold it) it was insanely faster then this yes but the ST smokes it everywhere else. specially room. Ive had escalades and every other SUV they make. the size price and performance is all to the ST. Remember no one posts the good stuff people only bitch and post bad stuff. Ive only had mine 2 months and I do get the blue screen 3 times but it fixes itself on reset. if it ever bothers me I will take it in for new one but its no big deal. Unless you are going to get an RS Q8 dont bother with anything else. I only say RSQ8 cuz I have not owned one yet

leomio · Jul 8, 2022

CareerFiremanGuy said:

Very true, but by the same token, there are likely people out there who have problems who haven't reported it on the internet.

Rocketw19 said:

I should have bought a TrackHawk back when you could actually get them for below invoice. I passed by a local Jeep dealer this weekend and saw a TH sitting out front. Looked it up online and they were asking $99k for it with 19k miles. The owner basically enjoyed the car for 2+ years and traded/sold it in for what he paid for it. This current market is insanity.

CareerFiremanGuy · Jul 8, 2022

leomio said:

Given the tendency of human beings to whine and complain, I'm thinking more will have reported it than didn't.

CareerFiremanGuy · Jul 8, 2022

Rocketw19 said:

Thank you for your honest input as a former TrackHawk owner.

Tiger21 · Jul 8, 2022

Picking up my ST on Monday. I can’t wait.

Rocketw19 · Jul 8, 2022

leomio said:

I got 10K off MSRP (103K) and right after that they got real popular prices started creeping up to what they are now. I have seen some listed for 150K lol pretty silly but who knows.

I wish i bought a Demon I knew what they would do and I still didnt buy stupid me I would of drove the shit out of it anyways lol

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