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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  BEST EVER!! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Peaches1374 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV!!! I LOVE IT!!!

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  nice vehicle = get an 8 cylinder - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By osmalls[ - May 20 - 10:00 am

  i was one of the first ones to buy the new explorer a few years ago. its been nice. it rides a little rougher than gmc cars but its good for the money. i had an old explorer with 8 cyclinders. i tried to save a few dollars and went with the 6 this time. people told me you wont feel the difference. wrong! if you like driving like i do, get the 8 cyclinders. other than that, its not a bad vehicle.

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  Good choice - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Royrich - May 20 - 10:00 am

  So far has been a good buy, very happy with this SUV.

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  a great truck - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Donna G - May 20 - 10:00 am

  It is a fun truck to ride around in for the mom on the go. It is also great on the long trips too. We frequently go to Vermont and the ride is enjoyable and comfortable in this truckEasy parking with a good turn radius. The storage area when the seats(third & second rows) are folded down is amazing for the size of the vehicle. I found that I have just as much storage space as I did in my Windstar which is about 11" longer than the Explorer.

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  Explorer Review - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By gtyates - May 18 - 4:53 pm

  My 1997 Explorer XLT 4X4 with the OHV engine has been an excellent vehicle for me. I purchased it with 35,000 miles in 2002, and it now has almost 90,000. The only issues I have had are the accumulator in the A/C system rusted out and had to be replaced, and the lower front ball joints had to be replaced, both of which happened last year with about 80,000 miles on the vehicle. The vehicle is still giving me excellent performance, and the gas mileage is running about 15 in town and 20 on the road. I highly recommend one, especially if you can find a low mileage one.

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  Love My Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By billd98 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the 5TH Explorer I have owned, and this one is the best yet. I have noticed a lot of refinement and engineering improvements even from my 2002. Ford continues to make a great product even better.

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  Great family car! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By TomS - May 13 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car a week before our twins arrived. We needed room for 3 young children and our 99 Volvo XC had no good 3rd row option(Volvo only offers a rear-facing 3rd row seat). The EB Explorer we bought is loaded (V8, 4WD, 3rd row seat, side airbags, reverse sensing system, auxilary climate control) and cost about $34K. It handles well, doesnt ride like a truck, has great power, tons of room, and has gotten excellent safety ratings. A comparably equipped Benz M30 wouldve cost me $44K. The Acura MDX has a tiny 3rd row seat and a 6- month waiting list. If youre outgrowing a wagon or a smaller SUV, I highly recommend the Explorer.

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  My 3rd Ford Explorer Limited - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By dads girl - May 11 - 12:50 am

  My 3rd Ford Explorer Limited. Loved my first two. Bought a Lexus RX300 but went back to Ford. Like this one but had to have rear end replaced after 4 months, 2K miles. Ford was good about warranty repairs. Still a little rough changing gears. Chrome running boards rusty after 1 winter. Great interior features and design. Comfortable and now seems very reliable and quiet. Easy to handle, good pick up, great on long trips. BUT, I wish Ford would take the too numerous seams out of the leather seats. Not good on people who drive in shorts or skirts. 96 seats were the best! We dont need the high "thigh" supports on the sides of seats. These arent race cars. But, I will buy another Ford Explorer again.

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  most reliable car - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By C. Davis - May 9 - 11:46 pm

  I have owned this car for over 10 year and the only repairs that i have ever had were to replace an oxygen sensor and another to replace a transmission sensor. This car is an absolute tank. Starts every time and shifts great. I know other people with 200,000+ on their 95 Explorer and they are still running great.

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  The original and maybe the best - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Wiredpair - May 9 - 7:22 pm

  Purchased my XLT AWD Explorer last year and so far, no complaints. The 5.0L 302CID is a tried and true motor and it doesnt disappoint here. Ive found it be very responsive when needed and it certainly outperformed my 96 Grand Cherokee with 4.0 I-6 engine. The AWD drive system is engaged at all times and if you have previously driven rear drive vehicles, youll notice this but quickly get used to it. The ride quality is smooth for a SUV and it also handles pretty well for a SUV. Styling is superior to the current styling IMHO, especially the chrome grille and bumpers. Fuel efficiency is as expected, I get around 19-20 MPG on the highway. Id recommend this SVU if you are in the market.