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 is this one for you - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Brooklyn Dodgers - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Has a real good ride, could get better gas millage, sound proof.

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  EXPLORERS ARE BEST - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By ROBJR2057 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST VEHICLE I COULD EVER BUY NEVER A PROBLEM ALWAYS RELIABLE

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  1995 Ford Explorer - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Judy - May 27 - 10:00 am

  My 1995 Ford Explorer now has 262,000 miles. I have never had ANY major problems with it. I consider it a very GOOD, well built vehicle.

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  bought a headache - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By bought a headach - May 24 - 1:20 am

  Always wanted an Explorer until I got one. Where do I start -- every little curve you make it sounds like the front end is gonna fall out. The CD player works when it wants to other times it says CD error. The radio stations change themselves. The door, after the drivers side has been opened, keeps unlocking itself. Rides like a horse & buggy. Some times all the windows will roll down. Had to replace driver side door handle two times. Driver side seat latch broke so you have to sit the same way every time you drive. IÂ’m 5, my husband is 62. He was driving when it broke so very rough drive for me.

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  2000 Ford Explorer is a POS - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By jack7175 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I have experience very high maintenance and repair costs with the 2000 Ford Explorer. I am particularly disappointed in the number of electrical problems I started having once my 36/36,000 warranty expired. I have spent more than $1000 in repair costs since August of 2002 on this piece of crap vehicle. I will think twice, if not three time before buying another Ford vehicle.

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  Where does the gas go?? - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By YIKES!! - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck with the exception of the gas mileage.... Sitting in traffic is a no go on gas....I think that you get about 2 miles to the gallon?? Also, the rear wiper.... Not a good feature if it does not work.

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  Eddie Bauer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jim H. - May 15 - 2:09 pm

  This is my first SUV. The Eddie Bauer is a great looking truck, with great interior room and features. I like sitting high and the view over other vehicles.

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  Watch out - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Steve W - May 15 - 6:59 am

  I HAD the 2003 Explorer and from the start I had transmission problems. First went out at 7,000 miles, next one went out at 21,000 and last one went at 36,000. Seems Ford has had problems with these transmissions and refuses to admit it. I learned that the 2006 still have the problems about 2 out of 5 sold come back with transmission problems. If you have nothing to do go sit in the service waiting room and asked the people waiting. You will think twice about buying one. Worst of all is Fords complete failure to help they refuse to admit to the problem and refuse to even consider a swap or favorable trade in. I was finally forced to turn the car back in because you guessed it. THINK TWICE

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  Another Lemon - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By J - May 12 - 9:22 pm

  Replaced ball joints at 25,000 miles and again at 90,000. Radio stopped displaying at 60,000. Problems too numerous to mention. Gas mileage started at around 17 city is now down to 10-12 city and 15 hwy, and thats driving like a granny. Put more work into this truck before 90,000 than any other vehicle Ive owned. Trading it off soon, good riddance!

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  Ups and Downs.... - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Baltimore Guy - May 12 - 10:38 am

  I bought this car as a demo with 2100 miles on it. It operated well for the first 4 years - recalls were handled promptly - but then the problems started. Normal wear (brakes, wipers, battery, etc.) to be expected (but not appreciated) but alternator failed, fuel pump went bad and other assorted "minor" problems (which arent cheap to fix) before it hit 50,000 miles. Have always enjoyed driving the car - especially on long trips - very comfortable, easy to drive - wish gas mileage was a little better - but dont mind sacrificing that for the comfort. Not sure if Ill buy another one though.