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:

• 

  American Dream? - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By jminichino - July 5 - 8:28 pm

  I bought the car used at 19,000 miles and now have 130,000 miles on it. It has been a rough 130,000 miles. I change the oil every 5,000 miles and rotate tires. Thermostat has gone out twice, electrical system shorted out, causing $1,000 dollars in repairs, and my windshield wiper motor went out. Repairs keep adding up and I dont find it surprising that Ford is going bankrupt. I would love to buy another Ford, but I doubt that will ever happen again. American car companies need to invest in quality and durability or they are done for.

• 

  WILL NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By dmw - July 5 - 3:08 pm

  My Explorer has had transmission work done on it 3 times in 3 years. It seems like as soon as the one year warranty runs out, so does the transmission. I also have to replace brakes at least twice a year and my check engine light wont go off even after I had the oxygen sensor worked on as instructed by the mechanic. This truck has given me nothing but problems from day one!

• 

  I love my Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ally711 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my exporer

• 

  Brake Eater - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By californiaoldman - July 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a very nice car and handles extreamly well for an SUV but it eats brakes like there is no tomorrow. I have replaced them at least 5 times during its 104,000 mile life.

• 

  2006 Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Tom Hensler - July 1 - 8:36 pm

  The ride, road noise, and stability seem to be much improved. The added horse power is apparent. The seats are much less comfortable than my previous Explorers, even though they are listed as luxury seats. I asked my dealer about this, and they just blew it off. The floor shifter is really in the way after using previous column shifters. It also leaves no room for pockets in the cockpit in which to store things in a convenient manner. I had an extremely difficult time getting the vehicle set up to my preference. After waiting 6 weeks, I finally accepted a vehicle that was very much a compromise -- next time I will abandon my allegiance to Ford.

• 

  Almost 200K Miles Later... - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By dr.girlfriend - June 29 - 1:48 pm

  The 1996 Ford Explorer XLT (V6) has definitely been the finest car Ive ever owned, and Ive owned quite a few. (My dad says "I cant believe that car has been so good to you!" Hes jealous). I bought it used with a little less than 75K miles on it, and now it has over 180K, and still running strong. No major mechanical problems, and has never went one morning without starting right up. Ive been all around the country with it. The value on paper is soooooo far below what its REALLY worth! I would recommend this fantastically-performing car to anyone who wants something reliable, roomy, nice-looking, and lovable.

• 

  Good, but Not Great - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By bruce - June 27 - 9:35 am

  This is my 2nd XLT, drove the 1st one 145K. Overall, Im happy with, but have had more problems with it than the 95. Has a nice ride, great performance with the V8 towing package. Nice sound system. Passable, but barely, for towing 7K boat and trailer. Just a few more horses would be nice. Hated the 17" Goodrich tires that came on it - noisy and out-of-round - should have traded them out, but used them for 20K before giving up. Like many others, LS clutches in the rear end failed at about 40K. Computer problem early took 3 weeks to get the part, but dealer supplied a loaner for the duration. Id buy one again just to stay with the same dealer, who has been great. At times, Id like 4WD.

• 

  USED purchase....NO REGRETS! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By M.Smith - June 25 - 8:00 am

  I purchased my Explorer in 4/2006. It was used and only had 15,000 miles. I paid roughly $15000 and dont regret this purchase.Compared to my Impala, which I gladly traded in, and considering size difference, the Explorer gets the better mileage. I originally wanted a Chevy Trailblazer but for the price of a used Trailblazer and after speaking with people who owned Trailblazers (I found out numerous complaints), I decided to LOOK at Explorers. I was anti-Ford, and still am except for the line of SUV/trucks. I fell in love and found zero complaints from Explorer owners. Its wonderful for travels, T-ball, and friends with kids, roomy enough for me, my linebacker husband, and our linebacker son!

• 

  Dissatisfied repeat customer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By clista0204 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is a V8 XLT. It has been a thorn in my side since it was leased and I cant wait to get rid of it. All of its problems have been repetative. Compass has been replace 4times. Sway bar bushings have been replaced 4 times. Vehicle had stalling problem which went undiagnosed by the dealers that I dealt with for 2 years until it left me stranded. Trans needed work from day one, and has been adjusted two times. I do a lot of highway driving and I need a reliable vehicle. This one is not. Also sloping roof always causes a lot of water to constantly travel down the front windshield. This can be very inconvenient

• 

  Painful front seat and foot-well design - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Henry F. - June 18 - 3:29 am

  Great, smooth ride. Wonderful turning radius and nice looks, BUT: The sides of the seats ride high and put pressure on the thighs, and its immediately noticeable and uncomfortable. 62" here but not big, relatives of mine who are much smaller said the same thing immediately. Contributing to the pain, though, is that they redesigned the foot well so that the floor actually inclines back to front and left to right, which puts your ankle and leg at very weird angles, and doesnt allow for a depth of the basin for pivoting over the pedals. The angle of the brake (also too far forward - towards you) and the gas pedal has increased which makes matters worse. They also increased the angle of the dead pedal, and one cant even put a foot on it without it pushing the toes inward --- the walls curve in and effectively make everything near the pedals smaller. I think they did this to open up room back towards the chair but all of the above caused me much pain. I even measured angles, distances, etc. to make sure I wasnt crazy --- Im not. Its sad because its a nice looking car that otherwise would be enjoyable, but ... if you are in pain driving something its a complete loss.