As detail photos of the upcoming 2011 Ford Explorer continue to trickle out, and as Ford announced updates for the 2011 Edge, we had to wonder: Will Ford soon have too many similar SUVs in its lineup to suit potential buyers?

No, it’s not as if this is the first time Ford has offered a menu of SUVs. The current Explorer and Expedition truck-based SUVs represent the latest versions of the vehicles that helped define the segment in the 1990s. Although the giant Excursion and wagon-esque Freestyle/Taurus X are no longer part of the lineup, the giant from Dearborn isn’t lacking in SUV offerings.

But how different are the unibody SUVs, really? Would a buyer interested in the square-bodied Flex be interested in the performance of the new 3.7-liter Mustang V-6 installed in the Edge Sport? Is the Explorer ad campaign intriguing enough to steer buyers from the Flex, its mechanically similar cousin? (Or are you going to wait for your 2011 Fiesta to arrive?)

Today’s Snap Judgment:
Which would you choose: the Ford Edge, Explorer, or Flex?

Let us know what you think in the comments section.

So long as the world keeps spinning, automakers will continue to issue recalls to address issues in new vehicles. This week’s batch includes the new 2010 Ford Transit Connect van, and a number of Dodge and Jeep trucks.

2010 Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty, Wrangler, Ram 1500

The Problem: Owners of the vehicles listed above may experience a significant reduction in braking performance. According to Chrysler, the symptom is caused by an improperly formed brake tube which runs from the master cylinder to the hydraulic control unit. The tube assembly could potentially leak fluid, decreasing braking performance and increasing the possibility of a collision.

The Fix:  Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep Dealers will replace the faulty tubes free of charge. Owners should receive recall notifications by early August — by that time, dealers nationwide should have the parts in-stock to perform the repair

Number of vehicles potentially affected: 22,739 vehicles globally, including 87 right-hand-drive Wranglers.

2010 Ford Transit Connect

The Problem: According to Ford, the pushpins used to secure the headliner to the Transit Connect’s headliner to the B-pillar are too stiff, and don’t meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. In fact, the pins don’t absorb enough energy in a collision, and can simply pop out, possibly causing the headliner to fall on occupants.

The Fix: Dealers will replace the B-pillar pins free of charge. Dealers were notified last week of the service campaign, but owners should expect to receive notice of the recall beginning next week.

Number of vehicles potentially affected: 33,728 vehicles in the U.S. and federalized territories.

So long as the world keeps spinning, automakers will continue to issue recalls to address issues in new vehicles. This week’s batch includes the new 2010 Ford Transit Connect van, and a number of Dodge and Jeep trucks.

2010 Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty, Wrangler, Ram 1500

The Problem: Owners of the vehicles listed above may experience a significant reduction in braking performance. According to Chrysler, the symptom is caused by an improperly formed brake tube that runs from the master cylinder to the hydraulic control unit. The tube assembly could potentially leak fluid, decreasing braking performance and increasing the possibility of a collision.

The Fix:  Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep Dealers will replace the faulty tubes free of charge. Owners should receive recall notifications by early August, and by that time, dealers nationwide should have the parts in-stock to perform the repair

Number of vehicles potentially affected: 22,739 vehicles globally, including 87 right-hand-drive Wranglers.

2010 Ford Transit Connect

The Problem: According to Ford, the pushpins used to secure the headliner to the Transit Connect’s headliner to the B-pillar are too stiff, and don’t meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. In fact, the pins don’t absorb enough energy in a collision, and can simply pop out, possibly causing the headliner to fall on occupants.

The Fix: Dealers will replace the B-pillar pins free of charge. Dealers were notified last week of the service campaign, but owners should expect to receive notice of the recall beginning next week.

Number of vehicles potentially affected: 33,728 vehicles in the U.S. and federalized territories.