The Best Cars for 2011
Ford Explorer
Ford isn't ready to give up on the sport-utility segment; it has made some big changes to the 2011 Explorer to make it more fuel-efficient. The new Explorer has been switched to a unibody construction (replacing the old-fashioned body-on-frame architecture), so the vehicle is lighter and less cumbersome. The result is a smoother ride, say Ford's engineers. The vehicle's handling has been given a boost with the inclusion of a steering system with electric power assist, while its fuel economy has been improved by a new, more efficient engine that delivers 17 m.p.g. in the city and up to 25 m.p.g. on the highway. The interior, which retains its roomy, family-friendly character with seating for seven, has been revamped to make it more luxurious. The vehicle also comes with the latest communications gear from the Ford-Microsoft combine. Starting price is $28,000.