Overview & Reviews
The Ford Explorer is widely regarded as the catalyst that started America's love affair with the SUV back in the early 1990s. Certainly there were SUVs before the Explorer, but they were mostly utilitarian in nature. The Explorer was the first go-to SUV for the Everyman. Throughout its life, the Ford Explorer has delivered versatility, a reasonable amount of comfort, affordability and, perhaps most importantly, more style than a station wagon or minivan. New or used, the justifiably popular Explorer should be part of any serious SUV search.
Current Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a large three-row SUV that can accommodate up to seven passengers. There are four trim levels: base, XLT, Limited and Sport.
Though even the base version comes well-equipped, moving up the list provides luxuries such as leather seating, the Sync voice command system, a rearview camera, keyless ignition/entry and upgraded audio systems. In addition to its potent engine, the Sport trim features a sport-tuned suspension as well as unique interior/exterior trim details. Optional highlights (depending on trim level) include a navigation system, a rear-seat entertainment system, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel and even an automatic parallel-parking system. Stability control and a multitude of airbags are standard, with blind spot and collision warning systems available on upper trims.
A 3.5-liter 290-horsepower V6 is standard on all but the Sport trim, which comes with a turbocharged version good for 365 hp. Optional on all but the Sport is a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter, 240-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. All engines are hooked up to a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard on all but the Sport, which has all-wheel drive standard. The latter is optional for all other Explorers equipped with the 290-hp V6.
In reviews, we've found the Ford Explorer to be one of the best choices for a family-oriented SUV. It drives well, gets good fuel economy for its class and still retains the versatility that made people like SUVs in the first place. Fitted with most of its optional high-tech features, the Explorer is also one of the most advanced SUVs available, luxury brand or not. The Explorer's most notable downside is that it doesn't provide as much third-row and cargo space as some rival large crossover SUVs, and its MyFord Touch electronics interface can be finicky to use.
Used Ford Explorer Models
The current-generation Explorer bowed for 2011. Among the big changes was a switch from body-on-frame to unibody architecture for more carlike driving dynamics and improved space efficiency. Changes have been minimal since; the turbocharged four-cylinder engine wasn't offered until 2012, while the powerful Sport trim didn't debut until the following year.
The third-generation Explorer ran from 2002-'10. A longer wheelbase and an independent rear suspension allowed room for a fairly accommodating third-row seat while also improving ride and handling performance. A 210-hp V6 was joined by a new 4.6-liter 239-hp V8, and both were matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. Initial trim levels included the XLS, XLT and more upscale Limited and Eddie Bauer.
For 2003, a few new trim levels debuted, including XLS Sport and the NBX (no boundaries experience -- we're not making that up). The latter came with all-terrain tires, special trim and a Yakima roof rack. An off-road package became available as well, complete with a beefed-up suspension and skid plates. The following year, equipment levels were shuffled, stability control was made available on most trims (previously it could only be had on V8 models) and Limited and Eddie Bauer models got a quad bucket seating option. The stability control system was upgraded with roll stability control for 2005.
For 2006, a substantial update took place that included revised styling inside and out, an improved frame, enhanced safety systems and a more powerful V8. The latter made 292 hp (up from the previous 239 hp) though the 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 continued unchanged. The V8 came paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission. Safety equipment was upgraded, too, as front-seat side airbags and stability control were made standard on all Explorers. More recent Explorers benefited from the arrival of the voice-activated Sync music/phone interface (2008) and a revised navigation system (2009).
In general we liked this Explorer and found value in the excellent ride and handling characteristics, comfortable and roomy cabin and, on V8 models, strong power and high towing capacity. Though later outclassed by newer crossover SUVs in terms of comfort and design, this Explorer is a solid pick, particularly if you plan to use a V8 model for towing.
Model years 1995-2001 represent the second generation Explorer. Though neither as refined nor as powerful as the generation that followed, this group is still a respectable choice for an SUV. For most of this generation's run, three engines were available: a standard 160-hp V6, an optional 210-hp V6 ('97 and later) and a 210-hp 5.0-liter V8. The familiar XL, XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited were the available trims, and there was a two-door Explorer known as the Sport. Editorial reviews of the time noted that the Explorer had a comfortable cabin and decent utility but fared poorly in terms of road handling and off-road ability.
The original Ford Explorer debuted in 1990 as a 1991 model, and it replaced the Bronco II in Ford's lineup. It achieved instant success in a market that it ultimately defined, if not created. Based on the Ford Ranger pickup, the original Explorer had the winning combination of size, style and utility that people wanted in an SUV. It came as the volume-selling four-door or a less popular two-door. Initially, just XLS and XLT trim levels were available. In 1992, an Eddie Bauer edition joined the lineup, and a Limited model followed shortly thereafter. For power, these Explorers had a 155-hp V6. Output went up slightly to 160 hp in 1993; this was also the year Ford made antilock brakes standard equipment.
