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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  I Love It - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tony - March 29 - 5:46 pm

  Bought our Explorer brand new (our first new car) and have loved it ever since. We have even pulled our camper for one year; it weighs 5000 pounds. Works great for my wife; she does daycare and it has plenty of room to haul anything we need. We just love it.

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  Best vehicle I ever owned... - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By ziegfeld - March 28 - 6:15 pm

  Nearly trouble free Best vehicle I ever owned. 205,000 miles and still going strong.

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  Powertrain Problems - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By pava - March 28 - 11:51 am

  My second Explorer, first one did not have any issues. Bought it used with 30000 miles on it. Driveshaft was vibrating, dealer replaced, worked OK to 40000 miles when check transmission light came on. Dealer spent two weeks repairing, cost was covered by extended warranty. After the repair rear differential began to make noise. Also shifting was not as smooth as it used to be. Have decided to trade it in.

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  pretty happy - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By ronnieleg - March 27 - 10:00 am

  very trucklike, but if i wanted a wussy car-like truck, id have bought a pathfinder. V8 is great for towing heavy weight buy mileage is abysmal. thats the trade-off. cant have everything in life.

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  Right Choice - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By DRA- 53214 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  After narrowing my choice of new a SUV to the Envoy and Explorer, I finally went with the Explorer based on the numerous (+)reports on the and not so good reports on the Envoy. One last drive of both clinched it for the Explorer even though I wasnt thrilled with the styling and trim. I was suprised when I got my new 2003 limited and saw the many up-grades to trim (the dash now has a "rich" looking wood trim, new gauges, etc). After 2 Jeeps I must say the ride is very nice, handling is good.

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  The Ups and Downs - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Aaron - March 26 - 3:00 pm

  The truck is an eye catcher. All of my friends and family like the looks. The powerful V-6 is fun. The ride is so smooth, friends say "its a long trip vehicle." There are a few downs though. The auto 4x4 is a good feature for people who dont know how to drive when things get messy. But for those of you that drive in the snow like myself, that feature takes away some of the joys of winter driving. Ive noticed it sends you into a broad-slide (all 4 wheels break lose) when sometimes you need the tail to slide and the front to keep traction on the road (a 2wd benefit). Like the new TrailBlazer, they should incorporate a 2wd feature. My rear defrost button activates a door ajar light. Whats that?

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  Nice car - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By jaguar8 - March 25 - 11:12 am

  Just bought mine this month and its a nice car, but there could be some improvement. Like the floor mounted shifter gets in the way when Im driving and trying to change the A/C setting or when Im trying to look for on coming traffic and the oversized rear headrest get in the way both 2nd and 3rd row. And there seem to be a little bit of lag in the 6 cylinder engine in range acceleration. Other than that everything else is good and since I keep the 3rd seat folded down I can at least see out of the rear window. Rear quarter windows are a different story.

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  Drives - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By whoswho - March 24 - 8:55 pm

  I had this car for a little over a year. I had little to no complaints until recently. This car is great for day to day however it is dangerous in a accident. The narrow wheel base on this year is prone to rollover and leaves you with no options to really avoid an accident.

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  Excellent Value - Great Car! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By davecogs - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Currenty w/ 1500 Miles on the SUV (V8), the truck gets two thumbs up. IT was a great value ($42000 list) that ended up costing $32,000 + Tax. The ride, siz, and power are all great. The only bad thing I have to say about the truck is the Gas Milage is terrible (10 MPG City/13 Highway).

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  Dependable - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By P. Hardin - March 23 - 3:31 pm

  Had my Explorer for 2 years. Very dependable. Love the body style. Love leather but the 2005 Explorer leather seats are not good. Cracked and looked unkempt within the first year. Would like to see improved gas mileage. Thought it would be better on the V6 than what I am getting. The V8 does just as well. Would I buy another one? Yep, probably so. Overall I really enjoy my Explorer.