2011 Ford Explorer Review: An SUV Offering Full Size Capability in a Midsize Package

Alex Showalter

Nov 6, 2021

The 2011 Ford Explorer is an SUV available from $10,903 to $15,522. With a modern chassis and new powertrain choices, the 2011 Explorer is a refreshed option for shoppers.

The Good

All-new redesign with the latest infotainment technology for 2011.
Comfortable ride with updated unibody construction.
Interior materials are significantly better than other SUVs at this price point.

The Bad

The transmission shifts roughly between gears as it ages.
Legroom in the third row is smaller than its competitors.
Poor off-road performance, even with 4-wheel-drive.

2011 Ford Explorer: Quick Overview

For the 2011 model year, the Explorer is all new, with a complete redesign of the interior, exterior, and new engine options.
Reliability ratings are average for its class.
Two engine choices are available. The V6 offers power comparable to other SUVs, while the 4-cylinder feels weak.
The Explorer ranks 1^st out of 9 full size SUVs for fuel economy, with a combined rating of up to 20 miles per gallon.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2011 Explorer a Top Safety Pick award, making it one of the safest SUVs.
The 2011 Explorer falls into a unique category where it is larger than other midsize SUVs, but smaller than its full size rivals. Combining features from both classes makes it an SUV we can recommend to shoppers looking for a roomy daily driver.

Expert Ratings

KBB

4.3/5

US News

8.3 /10

Cars.com

4.3/5

Positive Owner Reviews

Sarah L

It is safe and has a good resale value.plus it is a good truck for moving.

I like the 4 wheel drive. I like the hatchback. I love the color.

N C

Reliable and safe. Comfortable and great ride while traveling

Love the quiet, smooth ride also very comfortable and good gas mileage

Katie M

My car has been great for a growing family. We bought it when we were expecting our first child and we now have 3 children. I wish it were easier to access the third row now that we use it regularly. I also wish the second row could accommodate 3 carseats across. But in terms of reliability and driveability, it's been great.

My car is reliable, easy to drive and great for a growing family.

Ginger W

I love my car and it is almost 8 yrs. Old.

I love my car! It is very luxurious and comfortable. The ride is very good. I needed and like the 3rd row seats. My kids love that they can control their own vents in the back. I really like the nav system and entire computer. I also like that I can control most things from my steering wheel. Love the seat set options because we do have multiple drivers driving my car.

Shelly S

Rides smooth easy to navigate big engine stylish color

Big and spacious love how it handles sits up high what I don't like is back window doesn't open needs better gas mileage,

Natalie O

Best family ride! Comfy and gets decent gas mileage.

I love the features of Sirius radio, the coded entry on the door, leather seating, storage, hauling capacity, and DVD players. Map features are a plus and so is the back up camera and sensors. It has awesome leg room in the backseat and third row too.

Terrain T

It actually seems like magic.

It can be a little jerky because, it's so big. I wish it were easier to clean. The windows could be even more tented, but I'm just saying that because I lost my sunglasses. The engine is incredibly powerful and doesn't use very much gas. The features are nice and safe to use while driving because of the safety features. The vehicle health report could be more detailed and could actually work by telling exactly what is going on with the vehicle. For instance, it would be nicer if the vehicle health report showed which tires were experiencing low air pressure. I never get to hear the vehicle health report and I don't know where it's sent off to.

Anne E

Very spacious and great gas mileage.

They lights have a vantage issue but the ride is smooth and comfortable. The dash and extras are easy to use and the interior is roomy. The seats fold and the back becomes spacious to sleep in. I have yet to have a problem with this vehicle. It has plenty of room for all my needs while traveling.

Negative Owner Reviews

Bridget R

The car was once my favorite, I used to call it my baby no. 3.

My car is having major issues, windshield wipers go on and off on it is own ( the is no sensor in the car) the back up camera has been fixed once and stopped working a month after it was fixed. The sun roof has leaked a few times. It is just a miserable car and I do not like or love it anymore, but it does get me from point A to point B, I guess that is all that counts.

Cassie M

It is luxurious and fits a decent amount of people.

It leaks, it eats through tires, it has a squealing noise, it is a gas hog, the passenger side heat does not work, the navigation does not work and on and on and on.

Amari G

Not very reliable but has amazing Bluetooth radio.

My ford explorer is not very reliable. It will break down all the time. It has several electrical problems in the past. I do love the feature of the car. I also enjoy how comfortable the car drive and overall look and style of the vehicle. The car is great for large families but requires a lot of time and money.

Kristin M

Safe feeling car but always in the shop

Often has recalls (like all the time). It's GPS system is very glitchy. Backup camera stopped working. It often has other random issues. This month, it cost me $1100 in repairs. This is not out of the norm. I had to replace all of the AC lines. I have had to replace the braking system.

Jess B

Big vehicle that holds kids, dogs, and groceries.

My car had been pretty reliable. General maintenance (new tires, new brakes, new rotors) etc. Have been done to the car. Heated seats and steering wheel are my favorite in the winter. I have driven this vehicle to many major cities in the united states for vacations and site seeing. I feel the vehicle is very comfortable (leather seats) and just enough leg room to not feel cramped.

Schuyler S

Additional cost and safety features

There are plastic covers next to the windshield and they break and crack. To replace these the cost is 150.00 each. The car is also stuck in the my key mode it is a safety feature for a different driver and you cannot get it out of that mode unless you have the master key. So you have to spend an ad 300.00 to have this done. The navigation didn't work the system went obsolete when the 2012 came out so you have to spend an extra 3,000.00 to upgrade this feature.

Melissa D

It is great to drive in the winter. Very safe.

I really have been very happy with my Explorer. Winters are really bad were I live and my Explorer is safe and reliable. I think my biggest complaint is gas mileage.

Hope R

It has a moonroof for front & back seat that's covered by a cloth blackout panel

Problems include poor visibility. Pillars are wide enough to block ability to see other cars at certain angles. Dependent on back up camera in reverse. The check engine light comes on all the time. The good things include, it is a pretty car, it is mostly comfortable and has things like Sirius , bluetooth, usb, hands free phone. The interior color concept helps make it look clean. (dark brown carpeting with rubber mats)

What Problems Does the 2011 Ford Explorer Have?

The 2011 Ford Explorer is a rugged, roomy, and riddled SUV with major problems, from broken toe links to exhaust fumes. Rust forming on the hood is one of the most common complaints, and is caused by poor adhesion between the paint and the metal. A more serious mechanical problem is a sudden loss of power steering. Ford has addressed power steering problems with a recall to replace components. There are also rare cases where engines have overheated, which is usually caused by a cooling fan failure. Replacing the fan and thermostat prevents it.

There are 7 recalls affecting the 2011 Explorer, average for a car this age. Recalls include interior components, the power steering system, wheel bearings, and rear suspension problems. The most serious recall is for the power steering system since a sudden failure increases the risk of an accident.

What are the Prices, Models & Specs?

The 2011 Ford Explorer trims include entry-level base, mid-tier XLT, and luxurious limited. The 2011 Ford Explorer is available used from $10,903 to $15,522 depending on the mileage and model. When new, it had a retail price of $28,360 to $39,535. Depreciating faster than average for an SUV, it loses 52% of value over 5 years.

The entry-level Explorer model is the Base. Standard features include cloth seating, a 6-speaker stereo system, power windows, and keyless entry.
In the middle of the lineup is the XLT Added features include more sound insulation for a quieter ride, a reverse sensing system, power seats, 18-inch wheels, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The flagship model is the Limited. Included features are leather seating, automatic climate control, Ford’s SYNC navigation system, and a rear-view camera.

Base

290 HP 19 MPG

View Details

XLT

290 HP 19 MPG

View Details

Limited

290 HP 19 MPG

View Details

How Long Will the 2011 Ford Explorer Last?

A 2011 Ford Explorer will last over 150,000 miles when properly cared for based on ownership data. This is an average lifespan for an SUV from 2011. Repair Pal estimates that it will cost $725 per year to maintain, which is more expensive than many competitors.

Holly K

My explorer has had minor issues. We bought it used and of course wear and tear is expected. We had the water pump replaced right off and had new brakes and rotors installed to be on the safe side.

Rafael P

Yes, it is a very reliable truck I usually use it to work and it is very good no problems at all. Wouldn't trade it for another truck.

Brenna C

It shakes if you drive over 65. Like you can feel the whole car start to vibrate. Almost like it is having computer glitches, or failure.

