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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  Nice car if youre looking for a money pit - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ryan - April 17 - 4:59 am

  I would not reconmend this vehicle. I have had nothing but problems from sqeaks and rattles to leaking sunroofs due to faulty weatherstriping and the new one is with the emergency brake assembly going bad causing the wheel to lock up temporarly once in a while. I have older explores and never had a problem. Im unhappy with my experiences in this vehicle. Built ford tough sure it is.

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  Still Excellent - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Owner - April 16 - 12:30 pm

  I still love it even though its 6 years old, and even though I now make more of a Lexus salary than Ford. Very reliable. In those 6 years its been into the shop exactly once for new brake pads. Great for hauling and towing. I easily haul a 4,500 lb. boat, plus wife and two kids and associated stuff. Great fuel economy. Much better than the newer design.

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  THE PROBLEMS - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By THE BUYER - April 16 - 10:00 am

  SHIMMY IN FRONT END BETWEEN 72 AND UP MILES PER HOUR. AFTER 4 NEW TIRES DEALER CANT FIND PROBLEM. WIND NOISE FROM MOON ROOF. RUBBER BOOT AROUND SHIFT LEVER IS TEARING 3 PLACES. I DONT SMOKE AND AIR COND HAS TERRIBLE SMELL FOR 30 MINUTES.

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  Drivability - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Larry J. - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Overall, good, but could ge better. Road noise and fuel are bummers. Ride, comfort and performance are good but not great. Leather Seats are comfortable but power adjustments are too limited. I prefered the overhead display to the tiny in dash display of temperature and direction. Stearing wheel tilt adjustment could be better. I wish I had opted for the back-up scanner. Too much shifting while in cruise in small hill terrain.

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  Generic family traveler - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MARKSS - April 12 - 6:33 pm

  I have had my Explorer for a year now. It is very strong with the V8, but the down side is gas mileage. I get about 14mpg around town and about 17.5mpg on the highway. Everything works fine. There is nothing spectacular about my Explorer but it does what it was built to do, haul people. It isnt an offroad machine, but the automatic 4wd is great for Colorado winters. Really the only compaint I have is the flimsy back hatch piece just below the back window. I know many people who have broken that piece when closing the hatch window. I am lucky that mine hasnt broken yet. The 3rd row seat is surprislingly comfortable for short guys like me.

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  07 Eddie Bauer - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Dave - April 10 - 8:25 pm

  SUV is a fine vehicle except for the fact that I have to drive a mile or two before it will upshift into the higest gear. This contributes to excessive noise and kills gas mileage

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  Great SUV - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By gatormike - April 7 - 3:59 pm

  This has been a great SUV for my family. The vehicle handles well and has excellent pick up. It has been very reliable. I must say, on the negative side, that the overhead instrument panel display lights went out and the moonroof frame came out, however it did not affect the operation. Those are about the only problems we have had and we have had the vehicle for 4 years. I put a captains bed in the vehicle and I am amazed at the cargo capacity. I know the Explorers have a bad reputation for rolling so I am very careful but all in all I love the vehicle.

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  1996 Ford Explorer XLT V-8 - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By s.kaldes - April 7 - 10:00 am

  my boss got this vehicle with 12000 miles on it. i got to use it occasionally so when he decided to sellit i bought it with 65000 miles on it.I love the performance and torque this 5.0 litre has.Exterior still looks new.Gray leather still looks great.Only complaints are electrical, replacing hi brake light, fog lights, dash lite and steering wheel lite.

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  Throttle Body Malfunction Turned it into a Lemon - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Paul - April 7 - 2:14 am

  Great car up until the electronic throttle body broke at 8,700 miles on the highway. Ford apparently had a "nationwide shortage" on the part needed and after weeks of waiting, they offered me a refund under the lemon laws. Luckily, Ford has been cooperative but its taking a lot of time to get this refund.

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  Turkey Here - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Turkey Here - April 6 - 6:32 pm

  At 45,500 miles the front wheel bearings needed to be replaced so I did $ 780. The dealer took the occasion then also to try to take my head off with an unneeded rear end replacement for a gargantuan sum. We didnt even get to talk about the repair needed to the back of the drivers front seat. I should have expected the problems, I guess, because there certainly is enough press about this car. But this was my 6th new Ford and the others were bulletproof. So I guess it was to be expected. No extended warranty and under water for a serious amount, so I guess Ill have this one for a bunch and have more tales to tell if the tranny goes likes others have. Read resignation here.