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:

• 

  2000 Explorer XLS - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By kuli42 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used with 40,000 miles on it. I have had a number of things go wrong (spark plugs, wires, oxygen sensor, IAC valve, transmission acting up). As long as you are willing and able to keep up with the "not-so-routine" maintenance its not a bad vehicle. But when it developes a new noise just about every week that requires investigation, it gets a little tiring.

• 

  Best Vehicle Ive ever had - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Erik93 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Simply put...a great SUV. Ive had my truck for ten years now and have NEVER had a problem. Ive had to replace the starter once. 160,000 miles and its still going strong. As for the transmission problems if you replace your tansmission fluid every 30,000 to 40,000 miles there is no problem. The only people that Ive heard of that have problems ar those that have never or rarely replaced their tranny fluid. I love this truck and wish I could buy it all over again.

• 

  Its an old friend - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Sgt - June 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle used, and I have put over 60000 miles on this old friend. It has been a costly vehicle, cost 400.oo for third brake light, used even!!! Likes to eat brakes and really loves gas, but has been a great vehicle to drive, has never let me down in the snow! You cant make this vehicle slide in the snow. overall, I love it.

• 

  Rear Axle Problem - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Jsapie - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this used last week. Heard a whine in the rear end. Took it to the Ford dealer and they are replacing the entire rear end. They told me that a few have come back due to this problem.. Gas mileage is 15 in the city and 20 on the highway. Engine is very quiet. Sometime you need to listen to see if it is running. I think the BF goodrich tires make the ride rough due to the tread design. The front rotors needed turned due to a vibration in the steering wheel between 40 - 6o mph. Purchase a Ford ESP extended warranty over the web from a Ford dealer for a better price. With all the equipment on this I think you will need it!

• 

  96 XLT V8 after 8 years & 120,000 miles - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Clockmaker - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This has been an extremely reliable vehicle. Its never been out of service. Most miles are highway at or above speed limits, but quite a few are off-road in Colorado mountains. The ride is not very good on-highway and is jarring off-road. AWD is faultless. Overall MPG about 16-17, OK considering CO winter fuel. Interior and exterior design were state-of-the-art when bought,are still OK but dated.Interior still makes sense. I rate performance high because it has always done what I asked- towed trailers, off-roaded, passed in tight situations, stopped well in emergency situations. I still havent added a quart of oil between changes. Result: my next SUV will be an Explorer.

• 

  small problems - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By stan2 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my explorer because it was most relaible at the time of purchase. I enjoy my vehicle but driving so many miles per year the gas mileage is very poor. The resale value is on the poor side. I am having to get the heater coil fixed and it is very expensive.

• 

  Great SUV - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By meddac1 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought our EB V-8 AWD explorer brand new and 7 years later at 85000 miles she is still a great performer! THis is our second EB had a 1994 that was equally good but underpowered so traded when the V-8 was available. I cant believe all the other reviews. The only problem I ever had was a computer module went out that caused the engine to run poorly and a power window switch at 60K. I do my own maintenance and used Mobil 1 ever since breakin and changed the plugs out early as waiting for 100K miles could be awhile. The AWD performs great in the snow and does much better than my 4X4 truck.

• 

  Love this Explorer! Breaking system? Meh. - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Jennifer - June 17 - 10:55 pm

  I love my Explorer. Almost everything about it! The only thing I was somewhat disappointed in was the traction in a small amount of snow/ice. There was just a little bit and it was more towards the front end of the car when I was breaking. I could hear the breaking system engaging but I was still sliding out into the busier street. I did not have it in 4 WD at the time. I figured AWD would have been sufficient for such a small amount of snow/ice. This actually happened twice.

• 

  Review of Ford - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By ftaggart - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my Explorer, so much I plan to buy another one this yr. The problems I have had were all minor & easily corrected. The ONLY issue I had that I could never fix was in cold, wet wheather, the auto off feature for the head lamps would engage & the only way to correct it was to unhook the battery. Ford repair could never fix it, fortunatly it only happened maybe 3 or 4 times a year.

• 

  Its just ok - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By dsershion - June 14 - 2:00 am

  At 72K the transmission died. The second died soon after. The power stearing leaks. 4wd broken. Differential leaked. Multiple coolant leaks. Replaces ball joints both sides. Ac never worked since Ive had it. Only getting 260 to a tank. Used to get 340. Even after replacing mass airflow sensor and both oxygen sensors, it did not help. Im even using factory recommended plugs! Also have rust forming inside of my door jams and on the bottom of each door since the design allows for trapped water. Now with 150K, I have developed a new oil leak. Fortunately I think its just the valve cover gasket.