Used Ford Explorer Owners in CT, CA, IL and TX – Take Note

2000 Ford Explorer
Photo © Ford Motor Co.

While flipping through my Newsweek magazine today, I spotted an advertisement about a class action suit settlement between Ford and residents of Connecticut, California, Illinois and Texas involving 1991-2001 model year Explorers. (As a used car writer and award-winning legal reporter, this kind of stuff catches my eye.)

The suit was filed on behalf of about 800,000 Ford Explorer owners whose vehicles declined in value because of the perceived rollover danger of the SUV. According to an Associated Press report, the lawsuits involved roughly 450,000 Explorers in California, 350,000 in Texas, 150,000 in Illinois and 50,000 in Connecticut, plaintiffs' attorneys said. (Some owners had more than one Explorer if you’re wondering about the math.)

Basically, if you owned or leased a new or used 1991-2001 model year Explorer and lived in those states during defined periods of time that vary by state you’re entitled to a $500 certificate toward the purchase or lease of a new Explorer or $300 toward the purchase or lease of any other new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle.

Could be a good time to downsize from that fuel-guzzling Explorer parked in your driveway for a new Escape Hybrid or even a small car like the Ford Fusion. Granted, the payout is not going to make a huge dent in the price, but $300 is nothing to sneeze at. Find out more details about the settlement at www.ExplorerClaims.com but act quickly. The deadline is April 3, 2008.