The Explorer spent most of the past decade ducking scandal, after its Firestone tire recall debacle nearly killed the name in 2001. Padgett says the Explorer “limped along through a rather successful redesign in 2002, just in time for SUVs to fall out of favor.”
But now it's enjoying another revival in the Ford lineup, featuring some car components under its SUV-ish body. “It's never been better,” Padgett says, citing improved fuel economy, a new turbo four-cylinder for better gas mileage. The panel at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show agreed: they named it Truck of the Year.
Debuted: 1990
Returned: 2011
Current MSRP: $28,360
