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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  Its a keeper - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Lowkey - June 13 - 1:57 am

  As a Ford man from a family of Ford lovers this is my first Explorer and I must say in the 2 months Ive owned it I love it. Im wising I would have bought one sooner. I had a 92 Bronco 2 it just didnt perform the same. I must say the 92 two door sport is a keeper.

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  zippy toy with lots of room - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Kayak Hike Ski - June 12 - 11:38 pm

  Ive put on two kayaks and stuffed the back full of camping gear. At 88,000 miles, its always started when I turned the key.

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  2004 Ford Explorer XLT - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By onthego - June 7 - 10:33 am

  This vehicle is as good looking as any other out there. The quality is good, better than Mountaineer, but the ride is not as good as it could be (maybe because of the ATV tires that it came with). The gas usage is less than the window sticker using 89 octane. Overall it is not a bad vehicle and I am not sorry I purchased it. Ford has a problem with rear view outside mirrors shaking when driving down highway, hard to see behind vehicle, especially on windy day.

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  Useless worthless piece of Junk! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Joe monti - June 6 - 8:23 pm

  More than 10 recalls on it as of today. One problem after the other one. Had more than 10 trips to the dealership. Nothing but trouble. Will never ever even think of buying another Ford product.

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  Okay, but no more Fords - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By FA91 - June 2 - 8:15 pm

  As a family who buys new cars and drives them into the ground, I should not complain about the Explorer. I bought this car new in 1998 for about $20,600. At the time this was a very good deal. It was the base model with 5 speed and no roof rack, rear wiper or rear defrost. Good service with no work done until about 80K. It then started eating brakes like candy. Intake manifold went at 90K, and cost $600 to fix at a reasonably priced mechanic. Replaced a front axle hub for $300. Shouldnt be complaining at 107K, but no resale value and my two other vehicles are at 110K 92 Dodge Pickup and 195K - 91 Chrysler. Both still going strong. No more Fords, bought an Xterra.

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  Never Again - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mcook30512 - June 2 - 4:51 pm

  40,000 miles and the transmission went. $3,900 to repair. I have been reading of too many similar occurrences with these vehicles so I would never consider buying another.

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  Could be better - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JIminmass - June 2 - 2:00 am

  On the way home from the dealership the drivers door window motor blew out, got the vehicle home and noticed several small dents in the hood that wereny notice able at the dealership. The dealership repired all but needed to leave the vehicle for 4 days. The ABS has malfunctioned and required 3 trips to the dealer so far with another scheduled. The reverse parking sensor is shutting it self off every once in a while. Vehicle has been good on long trips but disappointing in the reliability dept. I have owned several Ford vehicles and had gotten used to great reliability until now

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  Not a bad SUV... - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By driver - May 31 - 5:05 pm

  I traded in my Mustang GT for an Explorer since I needed a bigger family car. At first we looked at the Escape but decided on the Explorer. We bought the truck in July and went on a family trip in Sept., drove over 4000 miles with no problems. I think though that I might be getting some problems with the tranny now, the truck has 23000 miles. Ill take it in and get the dealer to check it out, under warranty. Aside from that the truck drives/runs/works great. I love it, never will go back to a car... unless gas hits $10 gallon!

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  great Ford vehicle - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By kavinagal - May 30 - 8:43 am

  My car has been a wonderful vehicle -- has always had good performance. reliability and such a good look. Its in great shape and has excellent highway mileage.

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  2nd explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By slong - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I put 189000 miles on my 96 explorer my daughter is still driving it.The new one has more interior comfort and more bells and whistles