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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  V8 Lurching Transmission - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Stephen - April 5 - 1:14 pm

  Ive owned a lot of Fords and this is the worst. The V8 with the 6 speed transmission lurches from 1st to 2nd gear and again when slowing it feels like youve been rear ended. Ford has issued a lot of TSBs and none can fix the problem. Dealer wont or cant do anything for you, and Ford is playing the deaf ear. Mines been in the shop 6 times, had a Ford engineer confirm the problem, and they still wont buy the darn thing back. Im going the Lemon Law route to get them to take the lemon back. Too bad for Ford!

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  PoJ - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ghokester - April 4 - 3:16 pm

  This is a true Piece of Junk. Transmission went just after the warranty expired, 37K miles, cost over $3K to replace. Now it is starting to clunk again. Rear hatch cracked, which amazed me until I started noticing them all around town with the same crack. There is also a leak back there that lets water stream in regardless of the number of times Ive had it repaired. Now its the rear wheel bearings that are singing to me so they need to be replaced, which the repair shop told me is a big job (read that expensive). Bought a new one in the early 90s that I drove 200K miles with a lot less repairs. If I could sell this lemon I would but the word is out, its a PoJ. Need more space...

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  Not built like they used to be - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Irate Owner - April 4 - 11:34 am

  I own two Explorers. The 96 (used) I loved and subsequently bought used 04. So far on the 04 I have had to relace the hood (pitted and rusting) Tranmission problem corrected under recall Differential and air conditioning just after warranty expired even though the problems were showing before but problems could not be found? I will likely buy Honda or Toyota next purchase

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  no memory settings for drivers seat? - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By robbin - March 30 - 8:43 am

  overall,like the styling the most-most of these sized suvs look very similiar. i had a 2005 buick that had driver 1 and driver 2 memory settings-cmon Ford,by 2013 you shouldve caught up...jeesh,maybe on higher trim levels...other than that,ride is comfortable,road noise acceptable,touch screen annoying,no kids to use 3rd row-so dont care bout that-actually using/liking the mini trunk space under that row of seats,....and what is that little compartment on the side,all the way in the back for? Fuel economy is ok-about the same as other suvs i looked at (kia sorrento,ford edge,mazda cx-9,) quieter than hondas popular cr-v-more power too-but not as quiet as the acura mdx-but big difference in price..cant comment on reliability yet-havent had it long enough,but after all the explorers ford has built-hopefully they have it sorted out.

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  Love it so far - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Anonymous - March 29 - 2:48 pm

  Weve only had this a few weeks but I am completely in love with this vehicle. I had a Toyota Corolla before, and I hated being so low and vulnerable, and putting my daughter in the backseat was always a chore due to its low ground clearance. The Explorer handles amazingly well, and I really like that its equipped with stability control and has independent rear suspension. The running boards are a great feature, and I really like the leather. Some people had issues with it being poor quality, but our particular vehicle is already 3 years old, and the leather looks to be in great shape still with no cracking or tears. I love the third row seat, and I love how much space there is.

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  Ford Cant Fix It? (Sound From Rear End) - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By TexasBuyer - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle has 2800 miles now. At around 600 miles began awful whining noise from rear end at any speed over 30mph. Dealer states that "Ford is aware of the problem and trying to create a solution". Further, during conversation with the Regional Service Rep, it comes out that there are hundreds of complaints in his region for the same issue. Also, the vehicle averages 13mpg City and 14.5mpg Hwy. Isnt that a little low? Anyway, why doesnt the dealer make the buyer aware that there is a potentially irreparable problem with the Explorer? Because they simply cant stop selling one of the only three vehicles Ford builds that sells.

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  Great- But Drinks Gas! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Ashley - March 28 - 5:40 pm

  I love this car. Its great for a family of 4. Its very roomy, and has a large storage area in the back. Only 2 bad things is that it drinks gas and I wish I could lock my hatchback opener on the keyless entry pad. Sometimes going down the road, touch it and it flys open..

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  Very happy with 2014 Explorer - 2014 Ford Explorer
  By WestMich - March 27 - 11:38 am

  This 2014 Explorer Limited is my second in a row. Company cars. I have around 60k miles on her and she has been a workhorse at over 30k miles per year. When you drive this much and spend so much time in the car you learn what you like and do not like about a car quickly for everyday use. Pros: Comfy seating, heated seats in front and back, cooled front seats, HEATED STEERING WHEEL (not an option in any Subaru and many other winter-built cars which blows my mind), large capacity rear storage and very functional, push-button rear seat/storage configurations, adequate acceleration, adequate GPS. Great back-up camera and love the audio back-up notification if something is in the way. Confy ride on the road. Has given me no mechanical trouble since day 1, which may be my favorite thing about it. Cons: The infotainment system is a total fail--complicated interface, controls stink and voice recognition is infuriatingly horrible. Those designers need to be reassigned to shipping and receiving. Randomly freezes and re-boots. Second row of seats has poor leg room for an SUV this size. AWD system selection that adjusts torque/gear ratios based on selection is not my favorite. Had to get snow tires for decent snow traction, and ground clearance could be better--I have been stuck in 6-8 inches of snow. Nit-picky things: The front console storage is poorly designed in my opinion: just a huge cavity--how can this be practical? Anything that goes in on the bottom is necessarily inaccessible if you put anything else in there. Also, the storage under the touch screen is just as bad--had to access the USB ports and it is just a cavern where things are jumbled together.

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  Look elsewhere - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By spence - March 26 - 9:46 pm

  Clunks going into reverse, rear bangs when making sharp corners, front end shakes even with brand new premium tires, rotors warped making brakes pulsate, front end squeaks when going over bumps, rear gate low quality....rattles continually, engine feels disconnected from gas pedal, sliding moonroof cover falls off track, CDs get jammed in player every time, factory speakers are junk. I had a 96 Explorer for ten years. It was the best vehicle I ever owned. So I figured Id get another after the other was trouble- free for all those years. What a mistake. Stay clear of these vehicles.

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  Great Daily Driver - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By mshuler09 - March 26 - 7:57 pm

  Purchased from a family member who got it from a Ford dealer used. As an auto tech student Ive done some work to it. Since Ive had it, and the only problems Ive found with it are leaking valve covers, and the thermostat on it got stuck open. Pretty easy fixes, and nothing that will leave you stranded. Overall its a great car to drive everyday.