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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  Not that great - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Young Mo - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had several electrical problems with my truck, including the radio display, the rear wiper motor, the side mirror motor, and the rear glass defroster. Also had some mystery rattles and am experiencing some idling problems. Will not buy another Ford! The dealership was not that helpful with repairs either.

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  2003 Explorer XLT - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By John S. - December 7 - 6:32 pm

  Good truck, lousy gas mileage for a 6-banger, I cant believe people get 27 mpg when I am lucky to get 20 highway!

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  No Problems - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By jt - December 7 - 1:12 pm

  Nice design, larger than earlier models, V8 has ample power, good HVAC, good sound system, smooth ride, lots of room and comfortable seats for long drives. Not exactly sure why people complain about the gas mileage - its an SUV!

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  wow - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By THEMAN - December 7 - 9:15 am

  I bought a 98 explore sport with 98,000 miles so i know it would have some wear and tear but not like this. The jirst month i had it the trans went then the U joiints. I got them fixed then the rear went and to top it off i only was getting 16 miles to the gallon

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  Sad to say I hate it! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Olt07 - December 6 - 11:17 pm

  I purchased my first SUV after having a neon. Others advised me against buying the first year of a model change. I loved having the SUV for 4wd in snow. However, when your control module does not work, I lost the love quickly. I have had it for 24,000 miles after buying at 61,000. Replaced wheel bearing, EGR sensor, 4WD Control Module, Radio, Front Differential Clutch Pack and shortly a $1200 rear end. Now I need to figure out when the best time would be to ditch this hunk of junk! Reliability and Build Quality is absolutely crap. I cannot sacrifice that for any amount of comfort or beauty. Considering all of these problems are "common" Id say-Stay away from the Ford EXPLODERRRR!!

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  Cwilliam - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By c william - December 6 - 3:46 pm

  Good performance, excellent for highway and commuter traffic.

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  Worst transmission Fords ever built - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By bottechia - December 6 - 2:33 pm

  My transmission first stated to delay going in reverse, you know the 3-4 second wait before it engages. Then the transmission would not change into second gear so I took it in to Ford. I was told I needed a new transmission at the cost of $3100.00 and I only had 38,000 miles on it. Ford knows with this many transmission problems with 2002 and up Explorer they should recall them to keep customers happy.

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  My XLS that I just recently crashed - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By crazy zach and x xls - December 5 - 10:07 pm

  I had a 1999 Ford Explorer XLS, by far the most amazing truck Ive ever had. It made its noises in the suspension and so on but it was to be expected with the way I drove. It was really fast 0-50 and then getting from there up was a little slow but still not an issue. I recently tottaled it unfortunately after investing a good amount of money in it. I spun it 3 or 4 times and then flipped it 3 to 5 times and then into the woods and walked away scot free only little cuts from the glass a bruise on the shoulder from the seatbelt and a bump on the head and cut from glass. This car saved my life. I very, very highly recomend it for first time drivers

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  More Problems then its worth - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By D - December 3 - 9:40 pm

  we traded in a expedition for this.We get worst gas milage then with the v8 expedition. we live in hawaii and needed something a little smaller for parking. A month after wewe purchased this car it started making a funny noise. a year later and still trying to figure it out. ford has had my car for more then a month. they made me feel like i was the crazy one. finally they said it was the rear brake. they replaced the whole back end and still there is a problem. Also we we questioned the gas milage they said it was normal. we are getting 11 miles per gal. Arm rest on doors are chiping and they are not willing to do anything about this.I would not buy ford again. Im very disappointed

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  They dont make them like this anymore - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Karl - December 2 - 7:50 am

  This has been a practical, fun, and very reliable vehicle, with only minimal unscheduled maintenance. Needed a brake job and tie-ins replaced at 90,000 miles, but what do you expect? The ride is not great, but its a real SUV that you can drive over fields and rough paths.