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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  Jeep man buys Ford Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By robert d. whearty - October 12 - 10:13 pm

  Had two Jeeps prior to buying a 1999 Grand Cherokee in May of 1999. It became a nightmare. Fortunately I bought the extended warranty; 6 sets of front brakes by 56K, rear axle, hood & tailgate springs, air conditioner 4 times, etc. Traded it for a 2004 Explorer in August of 2004. Explorer has been a pleasure, routine maintenance only, nice ride, lot of room, third seat helpful, took it back and forth to Florida, good trip car, have the "6" would suggest the "8" if you do highway driving or towing. Would buy another one but would get the 8 cylinder.

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  Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Freddie Mack - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Doesnt have all the fancy buttons but very practical with a great engine.

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  Great SUV but check that transmission - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Stevew - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV good ride not the best I have had but good for the price paid. Drives like a car and has the zip you need. The transmission went out after 6000 miles and had to be replaced. Seems Ford has known of this problem for a while. Ford refuses to do a recall when they know the transmissions effected.

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  Very dependable vehicle - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By configsys - October 8 - 7:57 pm

  We bought our 96 Explorer XLT used with approx. 65K miles. Shipped it overseas where we drove it ALL OVER Europe and put over 70K trouble-free miles during the 3 years we were there. Just regular maintenance. My 18 year old daughter now drives it and it has almost 140K miles. Still young with lots of long miles left. This has been the most dependable vehicle we have owned.

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  Wish Id bought the extended warranty - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By R - October 4 - 11:11 pm

  I bought it used. With all the necessary repairs, the extended warranty would have helped. So much expensive repair work was needed that I would have been better off buying a new SUV. 4 wheel drive went out soon after purchase, engine sensor was very expensive, door wouldnt open and another door handle was going too, transmission went out too. Add me to the list of folks who will never buy another Ford product.

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  Awesome 4 the Buck - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Ernie/Miami - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Incredible enough but I have yet 2 change my rear brakes since the purchase of car in 1999. Talk about reliable! I have close to 80000 miles and I have not had a single engine problem. I rate this car a must buy, except 4 us tall guys.

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  100% RELIABLE - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By JT - September 28 - 10:56 am

  I bought this Explorer new -- my first Ford. Loved the looks of it. I now have 69,000 absolutely trouble free miles -- some towing light trailers. Got over 50,000 on first set of tires. Other than pads and oil changes its never been in the shop. Best of all, not one squeak or rattle even after 69k miles, and Im paranoid about rattles. Interior design is a bit hokey but everything looks and works like new. In fact, the whole vehicle feels tight like new. I wish mileage was better for a V6 but I can live with it. I usually sell at around 75K miles but Ill keep this till one of us drops. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another. No, my last name is not Ford.

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  Ten months old with 10,000 miles - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By NewLightArt - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle! Subtly stylish, very comfortable, all with superior driving dynamics. Not too big on the outside, with major people/cargo capacity inside. Stable and predictable handling, even when driven very hard- moves very well for its size and weight. Unmatched on- road feel. Everyone who has driven it loves it. The size, safety features and crash test scores make me feel very safe driving it. I live on the coast and it does well off-roading on the beach. So far its holding up just fine, I have some minor issues but they are all covered by TSBs. Switch to full synthetic oil at first change; engine will sound much better during startup and under load.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Chevy Guy - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Drove Chevys entire life and was sold on this Ford. Great SUV. The independent rear suspension is worth every peneny! V6 is adequate for day to day driving and has plenty of acceleration. Would recommend the V8 if you plan on a lot of hauling. Couldnt be happier. Great value for what you get. Only problem after 6,000 miles is an occasional start up problem. Sometimes it doesnt fire up properly when the engine is still warm. Sounds like this could be a common problem. Hopefully Ford is working on a fix. Great car. Extremely pleased!

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  My Troublesome 2002 Ford Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tom Martin - September 24 - 4:53 pm

  I take pride in maintaining my vehicles. But this has been nothing but trouble. At 45,000 miles, the transmission had to be rebuilt. Earlier, the rear end was replaced. At 50,000 miles, I try to start up and put in reverse to back out of drive. The gearshift broke off. Had to replace at over $1,000. Ive had an Explorer before with very satisfactory performance, but this one...nothing but trouble. The dealer has been great. But bottom line, its still a dud. Oh, by the way, seems I now have some sort of electrical problem. Odometer reading is so dim I cant read it. It comes and goes. How frustrating. Im just trying to get my moneys worth now before I move to Japanese brand.