Tony N

Hardly does it have any major problems for me. Great ride all round. Doesn't really shows like it will have any problems soon either

Tia B

Very reliable so far. Only issue we have had is the fuel gauge sensor must went out. When we fill up it rises all the way to full then drops to half. As you drive it get to empty but if you restart car it's back at half.

Carol W

I have owned my 2011 explorer for a little over 2 years now and have not had any major issues. Vehicle has been easy to maintain

Jeanette W

Yes the 2011 ford explorer is a reliable vehicle for the most part. Sometimes I have problems with the engine

Mary L

Currently, I need new catalytic converters and just had to have O2 sensors replaced. It still runs and these problems are more related to passing inspection, but the Explorer always seems to have something that needs to be fixed

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

Technology is good for its time, but The Explorer is missing driver assistance technology found on more modern vehicles.

Base technology includes a standard stereo system with 6-speakers, CD player, and USB/AUX connectivity.
Upgraded technology includes the SYNC infotainment system with touch-screen navigation, and a high fidelity Sony stereo system.
For safety, the Explorer comes standard with seatbelt-mounted airbags, along with traction and stability control systems. Optional safety technology adds a rear-view camera to the navigation system.

What Engine Options are Available?

Performance is average for an SUV in the Explorer, with the most powerful variant going 0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds.

The base engine is a 2-liter 4-cylinder with a turbo producing 231 horsepower.
An upgraded 3.5L V6 engine is available with 290 horsepower.

What Colors Options are Available?

How Big is the Explorer?

It has better passenger room than midsize SUVs, but falls short against its full size competitors. Third row legroom is not as comfortable as some other choices and is best suited for children. Cargo space is average, with 21 cubic feet of room behind the third row, 43.8 cubic feet behind the second, and up to 80.7 cubic feet with all three rows folded flat.

How Does the 2011 Ford Explorer Compare to Other SUVs?

Based on reviews from owners, the 2011 Explorer ranks 8^th out of 9 full size SUVs. At the top of the class is the Toyota Sequoia, with a better reliability rating and more room than the Explorer. Where the Explorer beats the Toyota is in handling and standard technology. The Sequoia is the better SUV, but the Explorer feels more up-to-date.

Another rival is the Chevrolet Tahoe, which is built with a classic body-on-frame design. The Explorer is more fuel efficient, and has a smoother ride than the Chevy. Where it loses to the Tahoe is that it is not as roomy, and doesn’t have a V8 engine, which is better for towing. Ultimately, choosing between the two SUVs comes down to brand preference and which you prefer to drive.

Ranks #8 Full Size SUV by Owners

2011 Toyota Sequoia

4.74

2011 Chevrolet Suburban

4.61

2011 Ford Explorer

4.32

Final Verdict: Is the 2011 Ford Explorer a Good SUV?

Based on all of the data, we say yes, the 2011 Explorer is a good SUV. It has updated technology, and is more comfortable to drive than other vehicles in its class. Where it loses out is interior room is not as good as its rivals, and the transmission shifts roughly between gears as it gets older. Overall, the Explorer is a good SUV to check out if you want a vehicle that offers the features of a full size SUV in a more compact form.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Anh Q on June 25, 2021

It leaks water from the cargo top.

It is great for daily driving or running errands. It is smooth with cruise control and comfortable with power steering. One of the issues includes the restricted space between the rows and the middle seat of the 2nd row. It has touch screen but without navigation system so that is a minus. Besides, it only has FWD so it is not safe to go in winter time.

Jessica G on June 25, 2021

Great family vehicle for trips.

2011 ford explorer is a great family vehicle. You can easily fit 6 people comfortably in the 3 rows of seats. The DVD players in the headrest keep children entertained on long car rides and come with their own headphones. I love that the rear seats can have their own climate control separate from the front of the vehicle.

Matt J on May 7, 2021

Decent ride, reliable vehicle.

The car has. Heated leather seats, power panoramic sunroof. Very comfortable. The car drives well. There have been problems with struts, heat pump actuator and tie rods but has overall been a reliable vehicle for a decade. I would definitely recommend.

Sarah H on May 1, 2021

Looks like a dime but not top of the line SUV.

