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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  Hot Hot Hot - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By MIchael - January 17 - 9:33 am

  I have enjoyed the Explorer - it has only failed me twice once my fault and once the SUV. The radio runs too hot and you lose the lcds on the radio. Not expensive. Transmission needs to be service every 30000 miles. The ERG needs to be replaced too frequently. Rides great. I have only been stuck in snow once (about three feet of snow). Good pulling power. I will buy another one, but with 3rd seat for use sometimes, not daily.

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  My second Explorer-less quality - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Scott - January 16 - 1:46 pm

  This is my second Explorer (1996 and 2003). Overall it is a good vehicle but not excellent. I have had more repairs than I expected. It is in for servicing now and at 60,000 miles both front ball joints have to be replaced. The driver heated seat no longer works. I have a DVD entertainment system and it had to be replaced (luckily under warranty).The tailgate hydraulics have never worked in cold weather (need to physically push up tailgate). I am concerned about power window motor going out in rear passenger window (does not always work). I have been satisfied for the most part with this vehicle but am concerned that too much is going to fall apart. My 1996 has 130,000 miles and held up better.

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  Thumbs up for the Explorer! - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By ski_dog - January 14 - 9:19 pm

  We bought it used with 58K on it, and have added over 60K ourselves in the past 3 1/2 years. We have done maintenance, replaced the computer, and the automatic hubs need replacing. Besides that it has been flawless. Cant ask anymore out of a rig than that!

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  Nice, but not my bag. - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By giznad - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I rented on for a week long trip. It was what I expected in an American SUV. Bland exterior and interior, underpowered engine, but it its defence. It did swalow all my cargo and make it from Orlando to Key West on one tank of gas. For my 30K Ide look to an Audi Wagon or an Infinity FX 35/45

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  Very Happy So Far - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Huskybass - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Im nearing 2000 miles and have no real complaints. The vehicle has met my expectations in all major areas.

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  Poor reliability - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By wind - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Within three months of ownership, I had a lot of engine problems! I wasted a lot of my time, as well as money sending my truck to the repair shop for expensive mechanical problems. The customer service complaint line was a waste of time. The trade value for this vehicle is another sad issue. If I want to trade my vehicle , I will lose 3,000 from the blue book value! I will never buy another FORD!

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  Twenty Years with Ford - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Gaffer - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned Ford trucks for over twenty years and moved into the Explorer with the same expectations. The performance is good but the gas mileage is only a little better than my trucks. The seats and trim need improvement. They are adequate but for what the Explorer cost I expected a little more. While it handles well off the road, getting the mud from inside the doors is a hassle. Going through a car wash doesnt get it, you have to open the doors to really clean it off.

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  love my Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By balger - January 10 - 4:05 pm

  I bought my XLT Explorer new in 99 and am now going to sell it after 128K miles. I have never had any major problems. I changed the thermostat once and the alternator once, but $800 in repairs over almost 8 years isnt so bad. The ride is bumpy. The power locks are about worn out and the radio randomly switches to CD randomly, but its an old SUV. What do you expect?

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  Limited 4X4 V8, 07 - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By suvfan - January 8 - 8:35 pm

  Pick up the truck 2 days ago. During the first 2 days of ownership, I have to say that we enjoy the truck very much, quiet, smooth, wonderful stereo (audiophile) equipment, user friendly DVD and fully integrated Nav system. Independent suspension is probably one of the best in the market. Ventilated disks are very responsive. The award winning V8 definitely deserves its reputation as one of the top 10 engine of the world. The gas mileage is the same as Duratec V6 and is better than most trucks in the market including Japanese competitors.

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  Great Value - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By tlc75372 - January 7 - 9:44 pm

  All around great value, fun to drive and reliable vehicle. I have looked at many other vehicles including sedans since purchasing this one tempting myself to trade, but every time I come to the same conclusion that my Explorer was a tremendous value and that I would be trading down or drastically overpaying for something else. I dont know if the great deals are still out there but it was impossible at the time for any other dealer to come even close to the price/value of the Explorer XLS.