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:
Showing 1701 through 1710 of 2,880.00-
Back on Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
By Ed - July 10 - 11:40 pmI had for Explorer for 5 years until my wife totaled the car. After driving a minivan for 4 years after that, I just purchased a Explorer. It is a very nice ride. Mechanically is good. It could use a little more details in the inside. However I am satisfied with the truck.
-
Two Explorers per Year - 2005 Ford Explorer
By Vernon Scott - July 9 - 2:33 pmI drive over 65,000 miles per year with my job. I usually go through two or three Explorers every year. I only drive the Limited Edition they are very comfortable & look great. Im pretty aggressive with my speed and the vehicle handles great. In the past four years Ive never had a repair needed on any of my Explorers. Just a lot of oil changes and gasoline fill ups.
-
Fun to drive - 2011 Ford Explorer
By Ed Olds - July 8 - 2:38 amThis car is a blast drive! Its in Candy Apple with polished wheels and gets a lot of attention Great storage Huge brakes! I would rate this car a ten!
-
Better than my 2005 M.B. ML350 - 2003 Ford Explorer
By hambone - July 7 - 1:36 pmI just bought a 2005 Mercedes Benz ML 350. It has been a total piece of junk. My 2003 Explorer has 125,000 miles now. Recently, my wife and I had to drive both SUVs from Illinois to Florida. We found ourselves fighting over who was going to get to drive the Explorer. Neither of us wanted the Mercedes. That says a lot for the Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer. The new Benz has been in the shop 3 times more than the 125,000 mile Ford.
-
Excellent Value for the Money - 2005 Ford Explorer
By tlc75372 - July 2 - 8:03 pmFar superior to previous generations of Explorers independent rear suspension, gyro roll, yaw, and traction control, digital fuel mileage and remote tire pressure sensing (little transmitters in the valve stems) are features you just cant find for less than $21,000 with the great deals going on right now. Nimble, fun to dive and so quiet at idle, I have to look at the tach to make sure its running. Highway mileage (22.5) is OK, but it will take years to worry about it with the fabulous discounts theyre giving right now. Having owned over 50 cars, Im not blowing smoke when I recommend this one for the money. Great time to walk away on some old junk, especially if you have cash.
-
Not great pretty good though - 2000 Ford Explorer
By Vic - July 2 - 12:34 amWe are at the end of our lease. This truck has been as advertised, both good and bad. Its been reliable, its AWD has gotten me through a couple of snowstorms, and has ample space for our family of 4 plus dog. Were moving up to a minivan mainly for the extra passenger capacity. Although I cant complain about the Explorer in any specific area, if I could go back 5 years, I would NOT buy this vehicle again. Again, theres nothing really wrong with it, but there are many other vehicles that would have fit our lifestyle better at a much lower price. I think a car based SUV like the Escape would have been a better choice.
-
American built and I love it - 1997 Ford Explorer
By Jeff - June 29 - 3:32 pmWell pleased with the speed and response of the V8. Looks great after 8 years. Fuel economy is poor, however these things are big and built for fun and work not fuel economy.
-
Great vehicle - 2007 Ford Explorer
By Matt Daley - June 28 - 11:00 pmLove this vehicle, Minimal problems, Front wheel bearings were the most costly item I have put on this vehicle. Most maintenece items such as brakes, oil, tires.
-
2003 Explorer comments - 2003 Ford Explorer
By queenm - June 27 - 2:00 amInjector (3) failure at 11,000 miles. Dealership, Earnhardt Ford, states problem due to low quality gas and winter additives.
-
Loving Explorers - 1995 Ford Explorer
By Cristi - June 23 - 11:46 amThis is the second Explorer we have owned. My husband drove his 1991 to over 200,000 miles before it puttered out. My 1995 is at 209,000 and still running strong. Any repairs on this thing have been minor and relatively low cost. I would definitely buy another Explorer.
