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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  WOW - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By allenone973 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  I never in a million years thought i would be writing a glowing review of a Ford but here I am! My V8 currently has 189000 on the clock and it has been almost completely trouble free for over 60K miles. Regular tranny service and oil changes, upper and lower ball joints, an idler pulley, brake pads, one rotor, fuel pump (may not have even been bad) and a new set of Continental tires. I have read the 6cyl is crap but the V8 has a great engine/tranny setup. gas mileage is HORRIBLE, i average 14MPG. Avoid the 6, get the 8, you will pass everything but gas stations! Ride is good on smooth roads but if there are bumps in the road you will know it.

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  Meets my needs - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By tnich - October 20 - 2:00 am

  Overall this has been a good car giving me the room and features I needed at a good price, however I hate the suspension which cant handle any hill or bump at an angle. Other issues have been rear wiper and radio LED which both work only occasionally.

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  XLT SOHC V6 - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By gounder - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I am a college student and love my Explorer. My dad bought it with 20,000 miles and drove it to 90,000. I now drive it with 100,300 miles and counting. It can haul my friends and all our gear out to the beach or up to the mountains. I have taken over rocks, into mud, through water, and up snow covered mountains. I keep on top of the basic maintenance. My dad gave me a AAA card but I have never had to call them. It is a great SUV.

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  Fordd Explorer 2 Door 4 Wheel Drive - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By spasegrl - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I am delighted that so far I have been able to put appliances, etc that I need to haul in the back of my Explorer Sport without any difficulty. The suspension is a little bumpy though, even on decent roads. When the weather is cold the back door sticks and I cant get it open. Cold weather really affects the Explorer, and not for the good. My engine sometimes sounds like a vacuum cleaner. I would not recommend 2 doors for a family of more than 2- difficult to get out of te back.

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  great potential, but not reliable - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By 3rdtime - October 7 - 2:00 am

  love everything about the vehicle -- size, cargo room, third seat and handling with the independent rear suspension; but reliability is an issue -- just little things, but a lot of them. Brakes have been done twice in only 45,000 of driving -- A little much based on my prior experience with these vehicles.

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  Numbert 3 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By George Holly - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Ford Explorer that we have purchased from the same dealer. The only real complaint is the difficulty in finding the safety belt on the drivers side. It is a perfect vehicle for our use in Upstate NY.

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  Poor Quality - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Poor Quality - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I have two New Ford SuvÂ’s both with stall issues. Engine shakes a little ruff at times. No more Ford vehicles for me. I do not recommend. Ford should seek help from Honda or Toyota.

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  Dont rollover - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By matt0700 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  While we have had no major problems with our Explorer, I am too concerned about the rollover issue and will not replace this vehicle with another Explorer.

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  2006 Explorer -- reinvention and perfection - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Jon - September 29 - 8:26 am

  Smooth running 3V V8 has very long legs, with an endless flow of seamless power. Smooth acceleration and braking. Interior quality on par with the F150 though the door panels could be designed a little better as the handles are hard to reach when opening the door. Very impressed with the overall quality of the interior though it does not compare with say, a BMW M5. The ride is very compliant, much better than previous years and the chassis seems much stiffer and quieter. It seems remarkably nimble for such a large vehicle, making it very easy to drive. The 2006 Explorer is head and shoulders above previous model years. It is the best Explorer yet, and is nearly perfect.

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  The Explorer Just Keeps Running.... - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By clarkbaker - September 29 - 2:00 am

  We have owned our Ford Explorer since 1998. The model we bought is a 1992. We purchased it with approx. $75k miles on it. The only thing that has gone srong is an $80 fuel mix sensor. The car is reliable, well designed and has never left us on the side of the road. The car is now 12 years old and has proven as reliable as any car I have owned in the past. The 4x4 capabiltiies have been stronlgy utilized in Lake Tahoe and Reno areas in Summer and Winter. The car was also used to tow a light motor boat to and from the San Francisco Delta area. Ford made a great car that is easy to service and I expect to last into the 200k miles+ range easily.