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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  Worth Every Penny - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Excited In San Diego - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I have now put on 1500 miles on my Explorer since mid February and have LOVED every mile. I just returned from a weekend in Joshua Tree and Naza- Borrego. The Explorer performed flawlessly on the 4X4 trails in Joshua Tree. The 4X4 Auto mode worked awesome, didnt ever need to put it in fulltime 4X4. The ride was supurb on the washboard trails and the suspension ate up all the bumps. The engine performs well in all aspects. (If I had anything to tow I would upgrade to the V8.) Ford did a great job with this redesign and I am quite pleased with everything to date.

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  comfortable and silent cabin - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Paul - November 30 - 7:18 am

  Excellent handling and comfort. Better shift quality than other available competition.

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  Crazy car!! - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By dannyboy791 - November 28 - 11:58 pm

  I love this car! I got the Ironman edition with the Orange Frost color. Get comments on it every day mostly of people who like the orange! But this car is awsome! Drives really nice with low amount of road noise. Dont like the fuel economy so much. the v6 has enough power but nothing crazy. Has a lot of room with very comfortable seats front and back. Ironman p adds some cool bumpers and side pannels with a blacked out grille.

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  It has been good to me - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By JD - November 26 - 7:32 pm

  I bought this Explorer in April of 1995 and I ready to sell it now because it is finally showing its age but I got my moneys worth out it.

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  Got a great deal - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By jkline - November 26 - 10:00 am

  If you are going to buy one, buy it now. With the rebates and slow sales, you can get a great price. We drove off at 8k under MSRP (about 6k below invoice). If you are going to buy the XLT, definately look into the Sport. We were looking at the NBX, but decided it was too utilitarian.

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  At Ford, Quality is Job None - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Andrew - November 24 - 5:06 am

  Stay away from the 02 Explorer. Its a repair bill waiting to happen. My last two visits were $1100 a pop, and this after having all of the regularly scheduled maintenance done at Ford dealerships. A major bungle by the engineers. From ball bearings to shattering trim, this things a mess. I wonder if Ford built it on the cheap in order to get business for their service depts. Thats where they apparently rake in the dough. Im done with Ford.

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  Nice Truck So Far - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Robert - November 23 - 7:16 am

  This is my first American SUV purchase, and so far so good. I like the looks both interior and exterior, but Ford, what were you thinking about for the door handles and pulls? Ive nick-named them doork handles. Great cargo space, 3rd row seat is nice. Very quiet, smooth and responsive ride. This truck gives the driver good feedback from the road - something I only got from Japanese SUVs in the past. Wife owned a 94 sport when we got married and I couldnt dump that one fast enough, but it looks like the 06 is a winner with the ride and safety improvements.

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  Love my Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Guillermo - November 20 - 9:29 pm

  I use this truck only for roads trips and as family car. It has a very smooth drive comparing to other SUVs it also has one of the biggest V6 engines of its class the space for passengers and cargo is more than enough aven if you are on the last rear seat. Just to make shorter, great performance, comfortable interior, nice looking desing, built to last, all that you can expect from a Ford truck.

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  Dont buy an Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Brian Millar - November 19 - 11:40 pm

  I took very good care of our 2003 Ford Explorer (even took it to the dealer for the 30K checkup). At 59,500 miles and just under 5years, the transmission went out. The dealer wouldnt cover the replacement since Ford only offered 3yr/36K power train warranty at that time. The transmission specialist I took it to, indicated that he sees transmission problems all the time with Ford Explorers

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  Still Running Great - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Maureen - November 19 - 2:36 pm

  Ive had my Explorer Sport for several years & and now at 133k & several WI winters later its still running well. The alternator is the only significant part thats failed. Keep up with the regular maintenance & you shouldnt have problems. Perfect for driving around town & for hauling things. Ill probably be replacing this one with another 02 or 03 since those were the last years for the 2DR.