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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  Explorer Not a bad Choice - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Donald - July 15 - 11:13 am

  Great Family vehicle for safety!

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  Awesome! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Acb - July 14 - 2:21 pm

  I was pleasantly surprised when I test drove my Ford. It has everything I need or want in a vehicle - with the exception of good gas mileage. I can now take my whole family on road trips! I traded in my 2005 Mustang for the Explorer and I am very happy - they get the same gas mileage anyway - and I will be safer in the winter when I can take full advantage of the 4WD and there is sooo much more room!

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  2002 Explorer XLT - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By wicked witch - July 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV after driving 3 minivans. What a aonderful change. The third row seating option allows me the oppurtunity to still take along "friends" without having to take the van. The auto 4WD gives me added security in treacherous conditions. The leather seating and premium sound system leave me feeling like I purchased a more expensive vehicle. I look forward to driving my 02 XLT each day.

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  get one - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By getone - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Best new car I have ever purchased. We went all out and got a totally loaded Eddie Bauer 4x4. Get one today!

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  Going Great at 40K Miles - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By John - July 11 - 7:36 am

  Purchased new XLT with towing package. Used to pull a boat, trailer, etc. Love the car. No issues whatsoever. Only items Id love to improve are the Sync entertainment system (Microsoft) is slow to load, esp. when starting the car in the freezing cold and you just want to put the heat on. Takes a couple seconds to actually show the climate controls. MPG is lower than expected at 18 on average.

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  V-8 is overkill - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Steve - July 10 - 1:30 pm

  I bought this used 1998 with 100,000 miles on the odometer. At the same time I purchased a 2000 with the SOHC V6. The V8 increases towing capacity by about 500lbs, but the fuel economy is awful (8 city/12 hwy) compared to the V6 (17 city/22 hwy). This vehicle had its fair share of squeaks, rattles, and other unsettling noises, yet had a very compliant ride and willing performance. Im happy to report no troubles at all with this truck (excluding the poor fuel economy).

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  Better with age - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By steve - July 10 - 1:19 pm

  I sold my 1999 Miata (sigh) - needed more room, haul a trailer, etc. I purchased my Limited with 87,000 miles on the clock. After replacing the original shocks and doing a tune-up we loaded it up and headed on a 6,000 mile vacation. Once I got used to the very truckish handling (a shock after the "your thoughts are my command" demeanor of the Miata), I learned to love this vehicle. Now at 108,000 miles, I would rate this as (gasp!) one of the most trouble free and usable vehicles Ive ever owned. It pulls down a very respectable 17 city/22 hwy fuel economy and handles any chore I throw at it. I also bought a 1998 with a V8. The SOHC V6 performed just as well with double the fuel economy.

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  Great for city driving - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By GW Carro - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I have ahd my Explorer for almost three years now. I have found it to be a reliable and versatile vehicle. The engine is a little noisey. The front end quality is poor due to plastic parts in the bumper area and headlight area. The Explorer offers plenty of room and easy access to loading and unloading cargo. Gas milage is average, with approx 20 mpg on the road. I have noticed several rattles starting to appear in the front of the vehicle, which is irritating. If I had it to do all over again, I would probably opt to buy the larger Expedition V8 or the Chevy Tahoe.

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  3 years later - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By cjboot - July 6 - 7:26 am

  My first review was in 2003, only a couple of months after my new purchase of Explorer. Now 3 years later, I have had several problems with it. The rear end has got something major wrong! It makes a horrible whining and grinding noise. I have had 3 window motors replaced. Radio will go off for no reason. Transmission is not right. I love the comfort and look and all of my "bells and whistles", however, I am now looking to get rid of it because of the rear end troubles. I have heard this will cost me a fortune. This happened at 37,000 miles and ever since the warranty ran out, it has been downhill!

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  I like it! - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By desertamber - July 5 - 11:13 pm

  Well since we bought it a few years back, its actually been a great vehicle. Ive only had to replace the brakes once and now the clutch is starting to go...my fault. I was real bad at driving a clutch back then.