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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  Best One Yet - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Jeff B. - March 16 - 5:32 pm

  I have owned 3 Explorers, starting with 1991, 2000 and now 2008. What an evolution this vehicle has had. The 2008 is superb, build quality, ride, handling, amenities are all excellent. It has performed superbly in the snow. I really like the Sync product and after taking 2 years to decide what my next SUV would be I couldnt be happier. Yes, it could get better mileage, but again, for the money I could not find a better buy.

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  Completly Satisfied.... - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By pgkii - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Weve owned several Explorers in the past and have owned just about every model that Ford makes other than a Town Car and Ranger Truck...We love our Eddie Bauer SUV...Other than the gas mileage is not the best(knew that when purchased though:)) I like being able to go in the winter time on the snow and ice and it has a very comfortable ride. I feel very secure with my child in the back seat of this vehicle.

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  Sully 6 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Sully 6 - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I have never owned this vehicale so, I dont know alot about it, however my sister ownes a 2002-03 ford explorer sport two door and she loves hers so I dont think I did to bad even though they could of took into concideration about the gas milage.

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  Great Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By pdsccs - March 15 - 10:00 am

  Well I have only had my Explorer for 2+ weeks now. But I have had no problems with it at all. It works great I have about 1500 miles on it already. I have been getting about 20+ miles on the highway with it and about 18 in town.

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  Good Car - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By BK - March 13 - 1:45 am

  Fun to drive and not many problems until my flexplate broke, now Ive been through three in the last year, so I dunno what Ill have to do, but its a great vehicle, just has poor gas mileage and the acceleration on the highway isnt too great.

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  All around bad S.U.V. - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Jake - March 10 - 4:23 am

  I use this SUV at work and it just plain sucks. My car has more horsepower and it has been in the shop 3 times in little over a year. 1st issue was the tire sensor error would not clear. Next was the rear windshield wiper had a mind of its own. Then the CV joints went out ohh and even after 3 separate attempts by Ford the tire pressure error still wont go away.

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  Best SUV - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By uglyflamm - March 9 - 5:41 am

  I bought this SUV for the wife, she never gets to drive it. I love this thing. I drive the heck out of it, it already almost have 50,000 miles. We live in Germany everyone told me not to buy a Ford because the engines cant take it. I drive it over 100 mph almost everyday the engine has held on great have had no problems at all not even a leak the engine still looks like the day I picked it up at the port. I get an oil change almost every other month. The only issue is a speaker in the passenger side rear door blew a few months ago. Other than that everythings great! Plenty of room and comfortable. If the computer is right I get about 17.8 mpg.

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  Blinded by Beauty - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Jalen Jarrod - March 8 - 12:37 pm

  Not enough space to list my true feelings. Driver and passenger window motors fail. Driver and passenger rear wheel bearings fail about 6 months apart. CD player was the 1st thing to fail. Rear hatch was cracking. I thought that was a first until I came here. Transmission fails as it refused to shift into 3rd gear. Estimated repair cost was $1800-2200. Considered getting it fixed until I visited one of these sites. One person explained my troubles verbatim. He also continued to have problems after the repairs. Made a believer out of me as I traded the EB. I have owned Fords all of my adult life. When I trade my LS(great car by the way) I will never own another Ford. True story.

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  Ford needs to Wake up! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By DickandJane - March 7 - 9:37 pm

  This is the worst Ford I have ever owned. 27000 miles and numerous problems. The radiator is leaking and they will now have to replace it. The chrome grill is bubbling, and Ford dealer says its not covered on warranty. (HMMM! Defective part not covered) There was an obnoxious vibration (Rattle) in the steering wheel. The dealer said there was an advisory out on that. They must replace the lower steering rod. The other things I dislike: The gas mileage sucks. I should have kept my 2005 v8 4wd F150. My F150 got about the same MPG and had way more power than this hunk of crap. There is no heated mirrors! Every car has them now. No XM radio. Get with the times already. All in all dont buy a Ford

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  So Far, So Good - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By 1st Time Ford Buyer - March 6 - 10:00 am

  I had a Chevy TrailBlazer for 2-1/2 years and although it was a great truck, Im really enjoying my new Eddie Bauer. The ride is much smoother; the stereo is much better; and the features are fun!