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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  Will buy another - in a Few years. - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Matt F - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in 1996. I was initially skeptical about buying a Ford after having owned Acuras and VWs and reading reviews on line. You have to treat these reviews the same way you would a movie critic panning your favorite movie. Almost 6 years later and close to 80,000 miles, I still enjoy this SUV. Besides the routine oil changes, brake replacement and Firestone tire changes, I had to replace the thermostat. $100.00 repair. While under warranty, the 02 sensor was replaced. Thats it. The leather interior has held up well, even with two golden retrievers riding in the back. The V6 and transmission have performed well in the hilly San Francisco terrain.

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  an ok suv - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By kevin5150 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle workred pretty well overall for me. My biggest complaint was with the handling. It just never felt very solid. I had the 4.0 V6 with a 5 speed manual worked ok but down on low end power (needed lower gearing). only major thing that went wrong was that the clutch master cylinder went out but that was after 90,000+ miles. All other repairs were just standard maintainance. overall not too bad.

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  Will replace at warranty expiration - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Tom - March 30 - 2:04 pm

  Fairly solid feel and good amenities. Front seats are not comfortable. Have had transmission problems that have not been repaired after several trips to the dealer. This is my 2nd Explorer and will be my last. Am very disappointed in the early problems that I am having and will get rid of it at 36,000 miles.

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  Never Again! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By RLGHDAVE - March 29 - 6:08 pm

  Bought used with 25k miles. Transmission (automatic) replaced with Ford rebuilt at 80K. Now at 140K transmission is failing again! This has turned me against Ford forever. Other downers: backseats very uncomfortable, rear seat belts torture passenger, poor city gas mileage, safety concerns with tipping over if tire failure, poor towing ability (UHaul wont even rent you a trailer), rear end wants to come around on gravel roads. Owning this vehicle for nearly 6 years has convinced me that I will NEVER AGAIN buy a Ford. My next vehicle will be a Toyota or Honda.

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  Expensive Ride - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By John - March 28 - 7:43 pm

  Bought my Eddie Bauer Explorer used with 47,000 miles on it. First year was great, but after that, everything started breaking. This is the most expensive vehicle maintenance-wise that I have ever owned. The electrical system has numerous "gremlin" type problems, fuel economy is not great and the ride has always been less than smooth. Definitely not a "Suburban-like" ride. Added to this, I had to replace the transmission at 106,000 miles. I changed transmission fluid every 5-7K miles, and this should not have happened. Also, Ford never fixed the faulty rear-main seal configuration for this engine, so a small oil leak is the norm. Recommend against it unless you just love spending money on repairs.

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  Will drive this one till it dies... - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By LUVmySUV - March 25 - 12:59 pm

  I bought this new in 1996. Fabulous vehicle all-around, no issues, never been in the shop for any mechanical reason. I especially love the tight turning radius. It will do a 360 on a dime. My only complaint is the poor 14/17 mpg. Ive never seen the 18/21 it was rated by Ford.

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  NO CONFIDENCE - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By BIGREDSPENDER - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Ever since the rollover controversy during which I watched Jack Nasser appear before Congress on CSPAN, I have had a dreaded fear of rolling over while driving my Ford Explorer. Other than that, it has been reliable. One time it died at the mall. The radio has been replaced. So has the torque converter and the vapor management valve. The front seats are confortable, but the rear seat is crowded for my wife (53").

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  The Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By HOOKYPOOKY - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The Explorer is not only a wonderful mid-size SUV, its Fords best SUV, yet. It has made up for past mistakes. A roomy cabin and optional third row seat are a nice add on! A V-6 or V-8 engine can tow great weight. The 1/2 trunk hatch helps with loading groceries. Optional leather interior. 6-CD player is a nice feature. Seating 8 is great, too.

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  Upgraded from 4Runner - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By toyotatoford - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2003 4Runner SR5 for this car. What an Upgrade in comfort, styling and power.

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  pet peeves - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By josie - March 19 - 1:36 am

  The designer does not factor in peoples needs: no hand hold for driver. Placement of gauges. Lack of gauges (oil). Lack of mechanical odometer and trip meter. Need larger gas tank for one fill up per day on trips. Ride not as good as my long wheel base F-150. Seats should be upgraded.