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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  Too many problems to list, buy anything else! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By jimbo28max - December 14 - 5:40 am

  I am sure that any positive review is from a Ford dealer or someone who has an interest in selling one. Because this car is probably the biggest pile of junk ever built. The biggest problem is that the dealer cant even fix them. I am on my third transmission. If you look online you will see that they all have the same known problem. I get a random check engine light that comes back as "bad shift solenoids". Dealer changer shift solenoids . and it was not the problem. Shifting problem misteriously went away for 1 yr and is now back. In true FORD fashion nerf bars rusted and literally fell off of the car, EGR rusted through and caused all kinds of problems, bad mass airflow sensor, etc

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  Driving on SNOW STORMS - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By udarab88 - December 13 - 5:54 pm

  This is not a good SUV to drive on heavy snow high ways. Specially 4x4. I spinned twice and hit on the edge of the highway safety guards. I was driving 30mph on a 70mph road. Please use 2 wheel drive on high ways when its really bad on roads.

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  Rock Hard - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By explorersaurus - December 7 - 3:54 pm

  My dad bought me a 1997 Ford explorer about 6 months ago. Pretty much my only gripe with it is the poor fuel economy. Other than that, its fantastic. I have an XLT with the V8 and AWD. I am yet to have used the AWD in the snow, but the V8 has supple power and (for a truck) smooth power delivery. The driver and passenger seat is comfy. Overall, a great purchase.

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  A High end SUV - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By power_mkp - December 7 - 12:56 pm

  We just bought the 2013 Explorer Limited and I cannot say enough about this vehicle. The interior is simply beautiful, even compared against the luxury brands of Mercedes, BMW and Lexus. There have been a lot of complaints about the My Ford Touch system, however as long as you load the latest firmware update (via USB), then you will have no problems. Ride quality is very good, although it can feel a little firm with the 20 inch alloys than come standard on the Limited. The cabin is spacious while at the same time feeling very cozy. We have the captain chairs in 2nd row which makes access to the 3rd row much easier. Highly recommended. The 3.5l V6 really packs a punch with good fuel economy.

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  headlights are very poor - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By starter352 - November 20 - 9:29 am

  I recently purchased a 203 ford explorer. This was my very first ford and will be my last. Do not buy this car if you plan on driving at night on anything but a very well lit road. It has been back to dealership several times, everyone that drives it concurs that the lighting is an issue, but since Ford says it is a character of the car nothing can be done, even though they have received numerous complaints. The lights perform so poorly that my wife will not drive it at night. I am hoping this posting keeps someone else from making the mistake I did.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By edwnek3 - November 10 - 12:42 am

  This is my second Explorer. The first being a 96 Mountaineer. The Explorer 4.0 has much better gas milage the the Mountaineer 5.0.

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  I love my Ford Explorer - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By simsational - November 9 - 6:04 pm

  I fell in love with the new Explorers long before I purchased my new vehicle. Not knowing what new vehicle I wanted to purchase I went directly to the Ford Dealer to test drive the Explorer and I knew this was the vehicle for my family. Its been a year since I purchased the Explorer I continue to fall in love with it. I look forward to driving it each day. If I leave on vacation I cant wait to return to my Explorer. All my friends and family members love it as well especially my 4 year old daughter.

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  Still Working - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By slinsk - November 9 - 2:15 pm

  Bought my 4.0L, 4dr, 4wd, auto XLT as a new loss leader from the Sunday newspaper auto section in 1996 for $23k. Had to replace a blown head gasket twice. First time was my fault because thermostat was bad and temp gage wasnt working so engine overheated & blew the head gasket. 2nd time was just from age & I was able to save a few thousand by doing the labor myself (~$700 in parts & machine shop work on the valves/heads). Now has 157k on it. Transmission is starting to slip but I understand thats normal wear & tear with this many miles. Other than that, just had the usual, tires, alternator, brakes stuff. The truck has been a workhorse.

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  No USB Modem Support - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By milkcan - November 6 - 2:07 pm

  I just discovered that the Ford Sync in my 2013 doesnt support any USB Broadband Modems. This makes this Sync feature useless, and I cant setup my Ford as a HotSpot inside the vehicle. The only way is to Tether your phone, and pay ATT an additional monthly fee.

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  moving on up from 81 chevy blazer,first luxury car - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By coloradobell - October 16 - 4:46 pm

  we just brought our explorer from dearship, its only had 58000 mile on the engine. By looking at you would think it just came off the assembly line. We love it. This are first luxury suv in twenty five years of marriage. I am married to retired car parts salesman and he didnt say one word about the cost of parts for explorer. Believe me first time ever!! Every other suv I thought about buying never ending. My husband now refuses to drive the old chevy which we still have.Hes in love with our car. its is gas hog, but after driving uncomfortble suv for nearly 15 years. The trade up was well worth it. Now I know we have dependable car going over colorado winter passes