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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  My 2003 Limited Exp - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ryne - January 28 - 8:51 pm

  I purchased a 2003 Limited Explorer in Feb of 2007. Ive put about 20000 miles on it so far and I am extremely happy with it. I travel a lot and carry a lot of stuff with me and it has plenty or room for everything. I get around 19-22 mpg on the highway using gas and around 15 running ethanol. As far as driving the vehicle, it handles good and rides good as well but if your looking for a fun ride this is not the SUV for you. The AWD limites any attempt get "crazy", although, I did take it off road once in the snow and easily did donuts in 4WD! Overall, i would reccomend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a nice, clean ride that looks and feels classy.

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  Think twice - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By MattPugs - January 28 - 10:00 am

  There has been a lot of mechanical issues with this vehicle. I have brought it to 3 different Ford dealerships, (as well as contacting Ford directly) and none of them will repair the vehicle. I was told by Ford in MI "I should of checked that feature when I bought it". I am currently considering filing under the Lemon Law. The vehicle is nice, but Ford doesnt back their product, and either does their dealerships. I dont recommend this vehicle.

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  Best suv for the bucks - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By G. James - January 28 - 10:00 am

  I did not purchase one but it is the second time that i rent,on a family vacation,and i will rent one on our next this summer .

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  Ford Explorer the best of the rest - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By LPlaskettsr - January 28 - 10:00 am

  One of the best vehicles Ford ever made

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  Great truck - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ryan - January 26 - 10:15 pm

  I love this truck I have never had a problem rides and runs smoothly the only problem I ever noticed with it was after fueling it takes about an hour to indicate that its full but whatever no big deal the only thing i had to take it in for was the a/c but they replaced the whole unit so it works great now. Great truck

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  Never another Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bill - January 26 - 9:56 pm

  This is my second Explorer with a bad transmission, the first one was a 1996. When I wanted to have the tranny fluid changed my Ford dealer told me it wasnt a serviceable item. Funny, the owners manual says to change fluid every 30K miles. Also, at 75K miles the back wheel bearing went bad. I also had to have the rear axle seals replaced at 60K miles since I was leaking axle fluid on my garage floor. Brakes wear quickly as well. Too many problems to consider this vehicle dependable and/or economical. Will not buy or recommend another.

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  New 2004 SUV Ford - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Ford 2004 SUV - January 23 - 6:53 pm

  We brought this new 2004 SUV Sport in white with trim, and let me tell you we are very satisfied. 4.0, 6 cyl. It retailed at $35,000 and walked off the dealership just paying $25,000. (We brought it on New Years Day of 2005) Seats 7. Not a lot of room in the back for groceries but you can get by. Our two toddlers sit in the 2nd row. Ford has put a lot of value into this SUV. We checked other SUVs and they were way too expensive. Ford safety record on this vehicle rated high according to the NHSTA. Not the greatest on gas, but with it being NEW the gas is going B+. The oil filter is easy to get to. I recommend you get it with the Leather seats. Leather seats are the best to buy. My wife loves it!

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  Dangerous Windshield Glare - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Ed Farmer - January 23 - 6:10 pm

  This is my third Explorer and is the worst due to really bad design. Chrome trim around the instrument panel produces so much glare in the windshield that it is both distracting and dangerous. Read the car reviews online and notice that all of them complain about the terrible glare problem. Ford was supposed to fix this safety problem but has done nothing. This trim is on all models so you can not avoid it. My recommendation is to not buy an Explorer until this major design flaw is fixed. The glare affects every minute of driving and becomes worst in cloudy/rainy situations.

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  Built Ford....Doh ! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MLR - January 23 - 1:26 am

  Varied intermittent problems pointing to poor quality. Radio turns on with no key in ignition. Rear defrost bars in middle of window dont work. Interior is cheap. Plastic around window controls separates from door. Leather is more like pleathor. Brakes/backing plates made with cheap metal. Rusts easily. 4 wheel drive in to be repaired. Replaced transmission at 44,000 miles. Car has had two recalls. blah blah blah blah blah. Maybe I got the only bad one.

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  Killer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Hazybeer - January 22 - 7:42 am

  I looked at everything out there, I mean everything including the much touted Tahoe. Nothing stacked up overall against the Explorer. Pilot was spartan and uncomfortable, 4Runner is behind on everything, Pathfinder LE was closest competitor but they are not discounted, Tahoe is just not there yet. Acadia/Outlook are close but do not offer the tow capacity I needed. So there you have it. It came down to the Explorer and I have no regrets.