Explorer Owners Sue Ford, Bridgestone

Drivers of Ford Motor Corp.’s Explorer sued the auto maker and Bridgestone/Firestone Inc., claiming their vehicles have lost resale value because of rollover problems, attorneys said. In the suit filed in federal court in Orlando, Fla., the drivers say the resale price of their Explorers has dropped more than $1,800 since investigations into the vehicles’ tendency to roll were publicized, attorney Theodore Leopold said. Leopold didn’t provide the average resale value of an Explorer before the rollover controversy. “As a result of Ford and Bridgestone/Firestone’s fraudulent and deceptive scheme, millions of Americans now own or lease Explorers that are sinking in value,” Leopold said. The suit, which seeks class-action status to represent all former and current Ford Explorer owners, presses claims under federal racketeering statutes and requests treble damages. Ford has not yet received a copy of the complaint, said company spokeswoman Susan Krusel. Krusel said federal statistics show the Explorer is involved in 17% fewer fatal accidents than the average sport-utility vehicle. Representatives from Bridgestone/Firestone couldn’t be reached for comment.