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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  Eddie Bauer Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Cliffi - February 15 - 10:00 am

  The Eddie Bauer is definetely worth the extra money. Traded in an XLT, loved it, but this one is awesome with all the extras.

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  Great Car - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Pete Murany - February 12 - 9:19 pm

  I purchased new after 124,000 miles I have not touched the motor. It is a V6 and have never added oil between changes. Except for replacing tires, brakes, and front ball joints the car is all original. It is sad to see the rating on not just Ford, but all American vehicles. I have had 6 Ford vehicles and 2 Thunderbirds 89 & 95. Both over 125,000 miles. 2 Town Cars, 92 was sold at 135,000 the 98 I still have with 93,000 miles. The V8 does use oil, but the V6 on one of T-birds and on the Explorer never used oil.

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  My First SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By intruder242 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I am now used to sitting higher. This is a great vehicle. I have 3600 miles on it and no complaints. I have been able to haul things that I couldnt with my car. I am averaging 20mpg.

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  Nice to drive - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By rollin5911 - February 5 - 8:18 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for a couple years...nice to drive for a truck, comfortable, good looking in & out, lots of features, easy to handle size, very useful vehicle. Had endless quality problems at first fixed under extended warranty: Rear axle clutch packs (twice to fix howling), 3.73 differential gears, drive shaft, steering ball joints, 3 serpentine belts, radio, leaking lights, seat track, cruise control switch. Rear window motor died but left unfixed. Leather seats start to crack and fade despite leather treatment. Fortunately, the quality problems have all been fixed but this doesnt give a good feeling about long term durability. V6 power only adequate. No wonder Ford has problems

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  Who doesnt want twin-turbos in their family car? - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Nate Jenkins - February 1 - 3:15 pm

  Excellent vehicle. This is our second Explorer since the major changes and redesign in 2011. Our first was the limited model with every option. The car pretty much could drive its self, just keep your eyes open. We test drove the Durango and the Acadia, but neither had as much technology and features to make it easy to load and unload 3 kids daily. Now we just purchased a 2017 Sport model, with the same features as our previous Explorer plus the addition of the twin-turbo engine. My Father-in-law traded his 2013 Corvette for a 2016 Platinum model and still doesnt regret it. So that is 3 reviews in one for you!

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  No problems here! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By three-gals-n-gear - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new 1998- now has 60K miles on it...no maintenance issues- transmission is fine, everyone seems to complain about that one on Fords- very reliable- great creature comforts on Eddie Bauer model. Ford replaced 4 tires and spare for free, even though my particular tires werent involved in Firestone issues. Great customer service through the whole recall issue. Havent even replaced brakes yet! Plan to purchase another Ford after this one.

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  solid dependable vehicle - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By chris - January 24 - 10:10 pm

  Weve had this car about five years and really had very few problems with it. We call it the snow beast as its awd is fantastic in the snow. Ive had a couple other 4wd trucks and this is just much more competent in poor conditions. It has the 302 V8 and can pull a trailer without complaining and is comfortable to ride in and drive. It beats you up at the pump, but it averages about 17mpg in mixed driving, so its not much worse than your average minivan, suv, or pickup truck without awd! It beats the Jeep Cherokee I had prior to this by about 4mpg and it had the 4.0l I6 with part time 4wd,

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  Rear End Noise - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By panman - January 21 - 2:26 pm

  Rear end started making noise at 36K miles. Went to dealer with 36,600 miles. 600 miles out of warranty. $1200 rear end rebuild. Fought Ford and I paid $300. Started making noise again at 55K miles. Went back to dealer. Only wanted to sell me tires and brakes. I have driven it with noise for the past 50K miles. Ford knows they have a problem and they do not care. Wonder why they are in trouble and not selling cars?

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  Ford-found on road dead - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By robin - January 20 - 8:16 am

  It was good until 17,000 miles, had a slight miss when idling, and engine would surge and sometime die. Still not fixed after 3 tries, gear shifter is harsh from park to reverse and it sounds like the rear end is falling out. Transmission had to be rebuilt and problem is still not fixed; it really clunks when I take it out of park. Window has also squealed, steering wheel cover also peeled off.

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  Rear Differential Problems - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Grey goose - January 17 - 3:12 pm

  Excellent vehicle as far as the looks and feel goes. However, the 2002-2004 Explorers have a reputation for having to have the rear slip differential replaced/repaired multiple times. The manufacturer is absolutely no help and denies that this problem exists.