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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  Good SUV, Bad quality control - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JJCCC - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Had to drive back to dealer 3times in less than a week to fix small things.

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  Love our Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By chris - September 19 - 11:27 pm

  We are thrilled for the most part with our 2003 XLT. We needed something big enough for 5 people and chose the Explorer. It is a blast to drive, when we have gone on trips we have gotten as high as 27 mpg on the highway. It is comfortable and spacious. We have had no problems except occasionally when we put it in reverse it will jerk. I have read some reviews and disagree with some of the negative ones we are very pleased for the most part. We pull a 21 ft travel trailer and forget it is behind us. However the interior trim does look some what cheap, but that is just ford!! We will buy another Explorer if need be. It is built Ford tough!

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  WORST VEHICLE EVER - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By BrockPSU - September 18 - 3:12 pm

  This is the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. This Explorer was actually at the dealer for warranty tranny repair for 7 consecutive weeks! It was a problem with Ford and the dealer, and no one ever returned my calls. I tried Customer Care at Ford and their response were "what can we do for you?" And they did nothing! I am dealing with a lawyer now to try and resolve this. The vehicle would surge forward at the end of a stop, enough that you could spill your drink or, if not wearing a seatbelt, do more damage. I was told that this is just a charcteristic of the "first in class" 6 speed transmission.

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  THROTTLE BODY ISSUE - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Rachael - September 17 - 11:35 am

  I have a lease with less than 6,000 miles on the vehicle. I was on a major highway with my 3 year old child when going from 80 mh the car just completely came to a complete stop. I was hysterical crying. The manager at the service dealer informed me shut the car off and restart the vehicle I did it multiple times till finally it started again, he informed me to try and drive it and or call the tow truck i called the tow truck and was informed over an hour wait. so i proceeded to drive to get off the major highway, the vehicle shut off another 5 times before getting off the major highway. The dealer had my vehicle for exactly 17 days waiting on the part. i was hoping it fell under the lemon law being its a lease. My service manager stated he cant guarantee it not happening again. I really am not comfortable driving this vehicle not knowing if this problem would occur while the road with my family.

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  Original Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Britton Maier - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely awesome vehicle! You cant buy an SUV like this any longer; the new model does not compare to this one.

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  Ford talk to your consumers - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Jim B. - September 12 - 6:59 am

  Great SUV for the price w/3rd row! ConÂ’s: Poor acceleration 40+. Keyless entry key pad buttons are small. Car makes a loud beep noise when you lock doors. Gas lid does not lock. Only driver side window has auto down option. Lacks passenger side feature no auto up feature. Car mat quality is poor. For a family SUV 3rd row seating has no mat and no option to buy one,. Gas mileage. Lacks front parking- assist sensor option. Engine key lacks keyless remote control integration. When parking itÂ’s hard to see the front passenger side. Noisy when accelerating uphill. No HD radio option. No power following side mirror option. No built in child booster seats. No bike rack option when purchasing the vehicle

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  my Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By bigguid33 - September 11 - 10:33 am

  Updating my review, my Explorer overall has been a good vehicle but has been in the shop 3 times for transmission problems that so far should be fixed but we will see. Would still recommend but after this one I would rather have a 2005 or older.

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  Explorer Sport - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By qtrhorsegal - September 7 - 2:00 am

  After owning my 1998 Explorer Sport for a year I am looking forward to trading it in. The vehicle handles poorly! Feeling as if youre going to tip at 40mph is not a good feeling. The V-6 engine has good pickup but the gas mileage is awful! As far as design goes, the Explorer Sport is pleasing to look at but lacks in interior design and comfort. It has good storage capacity. To sum it up, the Explorer Sport is nothing more then a Ford Ranger with a topper and I wont miss mine when its gone.

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  Forgot to add - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By ponygirl - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This SUV stinks! The LED lights on steering wheel, CD/stereo player crap out and will fade in and out on occasion. The auto door locks will not unlock, even when I try to unlock the doors with the key so must climb thru the back hatch to unlock the truck! Gas mileage sucks..Transmission is starting to go, too (have 55,000 miles on 1998). This SUV stinks, would never buy another one.

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  Grannies ride - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Diann Eve - September 4 - 9:46 am

  If shopping on line verify color and price before going to test drive. Also, availablity.