User Reviews:
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An Almost Luxury SUV - 2006 Ford Explorer
By SneakyE - May 18 - 8:03 pmI have owned my 2006 Explorer for 2 months now. I was impressed from the first time I drove the car. I was amazed that a body on frame "truck" could be so quiet, smooth and effortless to drive. This rides better and is quieter that the Lexus SUVs I have tried. Yet there is plenty of power with a nice growl from the V8 when needed. I have had seven adults fit comfortable in it. Even the 6 foot guy in the 3rd row said it was surprisingly roomy. I was aware of the unusual door pulls before I looked at the car and despite my concerns I dont even notice them now. I have had no problems with the fit, finish and quality of the construction so far. This is by far the best SUV I have owned.
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Best ever - 2007 Ford Explorer
By MGS 79 - May 16 - 7:35 pmThis Explorer rocks! The most stable and quite vehicle that I have ever owned. I have the 4.6L V8 which has been at 19 mpg city/hwy combined. The only thing that I dont like is the 6 spd tranny. It makes the V8 lag. Should of put the 5 spd that comes with V6. Good quality interior parts. Smooth looking exterior for a truck. Explorer has 13K miles with no problems so far.
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I Love my Explorer - 1991 Ford Explorer
By spotsrc2 - May 16 - 9:23 amI bought my Explorer from a friend to have a vehicle to use for hauling, camping, etc. I now drive it all the time, I am almost at the 250k and this thing is still going strong, I did have a radiator leak, and had to replace the condenser, but I will drive this thing forever. I am a woman that likes new stuff, but I will cry when I have to give this one up.
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Good Car - 2002 Ford Explorer
By AJackson - May 14 - 4:30 pmI bought my Explorer on a lease return at 30,000 mi. Car has been great so far at 93,000 with no problems even with out reg. oil changes. Ford recalled the cracked liftgate. I would buy again.
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Love my Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
By love my truck - May 14 - 3:33 pmI love driving my new 2005 Explorer. Already owning a 2002 Explorer, I was sold on the new advance-trac system on new 2005 Explorer. The driving is more positive and the ride much smoother. I also upgraded to a third row seat and factory installed DVD player. Ford Explorers just keep getting better!
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Same old Ford product - 2003 Ford Explorer
By pjg69ny - May 11 - 12:47 pmI owned a 1996 explorer and it was a gas guzzling rattlebox with inferior quality built into almost every aspect of its existence. I figured the newer models would fair better so I bought a 2003 xlt used with 40k. I now have 52k on it and it rattles just like the 1996 with no visible inprovement, the interior materials are inferior and show wear prematurely. The seats are not very compfortable. This truck sucks down gas if I drive very slow and 55 mph I get 15 mpg, if I drive normally its about 11 or 12. The 2003 seems more reliable mechanically but I am afraid as I surpass 52k. Overall I would not feel good about buying another for product. It also has a very poor resale value.
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You must buy warranty - 2003 Ford Explorer
By William Evers - May 10 - 10:00 amI had this car for about one year. It occured four times that I cannot start the car. I have to have the car towed to the dealership twice for reparing. First time, I called AAA to jump start the car. Second time, I have it towed to the sealership. It started when it got there, so they couldnt find anyting. Third time, the dealership found it caused by the bad starter and a short wire. Forth time, we saw smoke when we were driving. The dealer had to replace the whole cooling syste. I suggest that you should consider the extended warranty if you want to buy an Explorer.
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The wifes choice - 2004 Ford Explorer
By mike m - May 10 - 10:00 amA very comfortable vehicle,good on or off road,great on long trips,and pulls our boat or camper with ease. The interior is very user friendly. Plenty of power in tight situations. I would recommend the Explorer XLT with complete confidence
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The best vehicle I have ever owned! - 1991 Ford Explorer
By Chuck Truck - May 10 - 12:07 amMy Ford Explorer is incredible! I have owned it for ten years now! It is a wonderful vehicle. As legend has it "Chuck" was one of the first manual transmission Ford Explorers to come off the assembly line back in June of 1990. The previous owner, a good friend of the family, heard from the dealer that this Explorers manual transmission was hand built. And talk about craftsmanship! With over 200,000 km on him (he was purchased in Canada) he is still on his original clutch! Amazing! Even more amazing considering I learned to drive a stick shift using him! He can haul cartons, kids, groceries and everything in between. And so easy for a do-it- yourselfer to repair!
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Buy a Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Jackie Grover - May 9 - 11:28 amI love this vehicle!!! Have had it for 9 years and I love, love, love this car!!!! I treat it well and it has treated me well for all these years. Ford Explorer is no. 1 in my book. A must buy again, if I could ever part with this one.
