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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  DONT PASS UP - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Bob-0 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my explorer I am a 19 year old college student and it has everything I could want and more. Its ability to handle in weather and its tight turning radius makes it a execellent overall driving experience. The best thing I could say about this car is that it is a beast of a machine. I was rear-ended and the bumper only sustained a 2 inch crack while the guy who hit me totalled the front of his car. The only downside is the lack of boost and the sound system, but my youthful aspect has fixed that.

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  going to buy another Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By fordblue - September 26 - 12:53 am

  We drive to several ski vacations every year and pulled a 21 foot boat for the first two years. Love the 4wd in the snow and getting the boat out of the water. Mechanical - two sets of brakes, a loose antenna wire and a stuck thermostat are it for maintenance.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Hauler - September 23 - 2:04 pm

  Enjoy the car. Plenty of storage room and a feeling of confidence when driving. Felt good this winter driving through the snow. Car handles well and am impressed with the engine and transmission.

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  Sun Roof Problem - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Kevin - September 23 - 2:00 pm

  Since I purchased the vehicle Ive had a rattle in the sun roof. I had it to the dealer and they added some parts that Ford suggested in a bulletin. After the repair the rattle is gone but now it occasionally creaks as I go over bumps in the road. The dealer is going to contact Ford to see if they have any other suggestions.

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  Not-the-Ford I Expected - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By AcuraMDXinFuture - September 20 - 2:00 am

  PROS: Nice overall design with lots of room for trips. Looks nice in driveway. Is great for off-roading! NEGS: Message Center on dash is invisible when sun is shining from left and/or you are wearing sun glasses!!! Horn is hard to sound when most needed!!! Hit the wrong area on the wheel and you hear nothing! Transmission is clunky and, in my case, needed to be rebuilt at 55,000 miles!!! I could go on but Im sure you sense my disappointment with my Explorer. In brief, an Extended Warranty Policy is essential to cover electronic & transmission failures!

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  emmision problems - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By WORRIED - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I drove for six months with the "new engine smell", I thought, to find out the catalytic converter was bad. Had to wait a week to get a new one. Back to dealership for that only to have service engine soon light come on. Now it has a bad oxygen sensor. Wait again for that to be replaced. Picked it up and now the idle is bad and it is back in the service dept. I dont know if this is a sign of a "lemon" or a bad service department. But my original excitement is starting to wane.

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  Good Solid American SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Ken - September 17 - 12:19 pm

  My 1999 Explorer 4WD XLT has been a good all-purpose family vehicle for mostly around-town driving, vacations and 3 cross country trips in summer and winter. The 4WD was useful for those Illinois snowstorms as well as crossing the Sierra Nevada Mts, the Ozarks gravel roads and various other places. The normal 2WD offered a fair gas mileage of about 17mpg in the city (I drive conservatively) and about 20 on the highway. Notable Interior features I likes were the dual power outlets, 6 CD changer, overhead temperature readout (outside) and compass direction (useful more than I would like to admit). The split rear fold down seats were functionally useful. Normal maintenance required only.

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  What a great SUV! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Best Car Ive owned - September 15 - 6:56 pm

  This is by far the best SUV I have owned. I am so in love with the way it drives, the fact that I dont feel like I am going to get blown off the road due to it being "too light" and the room for my children is great! My husband is 64" and he has plenty of room in any seat.

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  Smart Choice - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Peavy - September 15 - 10:00 am

  After test driving several Japanese and even German SUVs, I bought my Explorer and never looked back. The styling is beautiful, the ride exceptional and the quality better than I could have hoped for on any SUV. I would, and have, recommend this vehicle to anyone wanting a SUV.

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  Best Vehicle I Have Ever Owned - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By MulletMaster - September 14 - 6:06 pm

  Ive had my explorer for about 4 years and i love the hell out of it. i got it from my grandma, so it was babied its entire life until i got it. I race it, i four wheel it, and daily drive it. Stock motor, never touched, trans rebuilt about 75k ago. Shifts strong, and runs like a racecar. i hit rev limiter all the time in it and the engine never skips a beat. i would highly reccomend this as a first car... it can stand up to the abuse that even the most rambunxious teenager can throw at it. only started to rust this winter, living on the washington coast hasnt hurt it one bit.