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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  Best Used SUV Deal, PERIOD! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Iowaexplorer - October 30 - 9:54 pm

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. This is a $40,000 dollar truck out of the factory, and I picked it up for tiny fractions of that. My Explorer has more features than anyone could ever need, and the powertrain has been rock solid. Ford may not be on par with some of the imports, but I get twice the amenities for half the price. I recommend the 4.0 SOHC if you are not using the car for consistent towing. The 4.0 has 210 hp, and unfortunately the 5.0 only has 215, and you pay for it in poor mpg. At 70 mph, I consistently get 20+ mpg on the highway. Mach stereo is powerful and crystal clear. Never a single reliability issue.

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  Problematic Transmission - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By mejia329 - October 27 - 11:21 am

  This is my latest and probably last Ford purchase ever. Ive serviced my 03 Explorer 4WD XLT at recommended intervals only with my dealer over the last 4 years. Ive had major engine work done once and the transmission rebuilt three times. There was a wheel bearing problem at around 20k and the rear heating unit quit working around 60k. The latest transmission issue (torque converter) is setting me back $1,200.00. Overall this is a very disappointing purchase.

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  2nd Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By specialawp - October 27 - 7:02 am

  The Explorer is all around fun to drive. It handles like a car, but still feels like an SUV. Highly recommend leather!

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  bought another one - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Shelly - October 18 - 5:52 pm

  Purchased mine new and it is still running with 165,000 miles on it. Drove it HARD everyday for nearly six years without doing much more than changing the oil (and didnt do that very often), i.e it has survived use and abuse. Only complaint is the fuel pump which started to give me trouble at about 125,000 miles and is the reason why Im no longer driving it (but I am now driving a 2005 model if that gives any indication about the significance).

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  Best vehicle Ive ever had. - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By steve - October 17 - 10:49 pm

  My 94 Explorer has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. When it had 144,000 miles on it, I drove it cross country, from CA to NC, hauling a load inside. It now has a little over 148,000 miles on her, and she runs like a champ. Small windshield leak, and axle seals are staring to go, but other than that, an awesome vehicle.

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  2006 Explorer XLT - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Bruce - October 15 - 2:16 pm

  We had been shopping for an SUV for months. My wife and I are typically GM buyers, but for this go around if one of the big three fit our needs the best than thats what wed get. For the money and bang for the buck its really hard to beat what you get out of the Explorer. The third row seat option is nice and with our planning to start a family next year, the crash test ratings are very important. Ford did a great job with the makeover. I cant believe how quiet this thing is. As far as gas mileage goes, Im not sure why thats such a big complaint. Youre just not going to get sedan type mileage out of an suv. If mileage was such an issue then its best to stick with the 30mpg sedans.

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  Love and Hate it - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By WHITFOC - October 15 - 2:16 am

  I have had a 98 and an 02. I have had a number of problems with the 02. The rear seals and wheel bearing have been replaced twice, 10K miles apart. The transmission has been in four times. The filter assembly changed twice and now it is in for a new tranny at 43K. Luckily I paid for an extended warranty. Life span of rotors is horrible, same as 98. Sunroof, front wheel bearings, and drivers seat cover replaced. The truck is great. The reliability is horrible. This will be the last Explorer. Too bad they cant make quality job 1 anymore. First model year, but should not have had this many problems.

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  Purchased Used - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Tim - October 13 - 1:51 pm

  I purchased this, Ford certified, truck with just 15k miles. V8 has decent power but not overwhelming. I like the V8 in the newer (06) Explorers, however the ridiculous interior door release & handles prohibited me from buying the newer model. Good room, quiet & smooth ride. Some ergonomic quirks though. 2nd and 3rd row seats dont fold flat, interior door release take time getting used to. Build quality is about average.

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  Happy Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Frank I - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I looked for 2 months for an SUV. I test drove every SUV out there, At the end me and the wife were very confused. So I took a chance with the explorer.We went on a trip after putting on 1000 mi.The trip was 2 thousand mi. long. The Explorer handeled great. The wife and I so far love the car. The ride is better than any other SUV. It is very comfortable for taking trips. So far we have 3000 mi on the vehicle. On the highway it got 20 and 22 mi per gallon. We are very happy with the vehicle so far.

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  Skip This One - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By JSNC - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Love the style, but hate the fact she leaked oil and had to bring her in 4 times with under 2k miles on her. Also, under 2k miles, needed new cat. converter. This is a piece of junk all for 29K.