2 years of driving my 2011 ford explorer XLT AWD tow package. Problems: had 2 recalls fixed at no charge to me, exhaust leak, replaced stereo fuse, front end control arms replaced, (still have worse wobbling uneven noises driving on highway) issue with the rear hatch not adjusting. No other way to open the rear hatch door. Performance: what performance!? Reliability: reliable vehicle. Comfort: front seats sit low otherwise it's alright. Plenty of space. Features: vents throughout the entire vehicle. Rear climate control, cup holders all over, windows are a good tint, back area can haul some big items. Pretty spacious.

Margaret D on April 30, 2021

Overall performance of my ford.

I wish my ford explorer had Bluetooth connection. It only has phone mute option, but comes with a keypad for dialing. Overall, performance has been very reliable and great. Snow conditions never worry me. I have also been able to tow trailers etc. It fits a considerable about if thing when all seats are laid down.

Kathryn J on April 22, 2021

It is okay and I would suggest that big families purchase it.

It has lots of space and runs really good very reliable when you have lots of kids you can spread them out because of the third row seats I love the steering wheel because you can change the radio it has a back windshield wiper and the ac works very well and you can control the back from the middle seat.

Angie F on April 22, 2021

Looking for the family car: ford explorer is it!

We are a family of five and absolutely love the space that our ford explorer offers. The third row seating is perfect for a quick family camping trip and the trunk space can easily be expanded with the ability to put the third and second row seats down. The dependability that the explorer offers is a great peace of mind for my husband and I. We have used our explorer to transport our children back and forth to school for the past three years in a multitude of seasonal road and weather issues.

Gwendolyn H on April 3, 2021

My vehicle is good on gas and it is good for me.

I love my vehicle it is good on gas and I can go all around the world in it I really love my vehicle maybe you should have one it is so roomy for my needs. I do not know what I would do without my vehicle it is register to me and it is all paid for that is why I love. It's so roomy and good on gas for traveling anywhere for me.

Brandon G on April 1, 2021

The SYNC system takes some getting used to and it could be a bit faster and more responsive.

I like the look of the vehicle. It has amazing features. What I don't like is the gas mileage .

Janel N on March 30, 2021

Color is perfect inside and out lots of room for 6 people to sit comfortably.

Speed is slow when passing other vehicles and tires a very expensive overall dependable and drive excellent on road trips and local I will keep it for a long time. I am willing to purchase another years from now after this one is paid off. Ac and heat works good oil kind of expensive to get changed but that is every three months.

Kelsee E on March 27, 2021

My vehicle has leather seats with the option of heating or cooling seats.

It is very comfortable and great on gas! Has lots of room with three rows, the third row being optional as it can fold down for extra space. The stock speakers and radio sound awesome! I have not had any issues with anything on or in the vehicle. The kids love it as well!

Hannah S on March 17, 2021

It's a wonderful car. Would definitely suggest if you need a reliable car.

It's a great car, comfortable and reliable. Only issue was we had to replace the backup camera cause of a glitch and the door sense is not broken. So we can't lock when were driving. But other than that it's great. It's got a great color and drives well. Gas pretel is a tad sensitive.

Natalie O on March 12, 2021

Best family ride! Comfy and gets decent gas mileage.

Michael M on March 4, 2021

My ford explorer off road.

My ford explorer four wheel drive works very well for me and fits my needs. Has the space and shape that fills the spot in the market. Gets into and out of those off the road places that I need to take it at times, the color blue is my favorite but the gray interior is not as good a fit as could be I believe.

Nathan G on February 18, 2021

It is very comfortable to drive even on long trips.

I like the room and comfort level. I like all the options it came with when I bought it. I do wish it had a stronger motor. The gas mileage is decent but could be better for a v6.

Tehani F on February 13, 2021

An interesting detail is that it the back seat is able to go down! Love that.

My vehicle runs pretty good the breaks are kind of squeaky though. Like if you were going to stop at a light moderately fast you can hear them squeak. It is an old reliable vehicle and has been running for a fat minute. Very happy with that. The seats are not leather and that is something that I absolutely love because I can take naps in there whenever I feel like it. The trunk is big because you are able to fold the last back row of seats down to make space for a pretty large cooler. However, one of the back handles are broken on the back so I need to get that fixed. Also, the trim inside the vehicle on the front seat by the visor is falling off. So I will either cut it or find a way to glue it back on.

Melanie E on February 12, 2021

My brown ford is a gold bronze color. I have had it for four years.

