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:

• 

  me and my explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By rachael - August 16 - 4:01 pm

  this is a great SUV however it is far from as comfortable as the expedition that I had before.

• 

  Great truck - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Scott - August 16 - 10:34 am

  Truck has been great mileage 19 city 22 highway. Awd is perfect in the Indiana winters. Heated seats loaded up Ford made a winner. just wish i had the 3rd row seat like the 2000. Ride is quick and smooth. Not as smooth as my 95 ltd but smooth. I have 111,000 miles no wrench turning as of yet.

• 

  1999 Explorer XL 4x4 - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By fire2722 - August 15 - 6:26 pm

  Overall not a bad vehicle. Had very minimal problems with it. Poor gas mileage (14-16city), but to be expected with an suv. Under powered, pulling a double jet ski trailer it shifts down several times to keep up with its self. Seats are little uncomfortable. Ride is ok, not bad for size of wheelbase. No major problems mechanically. Rear wiper broke, headlight socket melted, power lock switch, and A/C leaks like most fords. Otherwise nothing broke. 75,000 now and havent replaced ball joints as most have, and havent had any transmission issues as most have. Have owned for little over 2 years and selling in a few days now for better fuel economy and comfort.

• 

  Fine Car - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Irus - August 13 - 5:03 pm

  The only thing I have done to this Limited is change the oil and one set of tires.It still has the orignal battery.A couple of interior lights dont work. My car in Irus Frost and still looks new. I bought this car new when they came out late in 1994. I have made 6 trips to South West Florida from Ohio no problems. I like my Explorer.It has every thing but sun roof.

• 

  $42,000 and NO automatic garage door opener - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By TomKM - August 11 - 6:29 pm

  And thats with $7,000 of options, including the Tech Feature Bundle, Sync 3 etc. Cant believe Ford would cheap out on this universally useful feature for its customers.

• 

  Scoring my Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Bud Denno - August 11 - 5:43 pm

  I purchased my Explorer new in California and have made 5 cross- country trips to the east coast before settling in Maine in 2002. I have had the following major maintenance Replaced ball joints, replaced brakes (front and rear) twice, turned the rotors once and replaced them once. I personally change oil and filter every 3000-4000 miles. I pulled a loaded tandem wheel trailer from Calif. to Maine without incident. The four wheel drive has worked flawlessly (and frequently). Overall, I have been very pleased with the vehicle, however, I must admit that gas mileage is the biggest disadvantage. Around town I average 15-16 MPG and on trips I have gotten 20-21. It is now for sale.

• 

  joeys explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By BDBOY - August 9 - 9:43 pm

  I FOUND THE EXPLORER TO BE FUN TO DRIVE, AND VERY RELIABLE, SPORTY LOOK, AND VERY ROOMY INSIDE.

• 

  Upgraded from the 2011 Escape. - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Richard McKeever - August 8 - 6:30 pm

  I bought the Base Explorer. I had the XLT Escape. I dont miss any of the features I had on the XLT. I mainly wanted a SUV that had 6 cylinders, and this came standard. I Love my new Explorer! Plenty of power, smooth ride, excellent steering. Just got back from a 6 hour there and 6 hour return trip. I have a herniated disk, and my back felt great after the long drive. My wife loves how it feels on the road, and how quiet it was inside. I averaged 25 miles to the gallon on the highway, and 18 in the city. It is very comfortable, and the sound system is great. The only thing I was disappointed with, was that I couldnt add the factory fog lamps to it. Ford should add the harness to it for those that wish to add them to it. Oh well Fords loss. I highly recommend this model to family and friends. In fact I already have.

• 

  Awsome Truck/SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Playboy - August 8 - 2:00 am

  What can I say its off the Hizzle fo shizzle my nizzle!

• 

  Buy a chevy !!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By nick from nj - August 6 - 1:36 pm

  I thought I was the only person with transmission problems. The dealer acts that way !! Has been back 3 times for trans slamming and shuddering, still not fixed !! I am glad I purchased the extended warranty, even with 0 % financing you can not keep up with depreciation so you can trade them in. I will bite the bullet and lose money so I can trade it in before warranty runs out.