Ford Explorer Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.00/5 Average
2,880 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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 1911 through 1920 of 2,880.00
  • bad ball joints, cam tensioner etc - 1999 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I bought it used in 1999, with 3000 miles. Great veh. for towing our boat. But disappointed with Ford. No help with costs of replacing auto cam chain tensioner at 40K mi., ball joints both sides at 60k mi.,and intake manifold gaskets. Ford did provide new tires of course to replace the Firestones. Why such poor front suspention joints?

  • Happy Camper - 2000 Ford Explorer
    By -

    The only problem that I have had is that the timing chain was making a rattle on my V6SOHC engine. Fun to drive and great for a small family. I definately will consider the Explorer with 3 rows when it comes time to purchase again. They could improve slightly on the drivers seat having a little more room. Also the rear wiper seems to be in a spot where it can be bent easily.

  • The Little Stuff - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    2nd Explorer to have the rear wiper die, moldings loosen, CD player and disc changer blink at 50k. Ford says, "it is no longer under warranty". Shouldnt a stock stereo not start to loose its lighted display at 30k? Dealer couldnt fix it without "sending it out" for a month and charging me. Shouldnt it be fixed, warranty or no warranty? No, go spend $300 at local Ford authorized service center to fix the player if you want it fast. I was told there it is a "common" problem. If so, recall the darn things! The rear wiper is just a joke. Nothing else needs to be said.

  • Maybe we just didnt get lucky - 1995 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I like the car as far as the interior goes, but we have had many mechanical problems. The main thing we replaced was the transmission. Even now, there is a delay when we change gears from park and nearly every time the car shifts, a thud comes from underneath the car. There is short in the switch for washer fluid. The automatic A/C doesnt work very well (your either cold or warm, not much of a middle). When idiling, the car will sometimes shake and shut off. Lots of squeaks and rattles. The ride is also very bumpy. Carfax says there is nothing fishy with its history, and we had it checked by a Ford dealership mechanic before we bought it. What happened?

  • I just saw a Ford Explorer rollover! - 2003 Ford Explorer
    By -

    SUVs are great cars and Fords a good choice. I like the tall driving stance and I like the styling. But rollover propensity and higher insurance costs are the price of driving a high gas consumption vehicle.

  • Love my Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Bought my Explorer new in late 95 and its been very reliable ever since. Just basic maintenance, brakes, tires. O2 sensor replaced a while back but that was pretty cheap. 86000 miles now and still going strong.

  • Good, Reliable Transportation - 1999 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I had originally traded a mustang gt for this because I needed more space and the ability to get through the snow. It ahs been a very reliable vehicle and has never let me down or stranded me. It has alot more room than the grand cherokee and blazer. It has decent power and has a decent ride (remember its a truck not a car). I would recomend this to anyone looking for a reliable and trouble free four wheel drive vehicle.

  • dont buy it - 1999 Ford Explorer
    By -

    This vehicle is not very good. It is underpowered and has many little problems. Everything from not being able to keep the wheels aligned even when dirving carefully to the rear windshield wiper working occasionally. The inside feels cheap and plasticy and the resale is absolutely horrible.

  • Not worth the money - 4 Cyclinder / AWD / XLT - 2016 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Edmunds didnt allow me to select a "4 cylinder" version as the only "drop downs" were for the V6. This vehicle is not worth the money. The advertised fuel economy on the sticker says 18 city and 26 highway for the 4 cylinder and AWD. Im lucky to get 15.5 combined. The acceleration is tepid and the transmission keeps looking for the right gear to be in. Its not confidence inspiring. Fords advertising with the "unstoppable" and "fight song" are even more of a joke when you consider how poorly designed this vehicle is. The interior leaves a lot to be desired. With a $43,000 MSRP, this is getting dangerously close to other vehicles that are way more luxurious and not based on an old Volvo platform. The plastic trim used in the interior feels cheap. There doesnt appear to be any foam or soft touch paint on any of the plastics. It feels like this vehicle was designed as cheaply as possible. Getting in and out of the third row is an exercise in acrobatics and dont put Grandma in the back if you want to see her come out alive again. You have to climb over the second row seats to get back there. Visibility on this vehicle is terrible too and the seats are really uncomfortable. The test drive I took was not extensive enough obviously. Save yourself some money and dont get this vehicle. Aside from the exterior styling, this is a complete disappointment. My first and last Ford SUV. Ill go back to the other brands I used to drive before this. Im glad this is only a 2 year lease.

  • Explorer continues to be #1 with my wife and me. - 2016 Ford Explorer
    By -

    This is our 4th Explorer with our 1st being bought the 1st year they came out. We continue to have great experience with the Explorer and look forward to the new one being just as reliable as the previous ones.

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