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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  John G - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By JDG - August 19 - 2:00 am

  My fourth explorer, I have loved them all....I would recommend this vehicle to anyone with confidence

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  our ride - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By scott jones - August 19 - 2:00 am

  we enjoy our explorer very much

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  Better than your average SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Gang Green - August 19 - 12:36 am

  This is first American automobile purchase and so far I am very pleased. Did alot of research and comparison to the Highlander(Toyota), Pathfinder (Nissan) and Pilot(Honda). Liked a little bit of everything in each vehicles but not enough to purchase them. Then one day I decided to test drive the Explorer thinking there has to be something great that made it the top-selling SUV in 10 yrs. Well, I was genuinely surprised by the strong performance of the V8 engine, spacious interior, comfortable ride and great handling. Anyway, 5 months/7000 miles later its going great!! Better $$ bargain as well. The service (including oil change) is great too and it beats my Acura(ex-car) experience.

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  Great Car - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Mike - August 18 - 11:30 am

  We just passed 195,000 miles on this car and it still runs great. It has served my family well. The only problem weve encountered is a squeaking noise in the suspension that we cannot get rid of. Its a "cosmetic" problem as it doesnt affect the ride or handling. The body is great, not a sign of rust on the car that spent its first five years out in the elements of the northeast 24/7 (no garage).

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  Brand new - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By arturopc - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it for my wife after an extensive research and test drives and she loves it.

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  2004 explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By amet - August 17 - 10:00 am

  this is to me the best looking exterior of all trucks. it is great to drive and is not as bad on fuel as i had expected. if they had only put the f-150 interior inside. i love my truck so far and will probably keep it for a long time to come.

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  Now That the Tire Flap Is Behind Us... - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Mountain - August 13 - 2:00 am

  All things considered, Ford did a pretty fair job of making things right during the Tire Crisis with Firestone. We have new tires, and we enjoy our Explorer. Its still a truck, though, no getting around that - just tromp on the gas, and youll get the point: little acceleration, big noise. Still its pretty, has a large interior, and our Limited Package is extremely comfortable. It is a great "utility vehicle," and its good with long hauls.

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  so far so good - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By sgtswife3kids - August 12 - 4:06 pm

  Sporty sturdy truck, rides like a car. My first Ford - didnt know what to expect, but we are loving it.

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  nice at first, then problems - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By r grigsby - August 12 - 1:22 pm

  Our 92 Explorer seemed to run just fine until 1998 when it broke down on a roadtrip, transmission fluid gushing out onto the road. Had the transmission replaced for $1800 or so. Same thing happened again in 2004. I will never take it on a roadtrip again. The transmission is not beefy enough for the weight of the car. Nowadays it just slowly deteriorates. For some reason water gets trapped in the rear doors causing them to rust away at the bottom. Rocker panels have also completely rusted out. Overal l-- not reliable, lousy.

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  Very lousy record of Ford Explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By wasiala - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Have had numerous repetitive problems including A/C, heater, Heater core and other leaks. Never gets fixed right without numerous visits. In garage at least once per month. Pinion and diff bearings, front seals, hood shocks, noise in front wheel area for several years, speed control, rear wiper, radio, horn relay, on and on. Will never buy a Ford product again.