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:

• 

  love it or leave it..........I like it ! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Thomas Dx - October 25 - 6:41 pm

  Tell you more.......she puts out ...and not only looks, 4.0 Lt motor good on gas....255k miles Florida born ..rust free great body

• 

  Poor Customer Service - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By free1 - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a decent auto, however, the V8 seems to have a problem with broken ignition wires (as early as 30K-40K miles). Ford is not willing to acknowledge this problem, but has plenty of replacement wires in stock! Also problems with noisy front springs and the brake pedal. Poor quality of rear wiper, electric windows, luggage racks. Comfortable seats, decent interior layout, good comfort features (lighted mirrors, remote door locks, etc.).

• 

  2000 Limited - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By wsws - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy my 2000 Explorer LTD V6 4X4 very much,

• 

  V8 Helps a Lot - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By 0% - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the XLT with a V8 and towing package. Plenty of low end power and smooth acceleration. Leather interior is very comfortable and 3rd row seating is a definite plus for loading kids and friends at the same time.

• 

  Solid SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jlongn01 - October 25 - 2:20 am

  Has a nice ride with decent acceleration for an SUV. Good interior space - the third row seat is a nice feature although it doesnt fold completely flat which is a little annoying. Is a good tow vehicle and has been reliable.

• 

  XLT - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By J Esparza - October 23 - 2:20 pm

  Over all my experience is very good so far. I love the clearance, especially on construction sites. Im finding out that the replacing the IAC because it is stuck due to carbon build up is a is a common problem. It will cause the car not to start.

• 

  Dont make a mistake! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Mom of 2 boys - October 22 - 5:53 pm

  We bought our 02 Explorer used in 04, thinking that since we were buying from a Ford dealer, we would have Ford standing behind its product. Wrong. The car looks good, but it is a piece of junk. The rear differential has been fixed twice already (at $1000 a pop), and it still has the roaring coming from the rear end that these 02 Explorers have become famous for. Ford really should issue a recall about this. If you do your research, youll find so many owners with this same problem, and Ford wont fix it. They are simply interested in selling their cars, not having great customer service afterwards. Sorry to say, were among the legions who have now sworn off Fords forever.

• 

  Ford Believer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By mingo333 - October 20 - 2:30 pm

  Previous vehicle was a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. Thought I would get another one (05), but changed mind after driving and comparing Jeep and Explorer. (Doesnt hurt that both my husband and son are "Ford men"). Am so happy with 05 that Ive already gone to dealership to check into getting an 06. Got good price on Explorer after negotiation, but sure wish I had waited and cashed in on all the incentives that have been occurring lately -- but who knew, right? Also test drove and considered an Acura MDX, Mercedes SUV, Chevy Tahoe, Honda Pilot, Toyota 4-Runner, Cadillac Escalade (in addition to Jeep Grand Cherokee) but the Explorer ultimately won out.

• 

  Couldnt be happier - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Paul - October 18 - 2:03 pm

  Overall Im very happy with my purchase. Had an initial problem with the rear end clutchs and dealer did a quick and efficient repair. Weve taken a couple of long trips and have been pleased with the comfort of the ride. Does good in the deep snow and handles well overall. Based on our experience so far Id buy another Explorer.

• 

  Pretty nice SUV! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Kyle - October 17 - 12:15 pm

  I absolutely love the look of the new 2016 Explorer. I needed something bigger to carry/haul things around and this thing sure does have the room! I wish Ford would make a V8 engine for the explorer because Im not much on the ecoboost engines. The V6 option performs pretty good, but this SUV is pretty heavy! Transmission is fairly smooth, could be smoother. With only 1500 miles on it so far, I cant tell how reliable it is but so far so good. I love the interior, its very comfortable. My ford touch can be a pain, but not a big concern for me. The Explorer handles like a dream and is a nice ride on the highway. Overall nice SUV.