2011 Ford Explorer is Awarded NADAguides Car of the Month for March 2011

COSTA MESA, CA--March 3, 2011: NADAguides, the leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, names the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer the NADAguides March Car of the Month.

The 2011 Ford Explorer was selected as the NADAguides Car of the Month for the impressive redesign of interior and exterior style and design, improved fuel efficiency with greater engine power, enhanced safety features and the most advanced technology available in its class.

NADAguides' market analysts saw a 57 percent increase in consumer interest for the 2011 Ford Explorer from quarter three to quarter four in 2010 and an even larger increase of 94 percent in quarter one of 2011 as compared to quarter four of 2010; representing more than double the increase of any competitor in its segment (Competitors include: Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner and Chevrolet Traverse).

As a 2011 "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, NADAguides analysts commend the 2011 Ford Explorer for providing consumers with more safety features than its competition such as the industry's first inflatable rear safety belts, BLIS with Cross Traffic Alert, Collision Warning with Brake Support, and Trailer Sway Control, all of which give drivers both comfort and a sense of security.

The 2011 Ford Explorer has changed the competitive landscape, leaving the competition far behind. �Now riding on an updated Freestyle/500 chassis and a unibody frame, the Ford Explorer dips its wheels into the crossover waters and does so with much success. �Designed as a fully capable off-road vehicle with the Terrain Management System, the Ford Explorer offers the once unimaginable smooth drive of a luxury vehicle in the most rugged of conditions.

The 2011 Ford Explorer base model starts at $28,190, and goes up to $39,190 for the 4WD Limited model.

Key Quotes

Troy Snyder, Director of Product Development at NADAguides: "The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer is one of few SUVs driven recently that I truly looked forward to driving. It puts a smile on your face. �The Ford Explorer left me seriously contemplating trading in my daily driver and getting back into the SUV lifestyle. �Way to go Ford, this one is a grand slam and our team at NADAguides is proud to award it the Car of the Month for March 2011. �Rugged, comfortable, roomy and very sharp. �This is an exciting vehicle to drive and with great capabilities."

2011 Ford Explorer Highlights

Engine: The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer banishes the stigma that SUVs cannot achieve both muscle power and fuel efficiency -- the 3.5 liter Twin independent Variable Camshaft Timing (TiVCT) V6 engine offers best-in-class 25 miles per gallon (MPG). �With standard Front-Wheel Drive and optional Intelligent 4WD the Ford Explorer offers exceptional drive both on- and off-road. The Intelligent 4WD System is easy-to-use and fully automatic, allowing the driver to shift on the go and coupled with Ford's Terrain Management System, which offers four settings -- Normal, Mud/Ruts, Sand or Grass/Gravel/Snow -- the 2011 Ford Explorer delivers exceptional traction and performance. �Additionally, the new Hill Descent Control, is useful in extreme off-road situations; with the tap of a button and a tap of the brakes, the Explorer maintains a steady speed allowing the driver to concentrate on steering alone.

Interior: The 2011 Ford Explorer's new third row design provides plenty of cargo space, even with seven passengers in tow. �Additional cargo space is available when the third-row seats are folded down flat. �Each seat in the vehicle has ample space for an adult passenger, offering comfort versatility that most 7 passenger vehicles do not. �All controls are in perfect placement, well within a safe reach of the driver, but not overly crowding personal space, either. �The center console and glove compartments are great for storage and even have organized placements for your typical loose items like pens, cards, etc.

Technology: Ford tremendously raised the bar in automotive audio and navigation technology when it introduced SYNC� and MyFord Touch, both of which are found in the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer. The analysts at NADAguides found these systems to be extremely intuitive and to provide a safe, hands-free, easy-to-use platform that enhances the overall experience for the driver and passengers. �Additionally, the 2011 Ford Explorer offers Active Park Assist, a Sony� Audio System with HD Radio, heated and cooled seats, Advanced Navigation System, dual headrest DVD players, remote start/climate control system, Intelligent Access with Push-Button Start and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Safety: The 2011 Ford Explorer is packed with smart systems developed to increase the overall safety of the vehicle. �Safety features include the industry-first inflatable rear safety belts, BLIS� with Cross Traffic Alert, Collision Warning with Brake Support, rain-sensing wipers, Trailer Say Control, AdvanceTrac� with RSC� and a rearview camera.

Price/Warranty: The 2011 Ford Explorer base model starts at $28,190 while the 4WD Limited edition starting at $39,190. �Standard warranty on the 2011 Ford Explorer includes three year, 36,000 mile basic and five year, 60,000 mile drive train and roadside assistance.

About NADAguides Car of the Month Award

The NADAguides Car of the Month award provides consumers with practical information on new cars, trucks and SUVs chosen by the market analysts at NADAguides for exceptional performance, efficiency, features, options and appeal.�Criteria used to determine the Car of the Month includes: quality of engineering, fuel efficiency, safety equipment and ratings, pricing and overall value, sales trends, and consumer market interest on NADAguides.com and test drives performed by NADAguides market analysts. �Car of the Month vehicles are eligible for the NADAguides Car of the Year award.

SOURCE NADAguides