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:

• 

  XLT - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Eugene Holly - March 13 - 2:48 am

• 

  better than average - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By roughneck - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Like the car a lot. Had 2 problems so far. The rear window wiper had a bad motor and needed to be replaced and the Idler air control (IAC) valve was sticking and needed to be replaced or the car would sometimes die at standstill. I also see that some parts are not lifetime. (Example: fuel filter) A small cost but on Toyota its a lifetime part. Among other recommended services Maintaince Costs can add up on this vehicle because the dealer has to do certain things like a complete transmission flush and fill every 30000 miles. An above average SUV for Premium Price in its class.

• 

  Wow - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Ronny B - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I just bought it and cant believe all the negative feedback here. I think it is an excellent car and an excellent value. I love driving it and think that Ford has done an excellent job with the 2002.

• 

  Best Vehicle Ever! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By calicobobtail - March 11 - 11:41 pm

  I know you wont believe me, but this is the best vehicle we have ever had. It is approaching 175,000 miles with virtually NO major repairs. I commute 30 miles each way to work, never have been broken down, and no problems at all. I purchased at 90,000 miles. It is a little narrow in the front seating, so a large person would probably be uncomfortable. 4WD works awesome the gas mileage is killing us though. We pull our horse trailer and also large hay wagons for our horses. It has the power to do it.

• 

  Drivin this 1 til bottom falls out! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By LoveMySUV - March 11 - 11:56 am

  Original owner, love this vehicle. I will cry the day I have to get rid of it. Ive had NO issues, repairs, etc. other than regular maintenance or the occasional cracked radiator hose or seal deterioration (at 10 years old, this is expected). In attempts to improve gas mileage, I added K&N air filter, open cat-back exhaust with 2" pipe, and performance spark plugs, boosting from Std 160 HP to about 180. The occasional tow of 750-1000 lbs. and the random off-road experiences make this a fun ride. It turns 180 on a dime, Ive seen no other car make turns like this one. Ive never managed to get the EPA fuel rating, and this, to be honest is the only problem I have, with 14/17 mpg city/hwy.

• 

  2002 Ford Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By 2002 Ford Explorer - March 10 - 5:23 pm

  Traded 2007 Mustang GT for a 2002 Ford Explorer. I live in Kansas so I need a SUV for the snow! I am really amazed by the Eddie Bauer 4x4!

• 

  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Indy Explorer fan - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my wifes first SUV and she loves it. We looked at many others, but for the price, we couldnt beat the Explorer. The Automatic 4WD works seamlessly on ice, and the leather seats are great for long drives. We went without the 3rd row seat, and boy, are we glad we did. Without kids, we would much rather have the storage space. Our only complaint so far is the fuel door location. Drivers side would be nice. Also a handle for closing the tailgate would come in handy...especially for shorter people.

• 

  Ford Explorer XLT - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Peri_P_Laneta - March 4 - 5:37 pm

  Bought new in 1999 and have put on only about 40,000 miles. Has been very reliable, although it did take 6 attempts before the dealer was able to fix the rear wiper motor. Has been fairly comfortable to drive. The controls are reasonably convenient to use and the drivers seat adjustment works pretty well. Id buy it again.

• 

  An Ok SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Ken - February 28 - 8:09 pm

  I think the dealer wanted to move this Eddie Bauer as it had the V8 & most of the options including captains chairs in rear seat & canopy air bags. Got a great deal as it was on the lot for 4 months. Engine is flawless but highway MPG is 18 unless you get off the highway for a few miles & then average drops to 13-14. Lots of problems with transmission shifting but all was fixed in a timely manner by Ford. Ford should get with it on the leather seats with the inserts & make them solid leather. Heated seats failed & wrong parts kept on being ordered by the dealer. Dealer prep was less than desirable as lots of buffing compound was left on. Paid $31,000 for a MSRP $39,500. Not bad overall.

• 

  Terrible Automobile - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By bad ford - February 28 - 11:15 am

  This is the worst vehicle Ive ever owned. I was a life long Ford man. Not now. This was the most expensive vehicle Ive ever bought and the worst. It was poorly designed, poorly engineered, and poorly constructed. Ive had nothing but problems and the dealer is no help. The list of problems, just to name a few: A "Plastic", yes you read it right, timing chain tensioner that cost me $1730.00 yes you read that right too. Blend door broke ($400.00), intake manifold seals ($600.00), O2 sensors (numerous). Fan clutch ($300.00). Numerous others. This thing had problems from front to back. It is a terrible vehicle and I wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy.