Friendly Ford’s 2016 Explorer meets every weather challenge

The 2016 Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle at Friendly Ford is the ideal match for the challenges of the desert as well as trips to mountainous ski resorts in surrounding areas.

Ford Motor Company's combination power packages on the Explorer include the impressive 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 with 280 horsepower; the 3.5-liter I-VCT V-6; and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 with 365 horsepower.

Front-wheel-drive packages are available on the Base, XLT and Limited models; Intelligent four-wheel drive with Terrain Management System is available on the Base, XLT and Limited versions.

Tow packages featured with the Explorer range from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds depending on the engine.

As new weather patterns cause havoc across the country and especially in the Southwest, the Explorer has been a popular choice for many automobile buyers at Friendly Ford.

New features on the 2016 Ford Explorer include a new lift gate, new tail lamps, new fascia and new exhaust tips, along with a redesigned hood, headlamps, grill, fender and fog lamps.

The Explorer has five all-new wheel designs and three new colors.

Available enhanced active parking assist helps the owner with perpendicular parking. In a very interesting concept, the Explorer's 12 ultrasonic sensors enable the vehicle to scan for suitable parking spaces and will assist in backing the vehicle into the spot.

The Explorer is meeting a strong demand while satisfying needs of drivers in the Southwest, who deal with intense summers as well as slippery roads during the winter.

Dealership new-car sales manager Eli Columbus believes in the Explorer so much so that he has owned two of them, a 2013 Sport and now a 2015 Sport.

"I have always been one that liked Mustangs, but I needed more space for my family," he said. "We had a family of five at the time so we bought both vehicles. I wanted more features for my kids and got an added bonus feature with the heated steering wheel in the 2015 model."

Columbus said the buyer profile for the Explorer is wide.

"Everyone buys the 2016 Ford Explorer," he said. "People who like to go on long trips really like the Explorer because there is more room. When I take my kids to Disneyland, there is still enough room for a large ice chest. If I have packages, I can put down the seats. There is always room for airport runs which require hauling suitcases."

"The Explorer has good configuration and you can also get a roof rack, if need," Columbus added. "The 2016 Ford Explorer is one of the most multifaceted vehicles in the automotive business. I have more room but I also have the performance. I love my Mustangs, but I didn't have to give up any power with my Explorer. The Explorer has so many options."

Friendly Ford is situated at 660 N. Decatur Blvd. The dealership has been at the same location since 1970, making it one of the oldest family-owned dealerships in the state.

Further information can be found by visiting www.friendlyfordlv.com, or by calling 702-870-7221.