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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  SERIOUSLY? - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Johnny H - January 3 - 7:32 pm

  I purchased a 2016 XLT in white platinum with dune leather, moonroof, 20" polished wheels. The dealer said it had every available XLT option other than 4WD. MSRP was around $42,500. I test drove the car during the day and then purchased it at night a couple days later just as the dealership was closing. As I drove off the lot, I realized the car was very dark inside. The ceiling is black, the interior lighting is minimal and the visibility is poor. I have a 2014 Expedition and it has much better visibility and is easier to manuveur than this Explorer (I noticed Car and Driver expressed similar complaints about the Explorer in its review of the 2016 model). The Expedition also has beige colored ceiling, which makes a huge difference, as well as a lot more interior lights. Why would Ford put black panels and ceiling inside a car with tan leather? Speaking of the leather, its very cheap, and instead of making it uniform in color, the fronts of the seats are tan and the back are black. The door panels are also primarily black, giving the interior a very cheap look. It gets worse. When I got home, I realized it did not have a universal garage door opener, and when i called the dealership about this, they advised me that one could not be added. $43K and no universal garage door opener? Give me a break. It never even crossed my mind to check if it had one because every car i have owned since 1996 has had one. The stereo is also a joke for a $43K car; it sounds like a one-speaker radio. In summary, the Ford Explorer XLT, even when loaded with all available options, is bare bones and clunky and I could never recommend it to anyone. Come on, Ford!

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  Love My Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Alex - January 1 - 9:46 pm

  I totaled my 2002 Chevy Blazer in December 2006 and that was the best acccident because I found my Explorer. This is car is the best and I couldnt ask for anything more. It is reliable, no major problems. Get the oil changed every 3 months and Im all set. I feel bad for everyone that had a bad experience because this is really an excellent machine.

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  All About Betsy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Cyndi Wallace - December 31 - 1:46 pm

  I went from a sports car to an SUV. This is the first one Ive owned and I love it. Tons of room for kids and pets, great exterior styling, decent performance, and great reliability are reasons why this truck has won my heart. If youre looking for an SUV that will meet all your needs and make you feel good driving down the road, then this is the SUV for you!!!

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  Rented car for a week - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Mike H - December 25 - 7:16 am

  So, i got this 2017 model while my original SUV was getting fixed after a tree branch fell on it. Pros: sync 3 is like an iphone and very responsive, good headlights, upgraded brakes as part of limited upgraded worked well, good grip on road though i drove in dry conditions. Cons: the interior surfaces scratched easily but perhaps thst is due to soft plastics?, the upper dash is soft but where you right leg hits dash is hard which is bad for a tall guy, acceleration with the base eco boost is bad especially for freeway merge, fuel economy at best was 16.5 mpg which is well below EPA, parking brake hits your left foot. Seriously ford, you couldnt put in an electronic parking brake as you hate hand brakes?

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  Initial Review - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By jepearson - December 25 - 2:00 am

  So far, I am pleased.

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  Happy with the Eddie Bauer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ExplorerMom - December 22 - 10:48 am

  193,000 miles so I am not complaining! Second Explorer and the first got this same type of miles - just change your oil regularly. Some problems with the rear hatch - glass struts were recalled. Hatch cracked and was replaced at my cost although every other explorer Ive seen out there has this same kind of cracking. Very comfortable car and got decent mileage - 16-18 on average.

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  Awesome - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By josh - December 20 - 7:06 pm

  Great truck. Awesome 4 wheel drive system. Amazing in snow. Not what I expected at all. Best car I ever owned. Love it. Used to hate Ford until this

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  Brand new car, still no peace of mind - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Michael P. - December 20 - 5:11 pm

  My second Ford Explorer. We leased a 2014 now we have a 2016. We loved them....up to the point where my wife and 4 year old daughter almost had a horrible accident in traffic during 4th of July. Where to begin...Like most of you, my vehicle, a Ford Explorer exhibited similar issues. Whats different is that my truck is a 2016 with roughly 7400 miles on it. My wife and 4 year are in 4th of July traffic in the Washington DC area on the inside lane. Her exit is coming. So shes about to change lanes when all of a sudden..she has no power to the gas pedal. A wrench light comes on and shes freaking out because traffic was heavy. Several cars narrowly avoid rear ending her. Thankfully she makes it to the shoulder of the road unharmed. Fast forward to today...we finally get our truck back after almost a week. Everyone in the service department nonchalantly brushes aside the fact that lives could have been lost. Now, I have to figure out what to do because wife is so traumatized that she doesnt want to drive, or even step foot in the vehicle anymore for fear of them replacing it with the same part and it happening again. She has contacted her Doctor to help deal with the anxiety she is dealing with. This issue started with the escapes years ago. Obviously they are purposely still using faulty parts. I need help.

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  Still going strong at 217k - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Brenrher - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle new. To date about $4k in other than routine maintenance, replaced a fuel pump, replaced front end components a couple of times, replaced the alternator and battery recently. Same plugs, etc., did have a new belt put on at 150k. The handling and comfort is great with Michelin tires - replaced the Goodyears at 75k. The 5.0L engine is fantastic. All in all, I have been fortunate with this vehicle, and hope to get to 300k without a catastrophic and/or expensive failure. Love this one so much I bought a used 1999 Explorer XLT.

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  Will never own another Ford - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tara - December 10 - 5:11 pm

  Bought this car brand new off the lot with 79 miles on. Now I know why they were trying to get rid of them. First transmission was put in at 24k miles, second transmission put in at 64k miles and its in the shop again with another transmission problem (second time this year). Im out around $6000 with transmission costs and rental cars. This is really not worth it, stay away. Because of this problem (and a few minor ones) I will not ever own another Ford again.