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:

• 

  DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Cindy - February 14 - 10:09 pm

  This vehicle has been nothing but a money pit $2700 transmission, $500+ tires $900+ roters/pads which rusted to something which drove the price drivers auto window switch replaced $$ now my hatch back CRACKED! Have you ever heard of a car cracking?? When I found out other 02 Ford owners experienced this, it just confirms what a piece of junk this car is. Did I mention it shakes when it runs about 20-30mph...cant wait to find out what that is! Oh, and the 16-17 miles per gallon is outstanding (yes, that is sarcasm)

• 

  explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By swolfe - February 14 - 10:00 am

  This has been an extremely reliable truck for us. We have had no major repairs needed at 130,000 miles and it is still running strong

• 

  Great truck, very solid - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By ryan r - February 13 - 5:49 pm

  I am a route salesman and I drive at least 28,000 miles a year.. I bought my Explorer in 2006 with 28k on it and just rolled over to 89k. The only problem I had was the back window stopped working but was fixed under warranty. I have driven through the Rockies in the snow, North Dakota, through mud, -30 temperatures and this Explorer has always got me home. Nealy 90k and perfect. My last Explorer in 98 gave me 260k. Just keep it serviced.

• 

  Lots of Repairs - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Chauncey Townsend - February 10 - 3:27 pm

  I loved my Explorer! Bought w/ 90k on it. Drove 1 year fixed brakes, transmission went out. Fixed it, brakes bad again. Got rid off after 1 year when Ford replacement transmission started slippping again. Great ride, awesome 4wd- just costly to own. Be wary of high mileage Explorers and brakes wear fast in hilly areas.

• 

  wasnt sure about Ford.............. - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Kevin9 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 2004 ford explorer and I wasnt to sure about fords because of all the bad P.R. on the explorer, but I am thrilled with it. It drives and handles excellent for a SUV I owned a rav 4 and a dodge durango and this is the best one by far.

• 

  Ford Explorer 2002 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By MargO - February 8 - 2:00 am

  My Explorer is a great family car. I have the third seat and its quite roomy I would recommend this car the only downfall is it is a gas guzzler (since Ive owned the truck gas prices have doubled). The other problem I have is the seat belts they dont fully retract all the time. I would highly recommend this car its wonderful in the snow and its very easy to drive.

• 

  The Best SUV in the market - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By ptyexplorer - February 6 - 11:05 am

  Enjoy the driving of the car. I drive long distance, it is comfortable, excellent acceleration, handling is great. Drives similar to my Mercedes Benz. Great improvement from the previous model. Dashboard is elegant, and instrument panel are easy to read. Great features, such as suede, heated seats, memory seats and on-board computer.

• 

  Dont buy Fords! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Tiffany - February 6 - 10:00 am

  You dont wanna know. Any repairs are very expensive.

• 

  Will never buy another Ford. - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By kgd102 - February 6 - 10:00 am

  My Ford Explorer is the biggest piece of crap on the road. I baby the thing too but it just has problems go wrong with it left and right. The Ford service is even worse than the Ford vehicle itself. For that Id rather walk than ever buy another Ford.

• 

  Satisfied - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By simsropp - February 6 - 10:00 am

  Love the 3rd row seats. They have come in handy.