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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  2003 V8 Explorer Limited - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Scott Thomas - April 1 - 2:00 am

  This Limited is very comfortable, performs well, rides smooth, and hadles the New England winter supurbly!

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  Ill Never Buy Another Ford - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By FordNeverAgain - March 22 - 11:39 am

  Bought my Explorer with 32,000 miles. At 42,000 transmission blew. At 58,000 transmission blew again. At 72,000 needed ball joints upper and lower both sides, wheel bearing right side tie rods, rotors, brakes, shocks, and tires. I can go with the brakes, shocks and tires -- normal wear but the suspension, no way. At 86,000 head gasket blew and is in the garage again. When it comes out it will be traded, I will not buy another Ford. This vehicle sees all highway. no city. No off road. I really like the Escape but too scared to go through the expense again. 2 transmissions $3200, front end work $2000, now head gasket $1100, coupled with the price of the vehicle I could of bought a Lexus.

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  Transmission Issues on a 2003! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By CW - March 22 - 5:06 am

  This will be the first and last American made car I ever buy. After 13 years of driving Japanese vehicles and having excellent performance and reliability I decided to buy an American made SUV. The Ford Explorer may be the #1 selling SUV but I have spent $4k in repairs after owning the car only 6 months. Besides having low quality rotors that were not able to be turned, the transmission had to be rebuilt. Ford would offer nothing to me even though the SUV is only 2 years old (barely out of warranty). From now on I will stick to Honda, Nissan, and Toyota.

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  A Fun to Drive and Satisfying Ride - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Matthew - March 20 - 10:00 pm

  I have owned my Explorer for almost two years now and I absolutely love to drive it! My Explorer has the 4.6 liter V-8 and I would definitely say that it is powerful as well as useful for passing slow cars. Some of the reasons why I bought my Explorer were that I liked the plush leather interior, the two tone paint oxford white (body) and silver (trim), and the premium sound system that included a subwoofer. I am very satisfied with my Ford Explorer and would recommend it to anyone looking to buy a midsize SUV.

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  Best Explorer Yet - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Guy Boulange - March 15 - 12:06 pm

  I previously owned a 1997 Eddie Bauer. The 2006 is far superior in all aspects. The ride is smoother, and the new suspension reduces the roll and bounce effect. The 17" tires provide great traction in my Western NY region in the snow.

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  AWESOME - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By 06EXPXLT - March 14 - 6:26 pm

  I never thought I would own an Explorer. I drove my brothers 04 and found I really liked it. So off we went. I have an XLT. LOVE IT! The stereo with 6 disc and sub-woofer has amazing sound for a factory stereo system. I was impressed. The door handles have gotten a lot of flack in reviews I have read on here, but I find them kind of neat. The only complaint so far (had the truck 2 weeks now) is GAS MILEAGE! UGH! I feel like what I saved in interest with the 0.9% I am making up for in GAS MONEY!

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  Ford=Fix Or Repair Daily - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By LBozeman - March 13 - 6:45 pm

  We bought the truck new. The check engine light has come on 7 times. Now the engine needs to be replaced. We have put close to a $500 in repairs into this truck every year for the last 7 years. We had to replace tires after the Firestone recall, the truck has had a shake in it ever since. When we go over a bump in the road or our driveway, the truck rocks so bad I feel like I have whiplash. I will NEVER buy another Explorer again. I begged my husband not to buy this one, now look where we are!

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  Ford Explorer Sport - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By apf2004 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  It is top heavy, unstable, and a gas guzzler

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  LOVE IT !!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By JJRC - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my 5th Ford Explorer, I now am the proud owner of a 2002 Eddie Bauer edition Explorer. The Quality is exactly what I expect from FORD and again I am not dissapointed, The redesign of the vehicle is beautiful and the ride leaves me without words. I have not had to bring any of my vehicles in to Ford for any major reasons and do not expect to see any problems with this one either.

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  Good vehicle - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By cjweb - March 13 - 9:49 am

  My wife and I have owned this truck for several years and have about 90k miles on it now. It has been very reliable and easy to maintain. I had the the ball joints replaced at about 70k miles, as the steering seemed slightly vague on-center. That cured the problem completely. I also had the EGR valve replaced at about 75k miles, and I had one of the chips in the ignition key quit working one time, which required a new key. Aside from those three problems, it has been a joy to own. With the 302 V8, the fuel economy is about what youd expect (14 city/18 hwy) but the AWD is fantastic in the snow. Ive owned 4WD pickups and the Explorer is much more capable. I would recommend this vehicle.