Top 20 Used Cars to Avoid: Consumer Reports

11. Ford Explorer (V6, 4WD)

Since 1990, the Ford Explorer has been the American automaker’s face in the SUV market. It recently entered its fifth generation as of model year 2011, seeing some major changes with its monocoque structure and more modern styling. Stay away from the previous iterations however, as problems are now creeping up.

Consumer Reports found the V6 Explorer’s powerplant to be crude and noisy while the 2006 redesign didn’t help to improve the SUV’s fit and finish. Handling lacked agility while the ride remained stiff. Improvements were made with the 2011 model, when the Explorer moved to the Flex’s platform, helping it give a comfier ride with a well-finished interior. As for reliability, older models suffered from Transmission Major, Transmission Minor, Drive System, Suspension, Paint and Trim, Squeaks and Rattles, Body Hardware, and more recently, Audio System issues.