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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  LEMON - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By whatalemon - July 18 - 2:00 am

  what a lemon. will NEVER buy a ford again. Bought used and in 4 yrs head gaskets, stabilizer bar link, control arm bushings, air conditioner, rear window lock, driver door locks, driver seat,and many other things all broke. Called Ford and they DONT stand behind their product. (yes it is out of warranty but all this shouldnt be breaking). only 60,000 miles. NEVER AGAIN. BUYER BEWARE

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  Reliable - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By JK in CA - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my EB Explorer for over 13 years, and it has been extremely reliable. Had some expensive warranty work many years ago. Only problem now is that sometimes the transmission "sticks" when I put it in reverse on cold wet winter mornings in CA. I cope with that by driving forward a foot or so, and then putting it into reverse. Paint is oxidizing on the roof due to hot CA summers.

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  Nice SUV - Needs some improvement - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By mike0202 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  My two biggest complaints is the fuel economy (typical of all SUVs, and some mechanical issues. I do allot of driving, however I wish there was a diesel model available! Regarding the maintenance. Absolutely get an extended service plan. It is worth every penny. My Explorer has 50,000 miles on it...and approximately $2,000 worth of mechanical issues have had to be contended with. Maintenance is to be expected from a used car. However, I am thankful that the repairs have been on their dime and not mine. Buy this car if you can get all the maintnence records to ensure that the major stuff has been repaired or get an extended service plan.

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  they roll way to quick - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By jordan tuchmann - July 12 - 10:00 am

  driving my explorer down the road at 45 MPH we started spinning as soon as we hit the grass we fliped. My seat Belt did NOT lock up. It was great un till the end. we now have a lexus rx300 that is a lot less expensive from problems in the explorer. 35000 for the explorer 12000 in the shop toatal 42000. 37000 rx300 2500 in the shop

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  Not worth the high sticker price - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By sangelaspop - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Have had alot of minor problems overs the years,especially the wheel area. Have problems with tire inside/outside tire wear. Have had two alignments, shocks all the way around,problems with led on radio/CD player, etc... Not too bad I guess, considering the amount of miles driven. But it nickles & dimes you. Probably the worst Ford Ive ever owned. Miss my SHO!

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  I Used To Love Her - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By alice12345 - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Explorer for almost 3 and a half years now and I have put more than 65000 miles on it. Favorite vehicle I ever owned. But when she turned over 100,000 miles all kinds of sensors started going bad and all had to be replaced. The camshaft positioning sensor alone cost over $600 including the labor. Not to mention, I am constantly having to have the steering gear adjusted. I love my car, and only wished it would last longer! The repairs have gotten to be too much, but I will be purchasing another explorer.

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  Great car to run, poor car to own - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By PKF - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I own this car almost two months. The running and handling is really great. During the normal highway traffic, it is pretty quiet, without major wind, road and engine noises. Most features work just fine, except for the air conditioner (restricted to my car), which is bad for normal use. Even worse, about 1000 miles, the A/C does not work anymore (maybe, the motor was blown out). In addition, the steering wheel is a little deviated from the neutral position.

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  Do not buy this car!@!@! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By v8 explorer - July 3 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Ford 2 years ago and we had to replace the front bushings,the cluster(odometer) and the back seat window because it went bad. My car is back in the shop because the transmission is slipping. Of course there is nothing to do about the transmission they say and that I need to spend 160.00 to change the filter and fluid. It isnt due for that. So I guess I will wait until it totally breaks down. I would never buy this car. I am going back to my Tahoe when the 100,000 mile warranty runs out. I have to keep it until then.

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  disappointment - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By ukleinschmidt - July 3 - 2:00 am

  being German and just moved to the U.S., I bought the Explorer in 2000 to get the American feeling of a SUV. Exploring the vehicles behavior in the first year was interrupted by a 6 week break the service shop needed to replace the broken transmission. Riding the SUV felt like a bounce mobil, it is too stiff, the fuel economy is not the best and spped only in straight lanes, curves seem to destabilize the drinving behavior.

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  Great Vehicle - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By rit - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Always has run strong-- 80000 miles and nothing but tires, brakes and regular maitenance.