We've covered various user interface issues with the Explorer. Needless to say, there's much to discuss.
With that in mind, I figured I would call out one instance where the Explorer designers got it right. Yes, I'm talking about the door lock button and its correct positioning near the door handle. It's the most basic thing, yet so many manufacturers screw it up. They stick the buttons on the dashboard, the center console and plenty of other places you wouldn't think to look.
This setup? Perfect, don't change a thing.
Ed Hellwig, Editor, Inside Line
bodyblue says:
04:38 PM, 01/12/12
One thing I dont like about Toyotas is the rocker switch for the door locks....it never has made sense. It is so much easier to have up for unlock and down for lock.....left and right does not translate as well.
threemopars says:
06:27 PM, 01/12/12
"left and right does not translate as well."
You must have not liked the Avenger setup as well then, as left is unlock and right is lock.
mrwashywashy says:
06:30 PM, 01/12/12
It's like most things in a car, it becomes intuitive in a few days which ever way it's set up. Does this car have a manual door lock defeat? You know if like the power dies while you are in the car or if you drive into a pond, etc...
7driver says:
09:39 PM, 01/12/12
You like it better than Fiat's no-button setup?
http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtests/2011/11/2012-fiat-500-ill-be-your-door-lock-for-today.html
lostboyz says:
03:41 AM, 01/13/12
The focus is terrible, one button in the center stack and no tombstones on the doors and you can hardly see the LED on the button. So you push it once, and aren't sure if it just locked the doors or unlocked them.
htr_hardtech says:
05:17 AM, 01/13/12
I love them in the center console. My e46 had it this way, and my current G8 has it this way. It just makes since and way easier to use. Plus you don't have this ungodly control pod on the door taking up room.
half_ton says:
06:29 AM, 01/13/12
I remember having an Equonix loaner about a year ago and it had the door lock buttons on the center console. I remember HATING that placement cause it was so counter intuitive to me. Sure, if it was my daily driver I would eventually get used to it but just leave those buttons on the door where they belong.
bodyblue says:
06:44 AM, 01/13/12
"You must have not liked the Avenger setup as well then"
I hated that part of it as well....especially coming from an old Mopar like my Stratus. The one thing I really miss about the Avenger was the volume controls on the back of the steering wheel. There is no better system once one gets used to it.
lostboyz says:
07:26 AM, 01/13/12
@htr_hardtech, I have no problem with it in the middle, but the doors still need tombstones or some clear identification of what mode it's currently in.
greenpony says:
08:44 AM, 01/13/12
"It just makes since"
Ahh, the most common beginning to the most well-thought-out arguments.
baggs32 says:
09:11 AM, 01/13/12
"Does this car have a manual door lock defeat? You know if like the power dies while you are in the car or if you drive into a pond, etc..."
It does as to all modern Fords. When you pull the door handle it will unlock the door for the fronts. The rears have a protruding lock pin that you can easily pull up to unlock the doors.
milt721 says:
09:44 AM, 01/13/12
"It just makes since and way easier to use."
I'll assume you meant "sense." Using your logic I assume your residence has all the light switches at the farthest point from the doorway.
ryans93 says:
11:08 AM, 01/13/12
My Fiesta has the single button on the dash and it can be annoying but you get used to it. I would prefer the setup like the Explorer or how it was on my Outback with the forward and back toggle switch.
noautomatics says:
11:08 AM, 01/13/12
milt721: The light switch analogy doesn't apply because one can reach the door locks from the seat regardless of whether the lock button is on the door or center console. I like the lock/unlock button being on the center console on my BMW more than the one on the door in my wife's Acura. I can start the car and lock the door with the same hand and having the lock/unlock button near the hazard indicator seems like a better design.
milt721 says:
11:37 AM, 01/13/12
I like the lock/unlock button being on the door in any car. I can open the door and lock it with the same hand, and having the lock/unlock button near the handle that opens the door seems like a better design.
canddmeyer says:
09:09 AM, 01/14/12
The lock switch belongs on the door panel armrest. Although the switch is intended for the arm closest to the door, I couldn't easily get to the door panel switch unless I used my other arm.
bodyblue says:
09:08 AM, 01/15/12
canddmeyer...I am pretty sure this is a pic of the passenger door....one would not have to use their other arm to unlock it....