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:
Showing 1861 through 1870 of 2,880.00-
explorer experience was terrible - 1994 Ford Explorer
By eddiejoe - October 29 - 2:00 amafter buying what was rated by CR as a "good buy," Ive had nothing but trouble from this 1994 sport model. The undercarriage is rusting out, the tranny went out twice, the ignition module has been replaced twice, windshield washer motors replaced, ac gives out, emissions equipment no longer will pass smog requirements and so on... Without a warranty I would have paid twice for this vehicle, oh did I mention that I had to replace the firestones before the recall was established?
-
95 Explorer - 1995 Ford Explorer
By MR. Hart - October 29 - 2:00 ambest suv avalible they say i have to put atlest 15 words... no need it is a great car
-
ver y reliable - 1999 Ford Explorer
By turlet - October 29 - 2:00 amI bought this vehicle in Deceber 01. I was a single 28 yr old guy at the time and wanted something that I thought would be cool. I bought the Louisville made Explorer. I loved it. Still do for the most part. However my new wife has inherited it. Which is fine, she drives only 5 minutes to work and with the 17mpg it gets. I cant afford to pay 2 dollar gas. We still drive it when we go places. It has been very reliable for me. I know a lot of people have had some problems. If you dont drive it like a bat out of hell and change the oil it will be fine. Besides normal maintenance not had the 1st problem
-
Sporty old 2 dr explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
By Rosy - October 28 - 2:00 amThis little thing has done very well under some rather tough usage. Its actually quick and fun to drive - not at all like its 4 door big brother who turns like a boat and rocks and rolls over bumps like an elephant -but he does hold more stuff! Keep up the maintance and little things do go wrong, but.. it will hang in there.
-
2000 4WD xlt - 2000 Ford Explorer
By MAlexander - October 27 - 2:00 amI love this red Explorer
-
After 7 Years 149K Miles Still OK - 1997 Ford Explorer
By dilbert2 - October 26 - 2:00 amI bought this truck new in 12/97. Engine had to be replaced at 103K. It was covered by warranty. Handle to recline driver seat bent and eventually broke off. Cost $600 to fix. Wow! AC will hold a charge for a season. I live in cold weather (upstate NY) and dont bother. Great in snow. Great towing vehicle. I hauled easily 3000 pounds in the vehicle with no problem. (32 bags of cement). I have a 7 foot snowplow and it handles it well...even though I have a 6 cylinder engine. For the abuse that I gave this truck it is great. I can still hit 95MPH on the NY State Thruway with it, get 17 MPG, haul 3000 pounds in it, or tow 5000 pounds. Not bad.
-
Impressive and Inspired - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Ross Musick - October 24 - 11:06 pmBought one of the last 2006s on the lot. Got $6,400 off sticker and 1.9% apr for 72 months. This car has impressed me more than any other vehicle I have owned. Thoughtful design, awesome powertrain, plush interior and it looks great in black! Traded in an 03 Mazda Tribute for this and got about the same payment, what a deal! The dealer also threw in a 7 year/70,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and lifetime oil changes. Could not have been more pleased with the entire experience and the vehicle.
-
WARNING! - 2000 Ford Explorer
By TNTStang - October 22 - 2:00 amNot pleased, 50000kms and have had 2 blown trannys, 1 front end suspension, 1 computer module, rusted step bars, 2 passenger balljoints, And I pamper the thing, no off roading, and I drive like a granny. Never another Explorer. Also a clunk from the rear that the dealer cant fix, apparently it is normal, it is not, I have driven others with no clunk.
-
Its an ok suv - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Mark Chambless - October 20 - 10:00 amGood body design, but gives alot of mechanical trouble. The ac system is very bad.Also drive shaft troubles.
-
Love the Expy - 2003 Ford Explorer
By LarryN Ky - October 20 - 10:00 amExcellent SUV. This one replaced by 1998 Expy...wow ! what a difference and an improvement. Super ride..quiet...and gas mileage as expected...
