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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  Fits family and budget - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Dave fulkerson - October 8 - 10:45 am

  After nearly 2 years of ownership theres nothing not to like about our Explorer. We haul kids, camping gear and sports gear long and short distances very comfortably. There is no reason to pay $50000 or more for a quality family utility vehicle. The cost of ownership makes the Explorer a much better choice than the foreign snob-mobiles.

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  My fourth Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Billy B. - October 7 - 8:28 am

  I am very pleased with this vehicle. I found a way to increase my gas mileage. First slow down, second coast on major hills and the third is dont race up to a stop sign and then brake. When ever you see a potential stop coming just roll up to it. I used to get 14 MPH (locally) now Im up to 17.5 MPH by changing my driving habits. It jumps to over 20 MPH on highway trips.

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  A Good SUV - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Dave - October 5 - 8:00 pm

  Ive put almost 19,000 miles on this SUV in less than 8 months and I have had no problems whatsoever. I had a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo before this so it was nice to trade-up to a car without a rusty spare tire holder and bumper. The Explorer is probably a shade worse on fuel but the Rodeo had a manual tranny. The Explorer has a much more solid feel, doesnt lean on turns, has a normal cupholder and overall feels more comfortable.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Rudy - October 5 - 12:00 pm

  Bought my 00 Explorer brand new and have had nothing but exceptional service from it. 23 mpg hwy and 18.5 in town. Tune up and trans. flush at 90K miles. A/C still cold. Radio LEDs burned out at 110K and thats a pain but radio still plays great. Liked this car so much I ordered an 07 as my company vehcile for the next 3 yrs. If you need a good used SUV this model is a great choice!

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  Tranny and Rear Differential Blues-20K in 4 yrs - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By John - October 5 - 8:33 am

  Bought this wonderful driving vehicle new for around $29K and smiled. Rear differential and tranny failed at 60K: $1,300 for the rear diff, $3,600 for the tranny. Appealed to Ford to stand behind their product and correct these obvious design defects: Ford says "Sorry, out of warranty". Do a search on "02 Explorer Problems" and you can spend the afternoon reading about people with the same mechanical failures who received no support from Ford. Car is now worth about $9K trade in. Im sick. Worst part is, this is a nice car ... if only Ford would stand behind it. This is my 4th Ford. As patriotic as I am, I will not throw more money into another depreciation dog with ridiculous reliability problems.

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  Not the best midsized SUV but not the worst - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By elliott - October 4 - 11:01 pm

  I have owned my Ford for just under a year now and have had some problems I would like to warn people interested in buying the car. First at 3200 miles I had to have the trans reprogramed not to big of a deal but the trans should not be slipping at all especially at 3000 miles. Second the passenger door was making the squeeks the the domestics are know again. I emphasize at less than 5000 miles. Build quality is up to snuff with the imports. It a far better car than the one it replaced. The other enormous draw back is the resale. I own a 2006 and payed about 24000 and is now woth about eleven.

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  Great - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By gordie580 - October 4 - 1:22 pm

  I love this vehicle. The power is great with the 4.6 triton V8. The AWD feature is great for people who doesnt understand how to operate 4wd.

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  Impressed - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Mike - October 4 - 1:19 pm

  We bought our Explorer used with 16000 miles have no trouble with it except for the shift interlock at 18k and the rear end at 30k. The dealership was excellent in both cases. They replaced the rear end with no hassle (I took it in for a roar in the rear) after first trying to replace the bearing. Overall I have driven it on long trips through the mountains and love the responsiveness of the engine, comfort, and average mpg. Impressed after hearing a few horror stories. Would purchase again from the same dealer. I think the dealer makes a big difference.

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  Missed my old Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By myford - October 2 - 4:32 pm

  Well I must say the XLT with a V8 and all the bells and whistles is a steal when buying used! It works great, V8 is powerful, leather interior great when you have kids, so is the 3rd row seat. This is the best buy Ive made...51k miles and going.

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  Mine vs Tammys - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By rr67gto - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned an Explorer every two years, since 1994. As well as two Expaditions. The 2003s (we own two EBs) are light years away from the 01. However, there are some really silly things Ford keep leaving out of their flag ship. One being a lockable gas door with inside relese. And the other being an aotomatic antenna. Also, Ford has and continues to put out books with nice goodies you can get for your cars & trucks. But when it comes to the Explorer, many times you find out that what they promote as nice things you can get, do not and never will be made.