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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  i love fords - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By lovefords - November 19 - 2:00 am

  this is the perfect car, it drives so well and its perfect qualiy, you would be surprised

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  Satisfied owner - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By PDX - November 17 - 10:00 am

  Thought it might be a bit smoother on the ride. Still rides like a truck but I thought at the time it would be ok. Overall I have been satisfied with the truck. 30K and I just had a thermostat stick. Warranty repair so no $$$ to me.... Seems to be a smell coming from the AC system which cannot be improved so the dealer has said. They tell me that the AC unit is always on and leaves a residual amount of condensation on the system which leads to this smell. They tried to inject air freshener into the system but it smelled worse for about a month so no more of that!

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  06 Explorer a dissapointment - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Jock W - November 14 - 7:40 pm

  Ford missed the mark on their redesign. The Explorer acts like the V6 is unable to get it moving without putting the peddle to the floor and it still only get @ 13 mpg. The new second row seating will not let MOST child booster seats be installed correctly. I only found three and none of them were seats I would have chosen. There is no room in the drivers area to put anything. The put a little area for cell phone or whatever all the way on the on top of the dash but it is too small and too hard to use. I would not buy it again!

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  Whining noise in rear end - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By babergy - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchase my Explorer on 3/8/2004. At just 2100 miles, I developed a high pitch whining noise in the rear of the vehicle. I returned to dealer no 3/29/2004 to have them check the problem. They told me that this a known problem, that Ford is working on a redesign of the rear end. HOWEVER, there is no fix at this time and ask ME to call them back in a month. I called Ford Customer Service. They told me the same thing the dealer did and also that Ford does not consider this a safety issue, that there WILL NOT BE A RECALL ISSUED for this problem. As of today, April 14,2004, my Explorer is still NOT repaired and the noise is getting louder!

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  Think My Explorers Days Are Numbered - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By angelb - November 13 - 11:59 am

  I bought Explorer 21/2 yrs ago with 114000 mls . The transmission had just been replaced everything worked great no leaks. at 136000mls took it on a long road trip broke down, TRANSMISSION again had the front seal repaired cost $500. today at 150000 still having transmission problems,mechanic says these tranmissions are notorious for having problems, radiator needs to be replaced, ac n/o longer works, electrical problems, have replaced starter and other routine maintenence.change the oil every 3000 miles no problems there. we have some rust but in the upper midwest that is to be expected.its a great car for daily driving but wont be taking any more road trips.decent for 150000mls 12yrsold

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  A few quibbles - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By prunnmo - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Only had it for a month but considering my occupation requires me to drive trucks and/or suv I would say it has been a great buy. With the dealer discount and rebates I ended up spending a lot less than the foreign models. Only time will tell if it holds up. 2 things tho: theres a rattle in the back hatch. Think its the 2 plastic latches in the door. And the radio doesnt have the greatest reception.But its been fun to drive.

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  Design flaws apparent - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Ravenayr - November 10 - 4:36 am

  At 2 months we replaced the CD player which quit, then it was the ignition fell out of the steering column onto the floor, the master control for the power windows on the driver side caught fire, and the transmission and various sensors gone at 46000 miles, very disappointed in the overall reliability of this vehicle rearend and bearing are next and this vehicle though equipped for towing has never towed a thing, all miles are highway with some mountain driving which it did not handle in Rocky Mtns in summer, quit for lean fuel mix.

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  Hate! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By David Willams - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought my peace of junk in January. I always had Hondas my whole life. My last Honda lasted 1991-2004 with one problem with it after its first 120,000 miles. I had 202,000 miles on my Honda when it died. This Ford handles terrobly. Get a Honda or a Toyota not a Ford or a Chrysler.

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  Relibility Problems with Ford. - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Michael Cazeres - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had the car for a little over 2 years, with 22,000 miles on it. My local dealership recently had to replace the transmission, a very expensive propositon if it wasnt under warranty. Other problems: air conditioner rattles, problems with the fuel gauge, accelerator pedal, noises from loose fitting parts. Ford also said they would not cover a rental car while they fixed this problem, even though it is under warranty. Not a good idea to bring repeat business! Anything amazing to say? Yes, I got a good deal on it, but other than that, I would buy a Japanese vechile next time.

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  Great SUV - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By DK5 - October 31 - 1:00 am

  Bought new in SC with a dozen miles on it. 11 Years later, have just had to replace the clutch at about 80K. Extremely reliable. Not really any problems to mention. Just a great all-around dependable SUV.