Computer issues and battery cable problems you have to replace the entire cable and it is very expensive to replace. The computer lights for check engine will not turn off. The brake lights and other lights are on for no apparent reason. Other than those few issues I have had problems.

ted o on February 8, 2021

2011 ford explorer good vehicle but still not great

New strut bearing at 66000 miles. Good pick up speed nice features for a base model very comfy cloth seats bad door rest material that tears easy

Corby F on February 6, 2021

An interesting detail is that you can change the interior lights.

I like the room in the car and the capability to fold down the rear seats for extra storage. The color and style are nice. It is bluetooth enabled with navigation, however this has not been working correctly for a while now. Safety is great with airbags and seatbelts. Dual climate and heated seats is a bonus.

Emily M on February 5, 2021

Big and comfy. Fun to drive.

No major problems since getting the vehicle brand new in 2011. Very big and comfortable. Fits a lot of people. Perfect for a family. Has a backup camera and automatic sears and windows. Touch screen. Bluetooth compatibility and can charge a phone. Easy to drive. Is not as big as it seems.

Mike M on February 5, 2021

The four wheel drive system has worked very well.

The explorer is a vehicle that is well designed for all that I need of it. The four wheel drive system works well and has been very reliable for the many years that I have owned the vehicle. The fuel economy has not been stellar but is good for what I expect from the vehicle.

Nicole P on February 4, 2021

Good on gas for a SUV. Economical for what you get. Has a backup camera.

Rides nice, good on gas. Could be more comfort. Could have heated seats.

Olga R on February 4, 2021

The car is good if you are looking for something that will get you from point A to point B, but not much more.

I find that the vehicle is quite comfortable and reliable, and has always performed well. However, it does not come equipped with bluetooth/GDP/other modern facilities, which is frustrating at times.

Kayla S on February 2, 2021

Good gas mileage and nice features.

Has great gas mileage and lots of room in the trunk and even does well on long road trips. The sensors are really nice for telling you how much gas you have left as well as when you need an oil change. It even lets you know if you have low tire pressure.

Madeline K on January 28, 2021

The Ford explorer is spacious, making it comfortable to travel longer distances in and transport sizable objects.

My car serves its purpose in getting me from point A to point B. It is big enough to transport sizable objects and was very helpful in moving. The bluetooth is not always functional and at times I do think it would be easier to drive a smaller sized car in my day-to-day.

Kyle G on January 24, 2021

Beware of these issues with ford explorer before purchasing.

The touch screen has issues and the screen goes black and will not turn back on. The a/c works but is always on high when it is turned on. You are not able to lower the strength. Sometimes when you want to turn it on it will hesitate for a second before starting up.

Tammy W on January 21, 2021

Ford Explorer problems/issues.

The back-up camera does not work anymore. Well, if it rains really hard, it'll work for a short time. The head unit is wonky which makes the rear passenger door speaker emit an annoying sound. The sound will go away by slamming the door. It is hard to slam a door while driving a car.

Allyn G on January 19, 2021

Love it, really comfy and roomy

Has lots of room, 3 row seating, Sirius XM, Gas saver. What I enjoy the most is the Touch screen and that it connects to Bluetooth. It also allows you to connect Wifi which is pretty interesting. 3rd row seating has enough leg space. Fits 8/9 people.

David H on January 15, 2021

2011 grey ford explorer XLT.

Vehicle is slow to accelerate. Love the stability in windy conditions. Great comfort up front but limited leg room in second and third rows. I love the power liftgate and cargo space when the second and third rows are folded down. I am not pleased with the microphone for the handless telephoning.

Jo B on January 14, 2021

It runs smooth and very efficient. It's the perfect size for someone with kids.

I like the size and how efficient it is. I don't like the door handle at the back it got broken easily.

Richard K on January 14, 2021

Great used vehicle so far, luxury features and a reasonable price.

We bought this used with about 90k miles on it and have had no issues to date. We love the interior trim and luxury feel, all the power convenience features and it is a great riding/driving vehicle. Sound system is amazing. The sync entertainment system is a bit slow and fickle, but seeing as it is a Microsoft product and nearly 10 years old, that is not too surprising.

Mckenzie I on January 13, 2021

Safest car for my family.

