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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  Great Ford! - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By AaronMAaron - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Explorer from my sister with 203,000 miles on it. Since Ive put 6,000 on it with no problems. In its 15 year life span the Explorer had only needed maintenance, a muffler, and a transmission...not bad for 209,000 miles. I suggest one for anyone who likes them...great ride.

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  I love it - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Rampage4 - August 25 - 2:00 am

  I have 120,000 miles on it, the only problem ive had so far is the transfer case is starting to whine but thats only because ive been "pushing it to its limits". I have the five speed and its pretty fun to drive. Other then normal matanince costs, i havent had to spend a dime on fixing it. Also its a dram in the snow, i drovew through 17 inches in albany in 4 wheel auto with no sliding problems!

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  Highly Enjoyable - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Ravenugc - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I have to say that I love this vehicle. Drives great, feels great, and gets me where I need to go. Has a bad wrap for some reason, but for me, it does what I need it to.

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  The best selling SUV for a reason - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By defiant254 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is wonderful. The V8 has a lot of power for a vehicle the size of an Explorer.. Could get better gas mileage.. The interior trim is much nicer than previous EB models. The ride is spectacular.. The new suspension is all that I read about and more.. Havnt taken it offroad yet, but Im looking forward to it..

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  Love this SUV! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Andrew Fratkin - August 20 - 3:15 pm

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  Good Car, Questionable 5 Speed Transmiss - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By John_2 - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought this sport SUV for my daughter but learned to like it. Overall it has been reliable with some problems that others have noted: inside door handle broke off, gas gauge broke at 60K, air vents are shoddy, FM cassett died at 100K. Only big repair has been 5 speed tranmission- shifting 1-2 grinds!! Repaired but grinds again! Important to change trans fluid and use the RIGHT fluid. Stability better with big tires, no air bags scare me. OK for running chores but dont like using it on the freeway.

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  A Great SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By VLP - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Unlike those car-based SUVs that are nothing more than glorified station wagons the Explorer combines real truck capabilities (such as off-road and towing) with luxury sedan comforts.

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  The Good, The Bad - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Hasbeen - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this new and enjoyed it for 3yrs. I liked all the room I had for my junk. Great in snow in 4x4 and ABS was able to bring me to a stop quickly too. Had a few mechanical problems though. I had to have something fixed with the idle (kept stalling). Had to have the back wiper replaced and the running boards replaced due to pre- mature rust. All these were replaced while under warranty so no cost to me. Firestones were replaced too; those tires were much to big for this car and made the ride bouncy and at times and feel unstable, the Goodyears made ride somewhat better but I was still a bit concerned about rollovers.

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  NO problems so far - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By BrockExplorer - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Although Ive just recently purchased this vehilce, my parents purchased it brand new and we have never had a single problem other than regular scheduled maintainance. The vehicle has been great and I plan to drive it until it dies which Im sure will be at least 200k, this is one of the 3 Fords my family owns, ( F-150, and Taurus) Im proud of all my fords.

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  Another solid Ford truck - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By kfkodiak - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought used with 89K, Have fixed only minor issues. 4.0 OHV is slightly lacking on steep highway grades, but very reliable, and reasonably efficient for a vehicle this heavy. 5SP auto transmission is still smooth at over 100K mi. The cargo space is great, and the seats are comfortable on long trips. Auto 4x4 lets the truck claw its way around in wet/snowy weather, even off-roading Ive rarely needed 4HI/4LO. Hasnt let me down yet! My only complaints: - Rides like a truck, go figure. - Water collects in the roof channels during rain, then spills over the windshield when you first move the truck. - Tinted rear window scratches easily.