Why Albany Drivers Should Consider a Pre-Owned Ford Explorer

When you look for a used vehicle, what’s on your must-have list? Are you looking for something big enough to haul the whole family around, something that can tow your camper or trailer, a comfortable vehicle with plenty of convenience features, and more? You might think this is an impossible list—surely no vehicle can meet all your expectations, much less exceed them. However, if you’re looking for something that checks all these boxes, there is one vehicle that fits the bill—the Ford Explorer. Looking for a used Ford Explorer for sale in Albany? You can find one at DePaula Ford.

We carry used Ford Explorers in excellent condition, and with our variety, you’re sure to find one you want to take home immediately. One of the most popular generations of the Ford Explorer is the fifth generation—it spanned the years 2011-2019, so there are plenty of features that you’ll be familiar with. Buying a more recent used vehicle can be beneficial for several reasons, including low mileage, newer features, less wear and tear, but also lower pricing and insurance rates. A used Ford Explorer will take you anywhere you want to go, adding value to your daily drive.

Look for Fifth-Generation Models

When the fifth generation of the Explorer arrived in 2011, it came with many changes, including downsizing by roughly an inch in height and wheelbase, more fuel efficiency, a refreshed interior, better safety scores, and more capability for off-road travel. Fuel efficiency jumped from 14 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway to 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway, thanks in part to the updated powertrain with a choice of new engine options. In addition, more standard features were included in the 2011 model, like a compact spare tire, steel wheels, and rear A/C.

The fifth generation of Explorers was ready to take on the world by protecting its passengers, broadening the spectrum of what it was capable of, and gaining more fuel efficiency to limit the time and money spent at gas stations. There was also a change in drivetrain, with rear-wheel drive being retired to introduce front-wheel drive as the new standard in the Ford Explorer. The Explorer also saw a bump in horsepower, going from 210 hp to 290 hp, a welcome change for those drivers who wanted to haul, tow, and off-road. And it kept getting better from there.

Power and Performance

Over the years, the Explorer has become bolder, more powerful, and a prime example of how to keep a model fresh for the consumer. In 2016, the Explorer received a refresh, which included a new EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, an additional higher trim level, and front and rear styling, among other things. This moved the Explorer into more modern territory and provided more value for the Ford customer base, whether they were returning or new customers. The EcoBoost engine improved upon the previous engine in many areas – it was bigger, going from 2.0L to 2.3L, which boosted horsepower by 40 hp and torque by 40 lb-ft. It also gave drivers the ability to tow up to 3,000 lbs.

The Explorer was now available with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, as opposed to earlier iterations that only offered front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, allowing for a more adventurous spirit to shine through. If you’re looking for something to take on trails and campgrounds around Albany, the Explorer is the vehicle for you. Visit Thompson Lake State Park, Howe Caverns, or Wildplay Elements Park with room enough for everyone as well as hiking gear and camping equipment.

The Evolution of the Fifth-Generation’s Exterior Design

The 2011 Ford Explorer still had something of the 1990s in its design, but the new fifth-generation Explorer in 2011 displayed a more modern style, going from boxy to curvy, a more flowing, streamlined, aerodynamic shape that is incredibly pleasing to the eye. In 2016, the Explorer got a little more solid but still kept the streamlined curves that helped modernize it. The 2019 Ford Explorer took design cues from earlier iterations but also added some elements all its own, like a shorter snout and more compact end.

Over the years, the Explorer has gone from looking like (and sometimes driving like) a truck to an early SUV to a more modern, fresh version of its former self. If you like Ford designs and you’ve been intrigued by the design choices that have been made in the last decade, we think you’ll love the fifth-generation Explorer. It has just enough of a vintage influence to stand out from the crowd, with enough modernization to make it popular with just about every driver.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Since the fifth generation of the Ford Explorer spanned nine years, there are a variety of safety features available. Depending on the model year, you might find that some driver assistance and safety features that are now standard were only available as optional add-ons, but this means that when you do find a custom-ordered used Ford Explorer, you’ll want to snatch it up immediately. Whether you find a custom order or high-end trim level or want something more streamlined, driver assistance and safety features have remained on the standard list for some time. There are multiple trim levels to choose from and optional features that may have been chosen as add-ons by the previous owner.

You might find a used Ford Explorer with one or more of the following: seatbelt airbags, parking sensors, Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Lane-Keeping System, traction control, electronic stability control, child safety locks, and more. You can also find such features as Reverse Brake Assist, 4-wheel disc brakes, Auto High-Beam Headlamps, integrated turn signal mirrors, and a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert. As you can see, there are still plentiful driver assistance and safety features in a used Ford Explorer.

Find Your Pre-Owned Explorer With Us Today

When you need a midsize SUV that can fit seven passengers comfortably with enough room in the back for luggage, groceries, or camping gear, you’ll want to take a look at a used Ford Explorer. The fifth generation, in particular, is a great option for buyers due to its proximity to the latest generation. You can get a higher trim level than you’d normally get if you bought new, and you’ll find that it retains more of its value than a newer vehicle. Buying used is a smart choice for many drivers, which is why we offer the best selection of used Ford Explorer models in Albany.

When you’re ready to take a look at a used Ford Explorer, you can visit us at DePaula Ford. Our associates are ready to help you find the right Ford Explorer and help create a finance plan that fits your budget. You’ll appreciate how friendly and knowledgeable our associates are and how simple it is to get your hands on a reliable pre-owned Ford Explorer. Ford’s reputation for building rugged, hardworking vehicles remains steadfast with the Explorer, so take a look at an affordable pre-owned one here at DePaul Ford today!