I havent had any issues with my 2011 explorer. I had a 2012 explorer last year wrecked it with my 1 year old in the car we were both fine and it was the safest car for us. We turned around and bought the one I have now. There is no way I will ever have anything different.

Sparky C on January 11, 2021

Comfortable for long trips, with good seating and plenty of storage

Driver sits up high. Lots of storage. Sits 7 people if needed. Nav system is not completely reliable.

Diana O on January 7, 2021

Limited production on sport trac version for this year.

V8 engine, leather and zero carpet. Great care reasons I love. Wish it had adjustable pedals though.

Katie M on January 3, 2021

My car is reliable, easy to drive and great for a growing family.

Amari G on December 29, 2020

Not very reliable but has amazing Bluetooth radio.

Nicole O on December 28, 2020

The best car i've own so far!

I've kept up regular maintenance and have had no major problems with this vehicle. Recalls are easily done and keep my vehicle safe. Even though it's almost 8 years old, it runs well, the interior looks great and my children love it as well. Tires can be expensive but it's worth it.

Hope R on December 26, 2020

It has a moonroof for front & back seat that's covered by a cloth blackout panel

Diana L on December 25, 2020

Great family SUV and reliable for everything else.

It drives so smooth. It has lots of space. Great family car. It is not bad on gas. Excellent for long trips. Great in the winter and rain. It has barely given me any problems. Consistent with oil changes has kept the SUV running well. I enjoy how it offers different terrain systems to drive in.

Jennifer O on December 25, 2020

Trusty and reliable Ford.

In really great shape for a car that is 7 years old. Not great on mileage, but it's a solid, reliable vehicle.

Karen L on December 20, 2020

Make sure the my touch screen has been fixed from the first year of production.

I bought the car because of the interior space and the wheel width. I like a wider, heavier vehicle in the ice and snow. A big problem with my vehicle is the touch screen goes black at random times.

Ginger W on December 18, 2020

I love my car and it is almost 8 yrs. Old.

Karen M on December 14, 2020

Great SUV for a family with plenty of room and 4WD for winter.

I really like the Explorer it has a lot of room and 3rd row seating, it is good in the winter since it is 4wd. When they redesigned the Explorer they made it 25% more gas efficient so the gas mileage is not too bad. The arm rest is leather and I have problems with the leather coming apart. Ford fixed it once but it is coming apart again.

Ana O on December 12, 2020

The Ford Explorer 2011 limited.

The Ford Explorer is a great family car. I like the two extra seats in the back and also that they fold down if needed more space for groceries or when traveling etc. It is very comfortable to drive. I do not have any complaints about this car really.

Rhonda S on December 10, 2020

Great driving experience.

I love my ford explorer. Comfortable driving, lots of room for grandkids and grocery hauling. However, I recently started having issues with the screen display, it will go black and has to be reset by disconnecting a fuse or the negative battery cable.

Amanda W on December 9, 2020

The car is roomy and big enough for a family but isn't great on fuel.

My vehicle does not get good gas mileage, which I hate. I do like the luxury components of it, heated/cooled seats,dual sunroof, nav. And the fact the car has plenty of room.

Cynthia C on December 8, 2020

Ok vehicle with some problems from my experience but roomy.

Overall it's a good SUV. But the brakes have squeaked no matter how many times they are changed. It rides rough at times. The car speakers are horrible. And sometimes when driving it smells of gas on the inside. Dealership states they can't find anything. But it is an okay car. It has lots of room inside.

Colin C on December 7, 2020

I will be a lifelong explorer owner.

I love my vehicle. It drives very smooth with the occasional pop of the clutch but it is quiet and reliable and very comfortable. It has heated and cooled seats with an upgraded Microsoft powered system as well as third row seating. I love explorers and plan on my next vehicle being a newer model.

Steve J on December 1, 2020

It is a good family vehicle that gets decent gas mileage. Just be aware of transmission issues that are somewhat common.

I like the look of the vehicle. It also has plenty of room for my family. We did have some transmission problems early on that caused us some pain but otherwise It's been a very reliable car.

Christy G on November 28, 2020

I love my roomy Ford Explorer!

I love the touchscreen display on the dash where I can access my phone, audio, navigation, and heating/cooling all in one place. The third row seating is so amazing to have when I need it. Most of the time I have it down, so I can have a huge amount of cargo space in the back. The automatic lift gate is another feature that I love!

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.