WJR Auto Report: \'02 Explorer

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Forget Firestone tires. Ford faces a much more serious challenge with the launch of its totally redesigned Explorer SUV. To understand, look what happened when the automaker introduced the all-new Escape last fall. Within its first few months on the market, the compact crossover vehicle was the target of five separate recalls. Across the board, Ford quality has been slipping in recent months. By late last year, it had dipped below that of Chrysler, normally the laggard of the Big Three. A variety of factors catch blame, including the fact that Ford’s factories were running ‘round the clock last year, leaving little time for maintenance and repairs. But whatever the reason, Ford officials admit they’ve got to get the problem fixed. It’s the primary reason the Explorer was delayed so many months. After last year’s tire fiasco, Ford can’t afford to tarnish the launch of the new Explorer—the world’s best-selling SUV, and a vehicle that contributes 20 percent of the automaker’s profits.