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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  would not recommend - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By douglas durant - August 6 - 12:15 pm

  This vehicle does not get the gas mileage stated on the window sticker.

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  Ups and downs with the 04 Eddie Bauer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Rick - August 6 - 2:38 am

  We like our 04 Eddie Bauer, but it should be more refined for the money. I was reading reviews to find out if anyone else was experiencing some of the nuances of this vehicle. The rear hatch is very heavy, and yes, it is hard to find the seat warmer button. However, experiencing the rotten egg smell when you turn on the A/C (that the dealer cant seem to correct) and the sluggish transmission are main concerns. The turning radius is poor, and the car "lurches" when turning tight at slow speeds. Also, the car stalled out once while my wife was driving down the road! Snow sets the rear sensors off and each tire needs its own pressure sensor since the gauge is always on.

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  Review 2007 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Loaded - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By John Minor - August 5 - 12:40 pm

  I need a dependable used SUV for some light off road trips for camping and fishing. Found this one with 166,000 miles on it but for its year it was in excellent condition. The leather seats were still in very good condition with no cracks or tears. The V8 engine is powerful and can pull a trailer it boat. The car drives nice both on and off the highway. It doesnt have all the safety bells and whistles a new explorer would, but it was perfect for my needs. Best of all was the price-$4500!!!

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  Awesome Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By christine - August 4 - 9:58 pm

  Ive had my Explorer about a week now :) and its awesome. Its a great ride. Im nice and high up and can see EVERYTHING! I love the message center, since Im totally inept when it comes to automotive things like checking the levels -- it checks levels for me! The interior is beautiful, I have cloth seats, no bells or whistles really, but even the basic is great. Im still on my tank from the dealer, and Im kind of scared to fill her up, but since Im gaining safety and height I guess its ok. And it is a midsize SUV after all, wouldnt expect to fill up for $30. And its not bad, it makes you take it easy. So basically, while there are these family plans, go out and get an Explorer! Youll love it!

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  Loved Driving It, Hated The Repair Costs - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ML - August 2 - 10:19 pm

  I went through 2 transmissions on this vehicle before 120,000 miles. Unfortunately this is not an uncommon problem. Finally traded it in when it required suspension repairs which exceeded cost of the car.

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  We like driving it! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By phillman - August 2 - 2:13 pm

  Actually we are 100% happy with the Explorer. The only problem we have had is the pick-up. When going up a hill, the engine seems to be working pretty hard and the pick-up is sluggish. I think if we has the 8 cylinder we would not have the problem. As I said great car! I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Worst New car that Ive owned - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By gmack - August 2 - 2:00 am

  The car has spent almost as much time in the shop as it has spent in my garage I have the 4.6L V8 which in my opinion is a POS. The motor knocks and ticks and Ford is refusing to fix it.

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  Owner - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Lynda Smith - August 1 - 2:43 pm

  So far ... great car. Gas mileage could be improved.

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  2001 Ford Explorer Ltd. - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Stephanie - July 31 - 3:08 pm

  I love my Explorer Ltd. but am just ready for a newer model vehicle. I test drove the 2005 Explorer Ltd. and was not very impressed. I think Ford used cheaper materials in the interior construction of the 2005 model, as my interior is much nicer in my opinion. The engines are pretty much the same and I have never (knock on wood) had a major mechanical problem or been stranded on the side of the road with my 2001. The only minor thing was a hose broke. It cost me around $70. I do however keep up on the maintenance.

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  Nice vehicle, fun to drive - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By tboss - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a good vehicle, Ive had a lot of fun driving it and will stick with Fords probably. The design is nice, I wish I would have optioned it out!