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 refuses to stand by their own vehicle - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Nicole - February 28 - 12:20 pm

  My husband and I bought a brand new 2016 Ford Explorer (which was in the showroom). This cost upwards towards $50,000. Less then two months later my roof started leaking and my center console had a puddle of water in it, electeonics were soaked, seats soaked and floor wet. Took it to the dealership and they claimed it was a pinched drain in the roof and the problem was fixed. Less then one week later I went to get in my car and it was soaking wet again. Took it back to the dealership and they stated they poured water from a hose on the car for "two hours". They took the headliner off and found the other drain pipe was NEVER installed from the factory. So now they poured water on the car for two hours while there was no drain pipe installed. Called the Ford manager of Ford (not the dealership) - his name is James - and he claims there is nothing they can do other then pay ONE lousy car payment and extend our warranty for 5 years ... this is funny because the warranty does not cover mold and mildew. I am highly allergic to mold and my 2.5 year old son is too. This allergy triggers my asthma. James did not seem to care and reall didnt seem to want to help in any way. We are now in contact with our lawyer. I will NEVER but a Ford product again and cannot believe the vehicle passed the factory inspection - how many more of these are out there? Now since it was a FACTORY defect, it somehow is now OUR headache. I will tell everyone I know to never buy a Ford.

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  Ford Tough? - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Jeff - February 27 - 9:03 pm

  This is a highway car not and off road one and both the front and rear end are bad, both front hub assembly, ball joints, transmission slipping between 1st and 2nd, the V6 engine is noisy, the O2 sensors had to be replaced as well as the intake gaskets for sucking air. Interior - The seats have no lower back support and the rear seat belt latches in the back seat keep anyone but a small child from seating in the center. Arm rest broke. Exterior - trim bad from factory and shows spots where it is snapped on.

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  2003 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By gk - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Found that the gas peddle was uncomfortable. I cant explain it but my 2001 Olds and 2001 Jeep never had this uncomfortable feeling. Cant seem to get into a comfortable position even with the power gas/brake and seat positioning??? The ride is great for a vehicle of this type. I required a V-8, classIV hitch and the side air bag curtian which I have. Im averaging about 18.8 miles per gallon which I feel is good for this size vehicle. I asked the dealer to install daytime running lights to work in conjunction with the automatic headlights. Not done yet!

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  Happy with My Eddie Bauer! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By KCB - February 21 - 12:45 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for 4 years and have had NO problems with it whatsoever. Despite the bad press, it holds the road well and it an excellent vehicle.

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  A Pretty Good SUV - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Wildbill - February 18 - 11:23 pm

  I bought the Explorer used. At first I had to replace the head gaskets due to oil and antifreeze leaks. That took about $1000 which really bumed me out on it. Since then it has been a good vehicle.

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  ITS MY THIRD ONE - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By EXPLORER0411 - February 17 - 1:23 am

  GREAT OVERALL SUV, THIS IS MY 3RD EXPLORER. SOLID AND FUN TO DRIVE.

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  BAD TRANNY - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DAVE-O - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Car is great, esp with the v8!. At 38k, the transmission completely failed. I thought it was a phenominal vehicle until this. As soon as the warranty was up, the transmission took a dump, and this car was not driven roughly. $3,000 for ford to get the car running again.

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  The SUV you can count on - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By John - February 11 - 12:43 am

  This is my 6th SUV, all Fords. I continue to buy them because they perform very well and continue to do so. Im a big man, so driving comfort and room are big factors. Ive driven other SUVs but none drive like and have the comfort of my Explorer XLT.

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  Great CAR - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Laurie - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Its a nice comfortable car, that also insures a great deal of safety.

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  PROBLEMS - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Cameron EX - February 9 - 12:50 pm

  What can go wrong on my Explorer has. I have had 3 transmissions. The inside is falling apart and the foil aluminum is coming off of my bumper and the thing is noisy.