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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  Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mattnkathy1 - September 23 - 10:18 am

  I drive 23 highway miles one way to work. The Explorer handles 70mph comfortably. Over 70mph and fuel economy suffers. 4 wheel drive works great in both full time and auto. People always say "nice truck" when riding in my truck for the first time.

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  Ford Explorer 2003 review - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Realtorreviewer - September 22 - 3:10 pm

  The vehicle has been for the most part an excellent vehicle for sales! I am in and out all the time, throwing things in the back for kids sports etc. Very good for traveling. Only negative I have experienced is some blind spots when looking to the rear sides.

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  New car - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By mike Gossett - September 20 - 12:28 pm

  Leg room not great for taller person ... ride is a bit hard ... blind spots make some situations more difficult, but the camera and blind spot technology certainly helps ...overall would purchase again ...

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  Cruising Down South - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Roaddog - September 17 - 7:48 am

  I owned a previous Explorer(1995 Limited, 4X4). Was first SUV but ride and lack of power sent me to the 2003. I love the styling, improved ride and torque in this model. To my surprise, drove 20.000 miles in one year. Averages around 21 mpg on highway with A/C blowing and flat out cruising. Never had a problem with acceleration or performance. Recently had rear end clutch pack replaced at 49.000 miles. Made an earlier decision to purchase an extended warranty because I obtained vehicle used. Dealer fixed with no charge to me. This is a documented service issue for vehicle model. Drivers seat a bit firm and could use a little more adjustability.

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  A Great One! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By JusTrusty4 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Ive had a couple of problems with it, but over all its the best car that Ive ever owned. Its the perfect height to see the road without feeling like youre going to flip over any second and with the windows down (all 4 go down all the way!) and the sunroof open it might as well be a convertable. Also the engine is very powerful and I never feel like Im driving a truck becuase of the awesome pick-up. This is also one of the most spacious cars Ive been in and even adults dont find it particularly uncomfortable sitting in the 3rd row.

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  Me - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By JW - September 9 - 12:02 pm

  So far nothing but carefree driving. Getting about 18 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway...not bad for an suv.

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  The Real Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Peter Farell - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I love my Toyota Avolon but my wife has the worst 4 year old For Explorer. Ford has a bad everyting. Except while where here in Hollywood Beach, Florida it is good in the snow from when we drove it to Coldorado and it broke down 15 minutes north of us. We came back down with a rental and drove the Avolon which now has over 73000 miles on it and is brand new. The Ford is also brand new too. Our Honda Accord lasted 26 years and our old Avolon lasted 17 years . The Accord is still working with 64 millon miles on it since I used to go from Spring Lake, New Jersey to New York City everyday. The Toyota had 74 thousand miles on it.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By M. Gladding - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Excellent SUV to drive. Comfortable and very reliable. Mine has almost 45,000 trouble free miles.

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  Still Ok - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By bh_okedoke - September 8 - 10:00 am

  The truck is still doing good. Noticed some funny shifting patterns, so the dealer reprogrammed the transmission, what ever that means. Gas milage is still the pits (we have the v8 - how can detroit produce 405hp cars that average 22 mpg, and not produce a 235 hp v8 that can do better than 15 average mpg?). The truck is still pretty tight. Also noticing a low vibration humm at highway speeds, 65 - 70 - I think its the drive shaft. Just replaced original tires at 36K - went with Toyo series this time around in hopes of getting more miles).

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  Its the quality, stupid! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By The Parkers - September 5 - 7:08 am

  We purchased our Eddie Bauer in September of 03 and have absolutely loved it, except for one thing...the QUALITY! This vehicle has been nothing but pure junk from the minute I drove it off the lot. It came from the factory with a bad moonroof seal. Wind whistled in for months, but I was afraid a trip to the dealer would make it worse. Of course, when water started pouring in at ~38K miles, they wouldnt repair it. Had documented problems with rear end at 32K, 41K, 60K and finally at 71K the rear end failed. Ford and dealer refused to help out even though I had receipts to document the problem. $900 out of pocket for a problem that began in warranty. Been a Ford man all my life, no more!