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:

• 

  I love my explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ali - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I got my explorer in May of 2002, I had a 1991 explorer, and the difference was amazing. It rides like a car, it is so smooth on both the highway and trips to the grocery store. I am so happy with it, I never want to get a different car!

• 

  A real sleeper value - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Ox - January 18 - 8:52 am

  Coming from 3 consecutive MB GLs friends think I am crazy until they see and drive and only 55k without discount yet. Unlike A GL this sob goes when you touch the throttle, seats are better, handling better, controls better but doors dont clunk like a Benz. Small price to pay and cost of ownership is half. Get the dealer to give you a platinum to drive overnight

• 

  Got my Moneys Worth - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By mispinla - January 17 - 9:29 pm

  I bought my Ford in 2002 and have literally driven it high and low and everywhere in between. It has 155,000 miles on it and Ive never been stranded on the side of the road, had to rent a car due to service/or repairs, nor had to repaint or wax my car. Im sure it could use a good detail and wax job now, but Ive gone as long as two months w/o washing it! Sure it drinks gas, its a truck! Its also very comforatble and roomy. The only real complaint I have is Ive had to replace the driver side and passenger rear door handles and the center console broke one day when my 200lb+ friend leaned a little too much on it as she climbed in, and sometimes wierd stuff happens w/ the electricity

• 

  AMERICAN - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By CHARLIE2323 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  YOU CAN TELL WHEN YOU DRIVE THIS CAR IT WAS MADE AND DESINGED IN AMERICA. YOUR TYPICAL AMERICAN MADE CAR, WE MAKE THEM REALLY NICE BUT AS THEY SAY ITS WHATS ON THE INSIDE THAT COUNTS. IM SO UNHAPPY WITH THIS CAR ITS BEEN IN THE SHOP TWO TIMES IN FOUR MONTHS. I SHOUDA, WODA, BOUGHT A HONDA OR TOYOTA I WANTED TO BE PRO AMERICAN BIG MISTAKE.

• 

  Steves X - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By v146 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Its quite possibly the smoothest vehicle that I have ever driven. While Ford usually uses smaller engines 4.6L its faster than other vehicles with larger engines.Leather seats, Audio system is an in dash 6 CD Changer, 290 watts going to 7 premium speakers. and two 12 inch subwoofers rated at 900 watts max each, thats a total of over 2000 watt potential. the sony class D amplifier delivers that earthshaking power in style.

• 

  Feels Unsafe - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Josh - January 13 - 11:47 am

  Our father bought his second Explorer from my grandfather in 2005. It can get you from point A to point B, but with mediocre comfort. We use this for towing tools on a small trailer, which works great. Our car never came with the fog lights hooked up and we havent since set them up. The dash is confusing and looks cheap, not to mention it is full of gaps. We have a CD Changer, which we dont use, the CD/Cassette/Radio/Phone set up is cool. The vehicle is fully loaded. The compass/thermometer in the overhead console is nice, but is off on the temp. Sitting in the front seems like your going to fly forward and hit your head, which I nearly did last night. Overall, this seems like a tow-truck

• 

  One long time owner - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By TS - January 12 - 9:36 am

  Ive owned my Explorer for almost 12 years now, since new. It has nearly 150,000 miles on it. Its been very reliable, requiring less than the normal amount of maintenance of other vehicles Ive owned. Its now my extra third vehicle, and I use it often for truck like duties such as trailer hauling and moving my daughter to and from college. If and when I need a new SUV, itll be another Explorer, a true truck SUV.

• 

  I Love this SUV!!! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Jill in Va Beach - January 12 - 2:40 am

  If I won the lottery tomorrow, I would still keep this SUV. It is wonderful, very reliable, very sporty, and able to haul whatever I need. Fuel economy is a little less than average, but the Explorer makes up for that in several other positives. Someone that is very tall or has a family, would probably not be comfortable in the 2 dr. sport model.

• 

  Great SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Bordon - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Looking for bang for the buck? This SUV has got it. Better Performance than an MDX and more versitile than a BMW and you save 10 to 15 grand.

• 

  Reliable and Comfortable - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By David - January 7 - 8:42 am

  Bought used w/20,000 and am now up to 170,000 - no major problems. Replaced the ball joints was the biggest cost item. The Explorer has always started and is great in the snow, 4WD is superb and easy to operate. Had a Jeep Cherokee, which also was great in 4WD, but the Explorer is much more comfortable and roomy. Visibility is also very good. Worth a lot more than its valued at, not sure why it gets any low ratings (because Its American I think).