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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  Well optioned, functional design, smooth, comfort - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By john adams - May 12 - 1:28 pm

  Expert reviewers have 2nd and 3rd seat leg room comments wrong. Not only is almost 40 inches for 2nd row plenty, you can adjust them. And 33 inches plus in the 3rd makes an adult possible for the 3rd row. Plenty of space for storage with 3rd seat down and useful space with it up. Bucket seat configuration for second seat allows access to 3rd row without having to fold seats. Push button option for 3rd row makes very easy to use. Limited model has great features to include heated and cooled front seats and heated 2nd row seats. Push button folding rear view mirrors helps in tight parking spaces. Back up camera great size and easy to use. Ride is smooth, comfortable, and quite. Gas mileage is low to mid-20s in combination of city and highway driving. Brakes are solid. Functionality of design and fun to drive and ride in are hard combination to beat. While competitors may have some features that stand out more than the Explorer in some areas, few are able to optimize the real world usefulness that this car has. The standard for the 3 seat SUV is here.

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  Mikes Review - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Mike Caruso - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have like my ford explorer. The only problem I have is that the lack of room when we want to go camping with 3 kids.

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  Still Happy - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Jd - May 5 - 4:11 pm

  Just coming up to 50,000 miles, not much to complain about. Still have original tires and brakes on the vehicle. Needs a little more refinement on the inside. The 2007 took care of that otherwise still happy.

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  V8 has a terrible transmission - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Jason G - May 3 - 6:43 pm

  We purchased this car brand new and under "d" plan as my uncle worked at the dealership. The motor has great power and the car has a nice smooth quiet ride. Ergonomics are good with the exception of the door handles and it was an overall fun SUV to drive. Then after a few months the transmission troubles began. This SUV has a learning transmission that is supposed to optimize itself for your driving style. This feature has learned only how to hesitate while accelerating and bang, clunk and sometimes accelerate during braking to a stop. After many service attempts and getting regional reps invloved Ford now says its a "normal condition" Not happy with this at all!

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  Solid Ride and Lots of Comforts - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By NewRider - April 29 - 9:27 pm

  Quiet, comfortable, powerful, and solid. Surprised at the great handling on curves, and the tight turning radius. Competes well with our Acura MDX! Engine runs smooth and quiet. Can barely feel the tranny shift, even when kicking in the on-the- fly full-time 4-wheel drive system. Comfortable steering wheel with redundant audio, HVAC, and speed controls keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road!

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  2002 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Love My Explorer - April 28 - 1:16 am

  I have nothing but praise! Sits 6 easily. I have a daycare and have 4 car seats that I have to load kids in and out of 3 times a day. I wouldnt have a different SUV! I feel very safe driving the kids to and from school in even the worst of our winter storms. Cold outside. Safe, warm and secure inside my Explorer. It also has the safety clips for the 4 car seats which is just another secure advantage for me. It has never let me down in over 3 years that weve owned it.

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  So Far, So Good, Knock on Wood - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By blue58 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 98 in 00 with 13k miles on it. It now has 75k miles and we just redid the front breaks, pads on the back and gave it a tune up. Otherwise we have not put a penny into it. The exterior is still holding up and we have the cloth interior with two little children and that has done fine also. Its paid off so I plan to run it til it dies. I hope to get at least another 75K out of it.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By slugger156 - April 24 - 6:37 pm

  Really pleased with this car. Can take it anywhere I need to go, on or off road. Excellent cargo space. Easy to take care of....love the NBX package, seats, rack, rubber mats.

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  Transmission nightmares - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By msc1 - April 22 - 9:32 am

  Love the looks of my truck. Love the way it performs out on the highway. Not happy with the way the leather looks dirty and I have to keep cleaning. Hate the way it takes off when the engine is cold. Hate the way it shifts gears. Hate the way it drives slow in the parking lot. Hate the way it takes off after downshifting. If the transmission worked correctly, and the leather upholstery would stay looking new, I would have no complaints.

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  My 2004 Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By 2004 Ford Explorer - April 20 - 5:27 am

  Ive had my Explorer for 3 years. It has 29,000 miles. Its been a good vehicle and I purchased it because of the great success I had with my 99 Explorer. Ive been to the dealer for 3 problems. First was the rear differential. Second was rust on the the front edge of the hood. Hood replaced and repainted. Third was the front wheel bearings. All repairs fell under warranty except for bearings. Starting to have some concerns with transmission. Some lag with shifting and occassional noise being produced. Found many tranny complaints on the web. Good vehicle.