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:

• 

  Great SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By cvog - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Explorer I have owned, the first one being a 96. I love the safety features on my new one, the smooth ride, and the huge cargo area. I appreciate the option of not getting the 3rd row seat as I did not need it and wanted the larger cargo area instead. My husband has hauled his large riding lawn mower in it. I have had numerous comments from friends on the comfortable seats and the quietness of the ride. It has not had any squeaks, rattles, or other problems. We both love it and the older 96 so well, that we decided to keep the older one, too.

• 

  Best we ever had - 2014 Ford Explorer
  By Marc Coulon - December 21 - 5:03 am

  Drive it so you can appreciate the comfort. My wife loved the seats!! Hope Ford continue with this model. Our plan is to trade every 2 years and so far this is the model we will choose. Keep it up Ford!

• 

  Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By brandyblaze - December 19 - 12:40 am

  I love this vehicle. I went from a Caravan to the explorere

• 

  I like my Ford Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Mary Baughman - December 15 - 3:19 pm

  Car handles well in snow and bad road conditions. Visibility is good except for front right corner, where the windshield bar blocks the view somewhat. I like the heated seat and passenger comfort system, heat and air both.

• 

  My first SUV and I love it. - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Ford Dude - December 10 - 5:33 am

  I am Ford loyal. This Explorer is my 6th Ford vehicle. I love everything about this new Explorer however I do feel there are some improvements that need to be made. 1st the headrests in the middle seat arent so bad but the 3rd row when the seats are up need to be down to see out the back. 2nd the door pulls are too low. I do like how heavy the doors are makes it feel more sturdy. We love the reverse sensing system. The gas mileage could be improved. I traded a 05 Ford Ranger that I was able to get 30+ mpg on highway. Im getting 22 average on the highway, big difference. My wife was sold when she found out that the Explorer came standard with side impact airbags and a 5 star crash test rating.

• 

  Exploder.. I mean explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Olivia Alyse - December 9 - 2:54 pm

  Personally, I dont care much for the car. Ive spent nearly 2000$ in repairs for it! To begin with, Im a very very cautious driver- Ive never caused any wrecks, but Ive been rear ended. And the car held up well in the collison- but a few times, when turning slowly even or taking a curve, the car nearly flips over and tilts. Other times, it stalls out and the car speedometer is wrong. When compared to other drivers going 40 the explorer seems slower. It also takes forever to accelerate. And its a gas guzzler. It also has a very very very bumpy ride. I swear I could feel a pebble in grass! Not the best car in the world- especially for someone on a budget!

• 

  97 Ford Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Hermann Lag - December 5 - 8:24 pm

  Bought with the intent of keeping long term. The truck was very reliable, good performance, reasonable efficiency. NO problem pulling a 3500 lb. trailer through mountains. Comfortable ride.

• 

  Loyal Explorer Owner - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By TPC - December 4 - 12:32 am

  I bought my 1994 Explorer XLT about 10 years ago and still enjoy driving it. It has a sunroof and manual transmission which makes it fun. It currently has 130,000 miles. Had some problems with the power windows. The steering rod is loose but nothing too serious. Ive had some instances where the car wouldnt start (engine turns). If I let it sit for a few minutes, it will usually start up. Ive had the engine quit a few times while driving, now that was scary. These problems just started happening in the past couple years. Probably just due to old age and my frugality in getting the car repaired correctly.

• 

  An honest opinion - 2014 Ford Explorer
  By BK - December 3 - 9:58 pm

  Great car but bought a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, more car for the money and actually liked the handling better, and I am a Ford person!

• 

  No regrets, but one. - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ebulger - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Before purchasing the Explorer, we rented one last year and this year on our vacation. We love this SUV and we have EVERYTHING on it, its the Centennial package. I wish I would have just bought a limited with all the same options and in the white ceramic color. The addional $995 one pays for the Cenntenial package really isnt worth it.