FORD EVEREST

OVERVIEW

Manufacturer: Ford

Also called: Ford Endeavour (India)

Production: 2003–present

• Body and Chassis

Class: Mid-size SUV

Body style: 5-door SUV

Layout: Front engine, rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive

Related: Ford Ranger

HISTORY

The Ford Everest, also known as the Ford Endeavour in the Indian market, is a mid-size body-on-frame sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Ford Motor Company since 2003. It is based on the Ford Ranger pickup truck, and it was developed and destined mainly for the Asia-Pacific region.

• First generation (U268; 2003)

Ford unveiled the first generation Everest in March 2003 at the 24th Bangkok International Motor Show. Designed especially for Asian markets, the Everest shares 60 percent of the Ranger’s components, including its 2.5-liter intercooled turbodiesel engine and the exterior styling from the front to the B-pillars. It was revealed that the development of the car costs US$100 million including investments needed to manufacture the Everest.

• Second generation (U375/UA; 2015)

The second generation Everest was unveiled as a near-production concept vehicle in March 2014 and as a production version November 2014 ahead of its public debut at the Guangzhou International Motor Show. Based on the T6 Ford Ranger, the car is now developed by Ford Australia. In China, the Ford Everest is manufactured by the JMC-Ford joint venture, at JMC’s Nanchang factory.

DESIGN

You score the requisite special-edition stickers, new LED headlights (with black inserts) and Range Rover-style raised E V E R E S T badging on the bonnet, which actually looks quite good.

Inside there is blue stitching on the seats and dashboard, and some neat ‘Raceway Blue’ trim panels to tie it all together.

From the 8.0-inch SYNC 3 touch screen infotainment system, with a DAB tuner, native navigation and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, to the full suite of driver assistance technology including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistant and speed-sign recognition; it’s fair to say the big Everest doesn’t miss out on much.

The adaptive cruise works well, the seats are comfortable, there’s enough cup holders to go around and the 10-speaker stereo can punch out your Bluetooth playlists or even spin that Rolling Stones ‘Best Of’ CD you scored for Kris Kringle back in 2002.

Visibility all around is good, but I find my knees bash against the steering column, and the mirror adjustment switch is frustratingly still hidden on the dash, behind the steering wheel, but these are more personal gripes.

Middle-row occupants are kept comfortable too. There’s an AC power outlet as well as a 12-volt plug and temperature controls for the roof-mounted vents. You get plenty of legroom, plus the bench slides and folds in a 60:40 split. Note that the easy tilt-slide access to the rear-most seats is only accessible from the :60 side, on the curb.

Further back, and while it starts to get a little more cozy, the third row still has vents and cup holders, and kept my 10-year-old happy for a couple of short trips. There’s a small but usable 450-litre boot with all seven pews in play (floor to ceiling), that expands to 1050 litres to with the third row stowed or 2010 litres with rows two and three folded away flat.

SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE FORD EVEREST

The five and seven seat SUV wagon was designed in Australia, and is built in Thailand. It’s largely based on the company’s (T6) Ranger ute, though the Everest has coil springs in the rear (as opposed to Ranger’s leaf springs) for a more comfortable ride, and a much more stylised and well-equipped interior.

The Everest, available in 4×4 and 4×2 guises, is powered by the Ranger’s 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel engine and is priced from $50,090 for the Everest Ambiente (rwd) to $73,190 for the Everest Titanium (4WD).

This vehicle is also known as Ford Endeavour.

The price range for the Ford Everest varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $38,000 and going to $76,450 for the latest year the model was manufactured.

If you’re familiar with an Everest cabin you know what to expect: a neat comfortable space, with solid build quality and nice fit and finish. Though it feels a tad aged, the Everest has a pleasant cabin in which to spend your time, including on long-distance road trips and/or during low-speed low-range 4WD expeditions.

HOW TO MAINTANCE OF YOUR EVEREST?

• Maintain your engine

Maintaining your vehicle properly helps it lasts longer and run more efficiently. An oil and filter change is important, and should be done frequently.

Learn more about the benefits of scheduling maintenance at your dealership.

• Repair your exterior

If you are in an accident, promptly file an insurance claim and use the claim money to repair the damage as soon as possible. Waiting can allow rust to set in, leading to other more serious problems.

• Drive smart

Avoid aggressive driving, which can damage your vehicle and may decrease its resale value. Refrain from jackrabbit starts, fast stops, speeding and weaving through traffic, as well. Following these recommendations can help keep your brakes, engine, tires and suspension from wearing prematurely – and even help improve your fuel economy.

• Keep complete service records

Keep complete service and maintenance records, along with any other receipts for parts and accessories, so you can show prospective buyers that your vehicle is well cared for.

Source: wikipedia, caradvice, carsguide.