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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  The Last Ford Product Ill Ever Own - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Rocko - June 23 - 12:46 am

  The problems with this 4 door 4wd XLT started exactly 2 months after the warranty expired. First I took it back to the dealer for a recall on the back window. They replaced the rear window and when I went to pick up the vehicle the back window exploded into a million pieces. Since then the rear wiper motor, front wiper motor, drivers power window switch, front brakes, and 4 tires have had to be replaced. All the repairs came out of our pocket. The dealer and Fords "Customer Support Center" were a joke. Ive had Nissans before this and it looks like Im going back.

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  Stay Away - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tim - June 22 - 5:30 pm

  I purchased this vehicle and have had a lot of issues. Pieces of plastic keep falling off the car in different places. The seal around the doors falls off and leaks. I also had problems with both the CD player and the speaker system. Do not buy the extended warranty it is a joke. I was sold an extended warranty on a vehicle that was 5 years old and had over 40,000 miles and was later told that the warranty expired after one year. The dealership told me I was covered up to 100,000 miles, but it was completely untrue. Also, there is a deductible for everything.

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  Need more thought into interior design - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Big Bubba - June 22 - 4:53 pm

  The SUV itself is ok but needs more interior design like A/C ducts under dash and the gear shift handle is in the way to supply air to the driver. The SUV has running boards that serve no purpose.

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  Ford Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By mascot - June 22 - 12:39 pm

  This is my 2nd Explorer. My first one I had for 10 years and it still ran well when I sold it. Upgraded to the Eddie Bauer with this one and it sure is nice having the extra "bells and whistles."

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  Solid performer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Frankie - June 21 - 4:46 pm

  Ive owned my Explorer since buying it new off the lot in mid-97. Looking back on it, this car turned out much better than expected. It drives smoothly and relatively quietly. Unless you plan to race through the twisties or zigzag through traffic, it handles quite comfortably. On the downhill side of the depreciation curve, it sure is economical to operate. Just replace the usual wear and tear items - tires, brakes, filters, doodads - and save money for other toys. Cant beat it.

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  a very good vehicle. - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By prior owner - June 19 - 3:40 pm

  The Explorer handles very solid. Has a short turn radius which makes parking a breeze. Is great in the mountains and open road. Have really enjoyed driving this vehicle.

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  Good results - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Clay Prentiss - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned an explorer for two years after buying it used. It has been a great vechile with good power, functional, roomy and no repair costs. I maintain the vechile with regular oil changes and the performance has been much better than my friends with Jeeps and Jimmy/Blazers.

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  New Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By akscott - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Nice, roomy vehicle that probably rides better than previous model, but still is much stiffer than a car. Front row seating is comfortable and second row is OK for trips. 3rd row is only for kids and maybe short trips by willing adults. Around town gas mileage with V-8 is pretty sorry; I get 13 mpg with combined street and freeway rides. Highway mileage seems to be about 19 mpg. Eddie Bauer model is pretty loaded with options, but interior appearance is not very "upper class" - lots of plastic. Radio/CD player has good sound (in Eddie Bauer upgrade model). No mechanical problems, except drivers side seat heater quit after 3 weeks (not a big deal in Houston).

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  Helpful hints - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By April - June 15 - 10:19 am

  Mother of 4 and have a third row seat and loving it. Gas mileage is the same as most minivans so why not look sporty while driving and have enough room for 8 people.

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  fine but - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By haddock - June 10 - 10:00 am

  replace water pump, rear wiper motor (3), heater front drive seat ()3), power front driver seat (3), computer problems across the dash