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 Car but you have to know how to fix - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Gregory - August 5 - 10:47 pm

  My Ford has 203k on it now. Its good and has the same engine but I replaced both front and back timing tenshioners. These were easy to do because they are located outside the engine. I read this has to be done or your engine will go away! I guess I am lucky because the guides never broke and I never had to go inside the engine. The rest of the car is 100% quality, never an issue with anything. Much better than my Benz that had constant issues with electrical problems. Like all German cars do. I love American cars because they dont have nagging problems like import cars have. They just work. The CD player failed ( Sony Made) and this seems to be a problem all for cars have

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  Love This SUV - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Robert P - August 5 - 11:03 am

  I drove the Toyota 4 Runner, Jeep, Hummer H3, Comander and Nissan Pathfinder. All were OK but the Explorer won out. It had more room and the ride was great. I had a 95 and this one stickerd for $5,000 less with similar options etc. I cannot believe how much better it got in 2 years. I got the Iron Man because I do not like to be a little different. Unlike the 05 the back is totally flat. I just love this SUV. I am 62 and drive on the beach so a 4X4 was a must. I had 0 porblems with the 05 with just over 40.000 miles. I leased that one. I bought this one because I plan on keeping it 10 + years and put to many miles on the last one.

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  Had it since new stil like new - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By sealerdave - August 1 - 3:48 pm

  We bought our 1996 Explorer new in 1996 we have had no trouble at all except the panel on the drivers side electronic buttons broke I bought the mount and fixed it. Really my wife will not drive the 2005 I bought last year. She likes "Her Baby" with 55,000 miles on it. After 11 years in CA, I guess its just about "Run In". Great SUVs very dependable. Not a bit of rust and never a scratch.

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  Another great vehicle from Ford..... - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Bob - July 31 - 1:01 pm

  I traded my 98 Expedition in on my new Eddie Bauer Explorer. I loved my Expedition and had a hard time giving it up. Have been driving the Explorer for a little over a month now and no major complaints, this truck is pretty awesome. My rear headrests fold down, so no obstruction visually. The looks of the Explorer inside and outside I really like, more so than any other mid-size SUV I looked at. A friend of mine bought one and I guess seeing it a lot it sort of grew on me. His "roof console" came loose a few months after he bought it, but the dealer took care of it no charge. So far so good with this vehicle.

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  Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Van - July 27 - 8:54 am

  This is probably the best vehicle I have ever owned. Handles great, good steering, stable for type, gets excellent gas mileage, tows travel trailer easly with outstanding towing mileage @ 12.5 and plenty of power to pull up long steep grades. Has never been a problem, comfortable seats even with long days, have driven as much as 750 miles in a day and still going strong. Outstanding!

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  new engine - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By ned - July 27 - 2:00 am

  My explorer just went into the shop. Its been the most expensive vehicle I ever bought so we have followed every care recommendation and more. Is it well taken care of with 29000 miles. It will get a new engine this week. Is this a problem with explorers?

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  Should have bought extended warrenty - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mlogan03 - July 25 - 11:38 pm

  I purchased my 2004 Explorer new in December of 2003. I bought the basic XLS model and planned on using it for the short drive to work and the occasional trips out of town. It has been reliable until just last week when the ABS light, Service Engine, and the wrench light all came on at the same time. The cruise control also failed. The throttle body had to be replaced along with the rear wheel speed sensor. The vehicle has 32,000 miles and has been driven with care. Somewhat disappointed with the vehicle. Fortunately the Ford Service here was quite professional and had the vehicle back running in a couple of days.

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  Excellent SUV for the bucks - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By 3 time Bronco man - July 23 - 9:30 pm

  Bought this at 10,000 miles. Now have 135,000 and still running strong. Pulls my 21 ft boat easily. Excellent mileage if you are not a lead foot. Best was 23 MPG but avg is about 19. Owned a Bronco II, then an Eddie Bauer Explorer. Very happy with this XLT as well. Problem is the newer ones do nothing for me plus a drop in gas mileage. Unfortunately cannot pull the boat forever with that many miles. Beside brakes only needed front wheel bearings. Spent so much time driving that I need a comfortable ride which this gives. This will be very hard to eventually give up.

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  An Okay SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Al - July 19 - 6:01 pm

  Dont get me wrong I love my Explorer but I have had problems with the transmission when putting it into reverse - the engine produces a big bang noise. Ford claims that they cant replicate the problem although other Explorer owners have told me they deal with the same problem. Another problem that I face is when I fill up the cars tank, the fuel indicator dosent respond and sometimes looks like a clock moving all over the place ^_^ im trading it in.

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  IMHO - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Pam - July 15 - 12:16 pm

  This was a good buy with all the rebates. The interior was nice and you can easily put 5 people in it. Used to have an Explorer and traded it in for a Jeep Liberty. The Liberty is very safe and gave it to my teenager. The Explorer is smaller than the Expedition but much more roomier then the Liberty and it better gas mileage.