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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  Most Disappointing Vehicle I have owned - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Rob - February 6 - 6:47 pm

  Requires the most maintenance of any vehicle I have owned. Timing chain tensioner (twice), emission control pump, ball joints (all), intake manifold gaskets, transmission valve assembly, O2 sensors (twice), required new transmission at 94K, the list goes on ... Some of these were covered under warranty. FORD so far has been unwilling to back the transmission. I had the vehicle into a FORD dealer at least 5 times between 30k and 75K (when the extended warranty ran out) and every time I was told that it was OK. Transmission failed at 94K. Pretty poor for a vehicle that is used as a daily driver and only hauled a small aluminum boat on a handful of occasions. Will NEVER buy another FORD.

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  Good SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Buyer - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Attractive SUV. Bad steering but all the power makes up for it.

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  danny - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ddanny - February 5 - 10:00 am

  this car has been in the dealer since l bought it i did not get to drive it for 1week the car does not start in the morning and this car has alot of body role you feel you are going to flip when you take a turn at 20 i am going to buy the chevy tahoe because it has better ride. that will be the last time i will buy a ford

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  Love This Truck - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Gypsy - February 3 - 11:49 pm

  I went from a little import sports car to what seemed a "big" vehicle. I came to love it like no other vehicle I have ever owned. On snow and ice it handles beautifully. For an SUV it gets great gas mileage. I personally dont like 4 door SUVs because they seem too long and ugly so the Sport model was right up my alley. It looks cool, rides great, and is just plain fun to drive.

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  Very versatile and comfortable - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By wdbarrett - February 1 - 12:36 am

  We bought our Explorer used from a dealer and have not had any problems. We currently have 72,000 miles on it and just love it. We upgraded the stereo with one that can play MP3s plus a 10-disc CD changer. The installer wired it incorrectly. The subwoofer is on the front channel, the middle speakers on the rear channel, and the front speakers on the center channel.

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  Quite a change - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Duane D - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Although Ive only had the vehicle a very short time, it looks like a love affair is in the making. I went from a Mitsubishi Spyder Convertible to the Explorer and love it. I was afraid it would feel too big, but does not. I love the fit and finish in the new fords and the exterior turns heads. The 6 cyl 4.0 seems to pack enough punch and the 5 speed tranny is a dream.

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  Maybe I Got Lucky - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By rufus1959 - January 29 - 1:46 am

  Powerful 4.0 SOHC engine, lots of options, nice styling, and comfortable. Needs better shocks and it has front end alignment problems. I got the timing chain tensioner and intake manifold gasket recall problem fixed at 50,000 miles. It has 101,000 miles on it now and the only problems Ive had were two thermostats replaced, front end alignment, and a battery. It could use some new shocks though. Overall it has been a pleasure to own. Ive had other Fords and I have experienced numerous problems with them. Maybe I got lucky with this Explorer. Resale value is terrible, but thats the norm with a Ford.

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  2000 Ford Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By JOHNPIERCE - January 24 - 3:42 pm

  The heated seat on the drivers side went out at 36,000 miles. 6 way CD player was replaced under warranty. Ball joints replaced at 29,000 miles, was just out of warranty 3 weeks dealership replaced them free. You expect something like this at 100,000 miles, not 29,000. stabilizer control links were just replaced at 42,000 miles. This is the 2nd Explorer I have owned. My 1994 never had suspension problems like this one. I do not drive off road and maintain the car to manufacturer recommendations.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer owner - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought in November and it runs great. Ford service is excellent (in my experience). The 4.6L V8 is very powerful, but you can almost see the gas gauge moving. Smooth ride compared to other trucks and SUVs Ive driven before...even with the tougher suspension of the off-road pkg. If you can find it, I highly recommend the traction control system. It really comes in handy in wet, icy, or snowy conditions. The interior needs some work...leather seats only on 1st two rows, and appears only to be on the seats, not on door trim. The dashboard computer is great...tells you gas mileage, miles till empty, oil life remaining, and other engine status.

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  excellent - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By karen - January 23 - 9:20 pm

  we love our explorer!! we went from a station wagon to an suv and we could not have picked a better vehicle. only negative is the gas mileage. we love the third row seat and the convience of getting in and out of it.