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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  Great Vehicle - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By JRR - June 9 - 2:18 pm

  I was very hesitant buying an American made vehicle, but the Explorer has proven to be very reliable. It rides and handles decently for a truck-based vehicle, and is very quiet on the road.

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  Satisfied - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By rtownsend - June 8 - 1:41 pm

  This is my second Explorer. They have both been reliable. However, Ford dealerships havent provided good service. Not very good gas mileage for a relatively small SUV with a six cylinder engine.

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  takes a lickin - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By TAKES A LICKIN - June 7 - 4:26 pm

  This truck is amazing - except for rebuilding the transmission and some problems with window motors, the car is in great shape very versatile, seats myself and three children great, with room to spare. The ride is a little rough, but all in all, very good vehicle. Considered buying new, but decided to work on it and keep it for the long haul.

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  Opinion of a Ford Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Sandra Wilson - June 6 - 4:12 pm

  This Explorer has been one mechanical problem after another. I would never buy another one, the gas mileage is terrible. It rides like a tractor on a dirt road.

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  Satisfied Consumer! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Debbie Ripley - June 6 - 9:10 am

  I am thoroughly enjoying my Ford Explorer! A friend of mine and I recently drove our vehicles, loaded with high school-aged kids, to a conference in Pennsylvania (approximately 600 miles one way). The kids who traveled in my vehicle were comfortable throughout the trip and upon arrival to our destination were ready to go! There were absolutely NO COMPLAINTS. The kids in the other vehicle felt cramped due to lack of space, were bored, and tired upon arrival. As the driver, I enjoyed every minute of the trip. I recently had a serious back surgery, yet I was comfortable throughout the trip and arrived at our destination with plenty of energy to spare. The other driver....well....

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  Sweet SUV - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Pencil - June 6 - 2:00 am

  My Eddie Bauer is sweet, great looks, great performance. Im 18 so I do a little street racing, my 2 ton+ SUV can move from 0-60 in 7.5 seconds (K&N intake and Superchip of course with no spare tire). I beat a 5.2L Cherokee with my 4.0L Eddie and a V6 Camry w/ exhaust. Top speed is 115mph (scary as hell). I rolled my Eddie once when racing and honestly it saved my life (wearing a seatbelt) and it didnt cost too much to repair. So far no major problems mechanically, it has started everytime. The exterior is killer, two tone paint only avaliable on Eddie Bauers looks better than any other model. Overall I recommend this vehicle

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  I will never drive a regular car again! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By vcrawf1207 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  If you tons of driving like I do,you will love the comfort,and ruggedness, however it does really use the gas! Very comfortableand reliable here where the snowloves to fall!

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  99 Explorer has been great! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By JMA - June 1 - 9:55 am

  We have had little or no issues with our Ford Explorer. In fact my siblings have a few issues with their Honda Civic and Honda Odyssey while I have few in the six years I have my Explorer. It rides great, looks good, is easy to maintain, and handles very well for an SUV.

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  Its The Only Vehicle For Me! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By cindy - June 1 - 4:05 am

  After driving my 2000 Explorer to exhaustion, I shopped 11 different models before I repurchased the Explorer. I thought I wouldnt like the 2005 as much, but it has turned out to be better than ever. After 5 months, I love the ride, great power, and gas mileage is better than I expected: 70% city/30% hwy = avg 16.1 MPG. If I had bought another model, I would have given up many of the features I love from the 2000 AND my new 2005 has even more features. I think Ford has done an excellent job and this model was thought through well. I practically live out of my vehicle and Im pleased with every aspect of it. It is roomy and has the extra features of a luxury car, without a luxury premium.

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  Theyre good!! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By dondilio - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I really like the new explorer, its very reliable.