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:

• 

  02 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By sav-v - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has been a pleasure to drive size/safety feature very assuring woiuld like better gas mileage and not as firm a ride.

• 

  OMG I love this car! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Jill - December 22 - 12:01 pm

  I have read many people saying the drivers seat is uncomfortable. I had the 1997 and 2000 Explorer - and this one is more comfortable for me. My seats even massage! I absolutely love this car. I just wish there was more cargo space in it....

• 

  Nice styling but problematic - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By mrmeister - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Had a good experience with 96 Explorer V6. Really like the way the new design style and the 4.6L V8 engine. Too many trips to the dealership though to fix warranty problems - A/C system failed, driver side heat blows cold air, airbag light on, transmission hesitation, now the lift gate recall. Ford quality has decreased, I had no problems with the 96. This is the 3rd Ford Ive purchased since 96 but due to warranty problems this will be my last. What problems will reoccur once 36k warranty runs out? I cant be any worse off trying another brand next time.

• 

  on the road off the road Im going to get there - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By sheri owens - December 21 - 8:36 pm

  Tinted windows, tilt wheel, Elec code door lock, Cargo storage on top,Bucket seats. New radiator,water pump,idle pully,Alternater,thermostst housing,Septine belt and no body damage.

• 

  1994 Ford Explorer - Great SUV - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Greg - December 16 - 12:12 pm

  We bought our 1994 Explorer from my wifes uncle and it has been outstanding. I keep thinking I should replace it with a new model but this one is so good I just cant bring myself to do it. My son loves driving it to college so who knows maybe in another year or so we will replace it...even though I doubt we would really need to do so.

• 

  Ford Explorer V8 - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Grover - December 14 - 8:23 am

  Just bought the XLT with the V8 fairly loaded. Traded up from a 2002 XLT. Very happy so far. Had to hunt around NJ to find a XLT with a V8 and the 2007 appearance package, which makes it look a lot cleaner. The new V8 is awesome, quiet with a little growl when stepped on. Very smooth acceleration. Would not buy the V6, just too slow. Extremely quiet and confident ride. Also, the best thing about any Explorer that nobody talks about is that the seats are very comfortable. Perfect seating for cruising around with your arm hanging out the window on a nice day. Like a real truck.

• 

  Bad Transmission - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By WV Driver - December 12 - 7:58 pm

  My explorer is 3 years old and has 48K miles. The transmission went out - totally. The cab is cramped, there is little leg room for a 5"10" man, and your feet freeze on the passenger side. There is too much engine noise on the passenger side. The gas mileage is poor. Did I mention the transmission burnt up - totally ruined? From now on I am sticking with reliable ole GMC!

• 

  94 - year of the BEAST - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Hartman - December 12 - 9:31 am

  I have heard negative things about Explorers but in five years have not experienced them. I get 23 mpg hwy, which makes it the perfect travel car on my Ohio-Tenn trips for school. It conquered everything I threw at it as an immature 1st time 4wd owner (seriously Im surprised this car is not stranded in a certain mudpit in Middle Tennessee). The most comfortable car, will haul it all, routine work - brakes,belts,etc. is dirt cheap (and I am a poor college student!). I have 155,000 on it now, a third of which is my doing, without a headache. As expected, transmission wear was easily solved with Lucas trans-fix additive. An $8 bottle has worked miracles for 17k miles.

• 

  05 Ford Explorer XLT V8 - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Gary Andears - December 8 - 6:34 pm

  Since owning our 05 Explorer it has been nothing but a joy. This is our third Explorer and the 05 with the V8 is fantastic. It is all there - ride, comfort, and reliability. The on board computer center says we are getting 17.8 MPG. Not bad since most of our driving is NOT highway miles.

• 

  Ford Explorer EB 4WD - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ac7860 - December 8 - 10:15 am

  I have owned this truck for many years now and I must say that it has held up quite well. Yes, there were problems but very few and minor. I have 87K miles now and there has been no problems with the entire drivetrain. I think if one keeps the regular maintenance (tires, brakes, fluids, etc.) up there should be few problems with the truck for well over 150K. Moreover, compared to my 01 F150 4X4 and some other vehicles I have driven, this Explorer is a dream to drive in the Michigan winters.