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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  Dont buy this vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By debbie d - February 26 - 8:47 pm

  I bought this vehicle because the 1994 Explorer we had was a truly great vehicle, so we gave it to our son and upgraded to the 2002 XLT. Big mistake! This vehicle has been nothing but junk. If you have to make a hard stop, the transmission slips and then the vehicle stalls. We have had this problem since we have had it. Eventually I will get a ticket for not stopping on a yellow light, but I crowd the yellow so the vehicle doesnt die. The back air makes a terrible noise if you turn it on. Now the 4 wheel drive has stopped working. This vehicle only has 60,000 miles and I wish I could scrap it. I understand this model is notorious for transmission problems. Ford should do a recall!

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  Explorer XL - good SUV - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By jbgossett@cox.net - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Very good vehicle. No significant problems. It rides solid, but bumps are felt. Reliable and no rattles. Good power (V-6), no problems on hills. Good mileage on the road (20-25) and about 16 in town.

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  Great Car, great price! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Dave Donsbach - February 22 - 7:36 pm

  I looked at a lot of SUVs before I purchased the Explorer, and Im glad I picked the Explorer. Great ride, very quiet, good pickup, turns on a dime. Im 64" and have plenty of room. I cant say enough about the Explorer. The only negative is gas mileage around town at 14mpg, highway is ok at 21 if you keep it under 75.

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  Old-style power and reliability - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Polychrest - February 22 - 4:22 pm

  This iteration of the Explorer has been given a bad rap by the Consumer Reports mavens. Its a competent, comfortable, reliable ride with only one bad habit: it drinks too much. If you need serious hauling capacity, sweet highway manners, bad-weather & bad road capability, and arent averse to a little interior luxury, this ride deserves a look. Ive had it for almost a year, and its been a pleasure from day one. It laughs at winter (and weve had a bad one so far).

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  Reliable - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By stone - February 21 - 5:19 pm

  Wife bought new 94. Couple of minor recalls taken care of by Ford dealer. Wife neglected oil in 2000 for over a year, and became sludge- had to flush engine oil. But still runs fine. average 17mpg. get 19 hwy. Routine care otherwise. Inside passenger back door handle mechanisms abused by kids and wife replaced herself! Needs front wheel bearings replaced and repacked now but thats it. 140000 miles now.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By teen - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Being the daughter two hard-working, blue collar workers, this SUV was a big investment for our family. Luckily, it has been a great purchase. The only thing that kinda hurts is the poor gas mileage, but we have been doing okay on long trips. Being 17, I really appreciate the audio system. Moonroof was a great addition, it really adds something. I have 2 siblings and we vacation for long periods of time (3 weeks, all driving), and the third row seat was GOD SENT. Thanks Ford for giving my family a car that Im not embarassed to be seen in, (BLEH CONVERSION VAN!)

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  Decent Vehicle - Lousy Interior - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Thomas Judge - February 19 - 7:48 pm

  This was our 8th consecutive Ford vehicle, and will probably be our last. Overall, this SUV had the potential to be a great vehicle, but an awful interior design and numerous quality issues ruined it. The 4.0L engine and 5-speed trans are terrific. Body style, ride, handling, etc. all very good. Excellent for moderate towing - we towed a boat and dual snowmobile trailer. The interior is awful. Poor hiproom, inaccessible parking brake release, stupid/awkward door pulls. Experienced following failures: broken lumabar mechanism, 4wd motor failed, PB release failed, engine failed to start, shift lever locked in park. Ford botched an otherwise decent vehicle.

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  Change of Heart - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Mini Van Mom - February 18 - 7:33 pm

  I had been shopping around for my long awaited chance to trade our tired mini van. The 2006 Ford Explorer was too nice to pass up. Just after a few months, it has to go. Even with our NE Winters - it is just too much truck for me. I keep reading about the transmission - does that explain why is has rolled on my 3 times! When I park this big truck, it needs to stay in the same place. And yes, the mileage is the pits.

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  Reliability A+ - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By eric - February 18 - 4:22 pm

  This has been a great truck. I have 204,000 miles on it now with no major repairs needed. Ive replaced the ball joints, front wheel bearings and front u-joints once. Its a very relible truck. Wouldnt think twice to take on road trip.

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  98 Exprorer Sport - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By DaveP - February 15 - 2:25 pm

  Bought new, and have had no significant problems after 10 years and 90000 miles. Gas mileage averages 20 overall, with about 22 on the hwy. Very comfortable for long trips.