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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  Improved Design and Ride - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bill Stauss - February 6 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have been driving our new 2002 Ford Explorer Ltd. for about 1 1/2 months now. We think it is a winner. The new design in which it rides lower and wider is safer and gives you more control and more of a big sedan like ride. We traded in a 1999 Explorer and have the earlier model to compare it to. We liked the older model, but the 2002 is much improved.

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  Ford Explorer 2003 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ballestero - February 5 - 8:23 pm

  I have this Ford XLT 4x4 since 2003 and never had to repair anything. I currently have 80,000 and all Ive changed is tires, spark plugs and serpentine belt, oil every 3,500 miles. I can not ask for anything better...great truck. I feel very safe when I have my family with me. I believe that some things happened because of driving style and care of any car. My only problem is a development of squeaky noise in the front end and Ive found what was, nothing of inportance, easy to fix. It is the lower control arm bushing that dries with the weather, WP40 did the job

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  Less good after 3 months - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By rollin59 - February 3 - 4:06 am

  Ive had my Explorer Eddie Bauer for 4 months. Great driving and great looking SUV but now I know why some call it the "Exploder". Lot of problems, taken care of at no cost to me under warranty (thank heavens for the extended warranty), but it doesnt give me a good impression of long term durability: Power seat track repair, cruise control switch, rear axle clutch pack replaced, complete rear differential and ring/pinion gear replaced (twice), leaking taillight (Ford refused to fix but dealer handled it.)

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  Perferct car - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By SOHCv6 - February 2 - 2:18 pm

  Very reliable, 5 speed automatic and low gears just perfect. Good gas mileage for the powerful truck. It does 16.5 in the city

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  Great Truck for ear plugs - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By craneman - February 2 - 2:00 am

  My 02 XLT 4x4 now has 23k on it after the third trip to the dealership the drivers seat belt still does not retract properly and ends up closed in the door most of the time, This SUV has the 3:71 ratio..from 50-59 mph it screams.Been looked at and "fixed" twice and I was told by dealership that Ford is now trying to address the problem..hmm I guess Ford didnt manufacture cars with rear differentials until 02. I have been a faithful Ford customer for over 30 years..now I have come to see why others are buying imports..one word QUALITY..Ford just dosent have it.

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  Best truck Ive ever owned - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By blasterrat - February 2 - 1:48 am

  A great auto. Good gas mi.16/21, lots of cargo room, good design. Parts are expensive. Never been stuck and I do a lot of off roading. I would definetly buy another if I could afford, new price is ridiculous. Overall i am really impressed by this truck.

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  1992 Ford is been a good work house - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By John - January 31 - 7:54 am

  I am the a owner of a 1992 Ford Explorer and have found that the fuel effeciy of the vehicle is very well. I on average get 18-20 around town and have got 26 mpg on the highway but this was using cruise. The truck performance around the farm as been great. It has not gotten stock.The body looks brand new and the truck has nver left me somewere. The truck has 122,000 miles and still get better mph then my new Ford

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Brad - January 30 - 9:19 pm

  Bought my Explorer with 20K miles on it. This is/was my second Explorer. All vehicles were 4X4. My first Explorer had in excess of 117K miles on it. Both Explorers had the 6cly in it. I towed a travler trailer through the mountains of New England and had plenty of power. I also towed a 22 ft boat. I have not towed with my second explorer. Ive driven it from Canada to Fl. forging rivers, hunting, fishing, snow, rain, family vacations, Boy Scouts and have few issues with its performace. 161,000 miles on my current Explorer and it may be time to replace it due to transmission trouble. With that many miles who could complain? Only two questions? Another Explorer or an F150?

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  What a great vehicle! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Great Vehicle - January 30 - 9:45 am

  I have owned many automobiles over the years and this one is by far the most reliable. It now has about 170,000 miles on it and has never needed anything outside of the typical routine maintenance schedule. The 4.0L is not the greatest on gas (although I have seen as high as 19-20 MPG on long trips) it shows no signs of tiring anytime soon. Still has the original exhaust sytem! Amazing. While the vehicle has just started to rust a bit, I cannot let go yet to buy a new vehicle. It is nearly worthless on the books as a trade. I will probably drive this until the body falls off! Sure home my next purchase treats me as well. Great job Ford!

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  Versatile family vehicle - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By PT - January 29 - 12:00 pm

  Bought a 1 year old rental through a dealer - $20K less than new price. Alternatives considered were mini-vans (domestic and Japanese), other mid size Japanese SUVs. Though reputation was strong for Toyota, I found Highlander was very cheap feeling and felt I was doing better here. After 4 months with the vehicle, I am very happy with it. No problems, good fuel economy (highway) though nasty when driving only short distances in town with a cold engine. Traction and control in Canadian winter is amazing, easily able to take logging roads that left other vehicles stranded - with barely a reaction from the traction control system.