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:

• 

  I Love My SUV - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Sammy Langston - May 10 - 5:00 pm

  Im a missionary and I travel a lot over the country of Mexico and it really is comfortable to drive and ride in. I travel with my family and feel safe in the handling and response of the vehicle in the mountains and in off road performance. Everyone that has traveled with me says that it truly is quiet and that it is comfortable too.

• 

  1997 2 Door Sport - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Rick McQuaide - May 8 - 11:30 pm

  I bought the vehicle with 99k miles on it and have done a lot of long distance driving with it. The truck is comfortable and has been very reliable since it has started every day! Gas mileage is horrible and the electrical inside of the vehicle is crazy like windshield wipers not working correctly and lights in the instrument cluster going out and lots of other problems. The door locking system outside the truck broke and is very intermittent, but for the money I paid it has paid itself off.

• 

  06 Eddie Bauer loaded - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By SWW - May 7 - 8:00 pm

  We just bought our 3rd Eddie Bauer Explorer loaded with lots of great features: new Nav system, luxurious interior, memory seats (heated), fantastic smoother quieter ride. But the key selling point for me is the door number unlock panel! Never do I look for my keys. They are locked inside the car. As a gal who frequently changes her purses & often wears skirts without pockets, this door unlock system was just what I needed and the main reason that we keep returning to our Explorer Eddie Bauers. Take a look at the impressive new front grill/headlight design on the new 2006 models, a classy SUV. Only negative is a no brainer, wed all like to see better gas mileage.

• 

  THROTTLE BODY FAILED! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Stranded - May 4 - 1:04 pm

  Little over 8,000 miles the throttle body died on a busy roadway. Ford Roadside assistance is a joke! Wrecker was dispatched and a 1 hour forty five minute wait time was estimated. Guess what? That time was extended to another two hours! Called my own personal wrecker service and they were there in 20 minutes. After a three hour wait, I got to the dealership after closing and was unable to secure a rental or loaner car. Another hour or so wait until I could get a family member to pick me up. Listening to the throttle body problems, guess I am not the only one! With the cost of this vehicle, makes one wonder if they could have went to GM and got more bang for the buck!

• 

  We have had no problems - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By L - May 4 - 12:23 am

  I like the design and look of this truck. I only wish that we leased this vehicle instead of buying it, because I now want to upgrade to the 2006 Explorer. Before buying our Explorer we had a TrailBlazer, and I have to say that this truck handles much better on the highway.

• 

  Most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Cliff - May 3 - 5:59 pm

  Overall, a terrific vehicle that has taken me faithfully for 13 years and 150,000 miles from Canadas Yukon to New Mexico - and a lot of rough places in between. Ive hauled scuba gear, sea kayaks, mountain bikes, fishing boats and moved three houses with this vehicle. Ive even slept in the back of it on many occasions. It has never failed to start and never let me down on the road! Now thats MY definition of a great vehicle. Still with the original engine and transmission it has needed very few parts. Only in the last year has it needed a new A/C compressor and now a new radiator. Other than that, just routine replacement parts (batteries, tires etc). Still driven daily.

• 

  I love my Eddie! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By WolfpackGirl - May 1 - 5:15 am

  This is a great SUV. Purchased it after getting tired of my sedan. I love the visibility and safety. The ride is comfortable, the seats feel like Im sitting on a sofa. When I retire this one I will buy another!

• 

  Comfortable, but costing in repairs/gas - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By rideforlife - April 28 - 6:09 am

  I love the design and comfort of driving this SUV. Ive used the 4wd fairly often. With recent gas price hikes, though, its become impractical and Im looking for something with much better fuel economy. Ive also had to make various repairs over the last year.

• 

  Great New Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Harry Risher - April 26 - 11:26 am

  The all-wheel drive Eddie Bauer 2004 Explorer with the 4.6 V-8 is about the BEST all-around SUV on the road. The power is responsive yet smooth. The handling is quick yet precise,and the build quality is second to none. Thats why the Explorer is the Worlds BEST selling SUV-its simply the BEST value for the money!

• 

  Just another ford - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Dre - April 25 - 10:00 am

  It is awful people DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE