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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  Ford Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By elrehs - March 17 - 5:53 am

  Very powerful V8 engine. Excellent high quality interior, excellent handling. Wanted a real SUV, but a smooth ride so purchased Ford Explorer instead of Toyota Highlander. Thought Toyota Sequoia is too over-priced! Still love Toyota, but Ford Explorer gives Toyota SUVs a run for their money.....

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  Not great, but good. - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By thegreenslaves - March 16 - 6:55 pm

  Has more of the redesigned 2001 features. Its basically a 2001 without the newer body style. The only thing it doesnt have is the SOHC 4.0l engine, it has the OHV 4.0l engine. The OHV is not bad for acceleration from a standstill, but at highway speeds you barely move. If you buy this year make sure it has a SOHC engine because some do and some dont, and most dealerships will sell both engines at the same price and thats a difference of 160 hp and 210 hp. No MAJOR problems but a lot of nuisances. The rear wiper works intermittently you have to get the slip yokes lubed ($50) or else it feels like the tranny drops. Not a bad SUV though...at least mine.

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  First time Explorer Owner - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By CTH123 - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for eight months now and have no complaints. The V-6 engine does surprisingly well.

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  No more Fords - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Melissa - March 12 - 2:29 am

  I bought this vehicle used in 99 from one owner. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone! Mine was in the shop more than my own garage. Replaced hoses, sensors, valves and had the engine rebuilt from the crank up at 75,000 miles! Replaced head gaskets and they blew again within 8 months. Ford doesnt have any concept of customer service. The Explorer was my third and FINAL Ford (owned an Escort and Mustang previously with very similar problems). Sold it as fast as I could and bought Japanese, with no problems to this day. Save yourself the headaches and stay away from Fords!

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  Ford Explorer - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By D Boudreau - March 10 - 9:53 pm

  Great to look at and fun to drive but expensive to maintain and not very economical gas mileage. Have had to do major transmission work and major air conditioning work. Would probably think twice about buying another Explorer, although this is my second one. Probably will look at Toyota next time around.

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  I hate Ford. No more American cars. - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By gantnerg - March 10 - 1:07 pm

  This car was great until around 50,000 miles when the transmission started acting up. It surges between 2nd and 3rd gears. It still works with no repair but still surges. I can deal with that. But now at 65,000 miles I had to have the intake gasket replaced at a cool $1,000! I was even sort of ok with that but now the 4WD HIGH and LOW lights are flashing. I am sick of trouble codes with this SUV!!! I knew I shouldnt have given up my Camry. Why cant American car makers build a reliable car like the Japanese?

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  Not for new drivers! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By wcroninger - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Explorer with about 47K on it. It is certainly a comfortable vehicle but at 67K things are beginning to get a bit quirky. The worst aspect if the handling. Between my wife and I we have owned quite a few vehicles from Cameros to VW Vans. This one is one has, by far, the most evil handling of the bunch. Our daughter will start driving soon and we have already told her she will not drive this vehicle. It seems to just look for an opportunity to break the rear end free.

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  My Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Judy - March 3 - 2:16 am

  I recently purchased my first Ford Explorer - Eddie Bauer Edition. I am very pleased with the comfort, styling and driveablity of this vehicle. For a vehicle of its size, it is remarkably quiet.

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  My 1998 Limited Explorer Lemon - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Aaron&Molly - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Check engine light on constantly Bad cataytic converter Leaking sunroof Leaking rear hatch Secondary hood latch recall Tires recalled Speed cable recall Power door locks broken 4 Air Ride System failures Rear Wiper motor bad; replaced 4 times Bad Fuel pump Replace horn and assembly Bad front seals Bad IAC Valve Bad EGO Sensor Bad tie rods and ball joints Spark plug/harness problems 4 times Fuel line problems Its in the shop now.....AGAIN!!!

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  Very Limited - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By RLF - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This model has been downgraded from previous Limited trim levels. The result is unsatisfactory. The ride is harsh and noisey. The interior is cramped and loaded with cheap plastic. The Lexus RX330 would be a much better choice for the money