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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  reliable truck - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Matt Lenz - January 23 - 5:39 pm

  This a a good reliable truck. I towed a 4000 lb Trans Am from New York City with the manual transmission. It did quite well. I had 150,000 miles on it at the time. You had to downshift in the mmountains when climing the hills but it did well. I got over 20 miles to the gallon while driving there. It also is a good riding vehicle..

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  Good ol Explorer - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Mississippi Jon - January 21 - 7:33 pm

  I bought it when it had 80K miles of city driving on it. I now have nearly 200K miles, and have only had to rebuild the transmission, and change the water pump. It is a great road vehicle, gets 22 mpg, and looks fine. I painted it just to get the corporate colors off of it when I bought it from a company rep. It has been one of the best vehicles I have owned.

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  Poor Steering - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By louie - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a 2003 XLS. When parking, an extreme turn of the steering wheel causes it to bind in that position and car has to be mamhandled into space. Testing in empty park lot shows that the stuck steering wheel will remain in that position up to three full circles at low speed before beginning to unbind by itself. Also, power steering appears not to help much in parking. Original dealer said nothing was wrong. J.O.Williams dealership changed rack and pinion, but that did not solve problem. I have driven several other new Explorers at dealership and they all appear to have same problem.

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  Would Not Buy Again - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Would Not Buy Again - January 17 - 11:33 pm

  In two years of ownership I have had to spend well over $5,000 on repairs. Was dealer vehicle as well, so it should have been fine. Rear windows dont work well, transmission had to be replaced, many interior lights out, certain switches do not respond well, does not handle very well, acceleration leaves something to be desired, power antenna went out, gas mileage average (17 MPG average), the interior is loud during ride, and the suspension is really bumpy. I have enjoyed it sometimes, but it is too expensive to maintain and it seems as though something else breaks too frequently. The car just doesnt seem to hold up well over time. I hope to get more out of it, but I dont see buying one again.

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  Do I Buy out my leased 2013 Explorer Sport? - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Glenn - January 16 - 10:41 am

  I love my vehicle. With 42,000 miles out of the 45,000 3 year lease commitment, I naturally was ready to lease a 2016. In reading the other reviews, I thought this would be helpful to others who have been leasing for 20 years+ like me. I have decided to purchase my 2013 instead of leasing a new 2016 AND include the purchase of a 3 year 45,000 mile extended warranty. It will cost a total of $28,500 when 2013s appear to be selling between $30,000 and $33,000 in my area of the country (Northeast). The 2016s are just as nice, but not much different, so Im not anxious to jump into another $550+/month lease given the bird in the hand that I have now.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By accountant - January 15 - 8:06 am

  I planned to buy a Ford Freestyle in 2006. However, when I went to the dealership, I had a chance to compare Freestyle and Explorer. After test driving of Explorer, I changed my mind. I bought it that day. Several months since I bought it, I love it more and more. It is great fun to drive it. I should say the Explorer is perfect in every aspect. Every time when I sit in my Explorer, I feel safe. I have also tested Toyota 4 Runner, Honda Pilot. Compared to the Explorer, they are not fun. I will buy Explorer again and again.

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  3rd Explorer Happy Owner - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By rcohan - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my third and most favorite Explorer. Unless youre towing boats, the V6 vs the V8 is definitely the way to go, especially since the horsepower and torque of each are so close. I hear alot about the ride being trucky but even without bucket seats (which I had in the last two Explorers) I have found the ride to be very comfortable. Thus far I have six years of outstanding reliable driving - not a single extra trip to the Dealer, beyond the replacement of defective Goodyear tires!

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  its a nice ride - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By palazzo - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I switched from a ford windstar minivan to the explorer 4wheel drive truck. The only drawback is that there is less trunk space in the explorer. Other than that the truck is great to drive and more comfortable to be riding in. WE NEED MORE SUVs.....BIGGER IS BETTER AND MUCH MORE SAFER !!!!!

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  Best SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Herm512 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love the ride. I love the look. It just needs a V-8 for more power.

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  FORD EXPLORER GREAT FAMILY VEHICLE - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By deborah - January 13 - 10:00 am

  If you want a vehicle thats dependable, reliable, comfortable ride, and if you have grandchildren then this SUV is what you need. Its great for trips because you have plenty of storage and the seats are very comfortable. Because we have grandchildren we opted for fabric seats and with the fabric protector spills arent a problem. The grandchildren like it when theyre together because they arent crowded. They can even get in the very back seat from either side of the car.