Target Area: Cortland, NY & Cortland County • Dealership Group: Matthews Auto (Since 1973) • Reading Time: 4 Minutes
Rhamses Gonzalez, Sales Consultant at Matthews Auto

Rhamses Gonzalez

Sales Consultant, Matthews Auto

Email Rhamses Directly

Finding the Right Used Ford Explorer Near Cortland, NY

Hello neighbor! My name is Rhamses Gonzalez. If you spend time navigating the steep inclines of Route 13, taking Route 281 past SUNY Cortland, or commuting down Interstate 81 during sudden lake-effect snow squalls, you already understand how crucial a sure-footed three-row SUV is.

When my Cortland-area customers ask me for maximum reliability without paying brand-new SUV showroom prices, I consistently guide them to the 2018 and 2019 Ford Explorer. These two model years represent the absolute value sweet spot of the fifth-generation build. Because Ford spent nearly a full decade refining this architecture, the early electrical and mechanical quirks were fully eliminated by 2018. The result is a rock-solid, spacious family vehicle that handles Central New York winters with total poise.

7 DaysFree Vehicle Exchange
Intelligent 4WDTerrain Management System
3.5L V6Naturally Aspirated Durability
100% UpfrontTransparent Online & Lot Pricing

Why 2018 to 2019 Ford Explorers Excel on Cortland Roads

Engineered for all-season durability, winter convenience, and real family practicality.

Proven 3.5L Naturally Aspirated V6

Cortland drivers appreciate simple, heavy-duty mechanical engineering. The 2018 and 2019 Explorer features the mature 3.5L Cyclone V6. Our local Upstate New York technicians frequently recommend this naturally aspirated motor because it avoids the high-heat, high-pressure stress of complex turbos, offering outstanding longevity and straightforward maintenance over hundreds of thousands of miles.

Freeze-Resistant SYNC 3 Tech

On freezing Cortland mornings when the thermometer plummets into the single digits, older infotainment touchscreens can lag or freeze completely. The 2018 and 2019 Explorers come factory-equipped with Ford’s upgraded SYNC 3 system featuring capacitive touch and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, responding quickly from the moment you turn the key.

Intelligent 4WD & Snow Mode

Whether climbing steep hills toward Homer or heading south through Marathon in a winter snowstorm, the Explorer Terrain Management dial lets you select dedicated Snow, Sand, or Mud modes. The system constantly monitors wheel slippage and redistributes torque before wheels can spin, giving you steady confidence on unplowed roads and slushy highway ruts.

Three Rows of True Cabin Versatility

With comfortable seating for up to seven passengers and up to 81.7 cubic feet of available cargo space when seats are folded flat, the Explorer easily handles sports gear for Yaman Park games, grocery runs, weekend camping supplies, and daily carpools across Cortland County without anyone feeling crowded.

7-Day Free Vehicle Exchange

“If you don’t love your vehicle, you can exchange it within 7 days for free!” That is the heart of the Matthews 777 Guarantee. Buying a pre-owned vehicle should feel completely reassuring. Take a full week to drive your Ford Explorer on your typical Cortland commute, park it in your garage, and make sure your family loves every single detail.

Learn More About the Matthews 777 Guarantee

Why Cortland Drivers Choose Matthews Auto

  • Matthews Upfront Pricing: Every price is clearly posted online and on the lot 24 hours a day. Unlike other car dealerships, we never ask for your personal phone number or email address just to see what a vehicle costs.
  • No-Pressure Sales Experience: Our team acts as your knowledgeable local neighbors. Our only goal is to listen to what you need, explain vehicle options clearly, and let you make the decision that fits your household best.
  • Matthews Rewards Plus: Earn up to 25% (up to $5,000) towards your next vehicle purchase, just by servicing your vehicle at any Matthews Auto location.
  • FreshStart Financing: Our dedicated credit specialists work closely with regional credit unions and trusted national lenders to build tailored payment solutions for drivers across every credit situation.
  • Matthews 777 Guarantee: Enjoy our 7-Day Free Vehicle Exchange along with pre-owned inspection protection on every qualifying used vehicle.
  • Used Vehicles Under $20,000: Need reliable transportation that fits a strict budget? Explore our wide, rotating selection of affordable, thoroughly inspected inventory.

Quick Driving Directions from Cortland, NY

Getting to our main Matthews Auto campus from Cortland is an easy 45 to 50-minute drive down the Interstate 81 corridor:

1. From downtown Cortland or Route 281, merge onto Interstate 81 South.
2. Follow I-81 South through Marathon and Whitney Point toward Binghamton.
3. Merge onto NY-17 West / Future I-86 West toward Vestal/Elmira.
4. Take Exit 70S onto NY-201 South toward Vestal, then take the Vestal Road exit.
5. Arrive at our main campus at 3721 Vestal Road, Vestal, NY 13850.

Prefer to map your drive ahead of time? View our Google Business Profile Directions.

Ready to Test Drive a Used Ford Explorer?

Take a look through our current inventory, message me directly with your wish list, or stop by our showroom whenever you are ready. I am glad to answer questions and walk you through every feature.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cortland Car Shoppers

Why are 2018 and 2019 Ford Explorers considered the best value for Cortland drivers?

The 2018 and 2019 model years mark the final, perfected phase of Ford’s fifth-generation platform. Early generation electrical and mechanical bugs were resolved, and these years feature the proven, naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine alongside freeze-resistant SYNC 3 software.

How does the Ford Explorer handle winter driving along Interstate 81 and Route 13 in Cortland County?

Equipped with Ford’s Intelligent 4WD and Terrain Management System, the Explorer allows drivers to turn a dial to Snow mode, optimizing traction, throttle response, and stability control for slick hills, unplowed back roads, and lake-effect highway conditions.

Can I exchange my used Ford Explorer if it does not fit my garage or family needs in Cortland?

Yes. Every qualifying pre-owned vehicle at Matthews Auto comes backed by the Matthews 777 Guarantee. It includes our 7-Day Free Vehicle Exchange: If you don’t love your vehicle, you can exchange it within 7 days for free!

Pre-Owned Inventory Disclaimer: All pre-owned vehicle prices and specifications are subject to prior sale and availability. Vehicle prices clearly reflect Matthews Upfront Pricing and exclude state sales taxes, vehicle title, licensing, registration fees, and dealer processing fees. While we make every attempt to verify equipment accuracy, features and mileage must be confirmed upon vehicle inspection. Fuel economy estimates are based on original EPA estimates when new. The 7-Day Free Vehicle Exchange is valid within seven calendar days of purchase, up to 300 additional miles from delivery; vehicle must be returned in identical condition. For complete eligibility terms and program details, visit our showroom or contact Matthews Auto.