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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  Review quality Parts - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Maximo2002 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The Truck is good, but the quality of parts is so bad, cheaper material or low quality in asembly process, cause problems like internal sounds or engine problems.

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  A Step Backward - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By katz_n_jamer - June 12 - 7:33 pm

  Having owned a 2004 Explorer, the 2006 changes proved to be a step backward. Changes to the interior door handles are not intuitive, the dash is busy, Ive counted as many as 20 separate plastic pieces. The change in the tailgate from the split tailgate to the liftglass makes it much more difficult to load anything without opening the entire tailgate. The movement of the shift lever from the column to the floor eliminated a lot of storage space. The gas mileage on my 4.0L 2004 consistently ran 20 - 21 mpg in highway driving. So far the 2006 is giving me 17 - 17.5. I hope this improves with added mileage. All in all a disappointment.

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  Will not Buy a Ford again - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By sdouglas1 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought the vehicle with 3,000 miles on it. Right after the warranty went out, so did my transmission and a valve that it died every time it idled very long. I have other small problems as well. They kept calling to see if I wanted to buy and extended warranty and my suggestion was build a car that does break down after 35,000 miles.

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  Like it but not sure Ill buy another - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Jalbs - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I teh SUV used with 58,000 miles on it. I had to replace the breaks and rotars at 65K, replace the original battery at 75K and at 80K I needed new ball joints. The stereo system is junk. The CD player shorted out 5 months after I bought it and there is a loose connection some where in the wire running to the rear speakers which causes them work about 25% of the time. I have driven it about 400 mile from Boston to Rochester, NY about 10 times now (3 times with a full cargo bed) and and very pleased with the truck. Im just worried to see what is going to go wrong in another 10,000 miles.

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  quality is not job one - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By RoyAllen - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Things started trim items started falling off after a month,the car squeeks all the time from the springs,door cjecks keep loostening up.Cant wait for the doors to fall off,whats next.Oh and by the way the linkage got so loose,that I cant go from drive into park,without stopping at reverse.

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  best for the money - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By david massucci - June 1 - 2:00 am

  nice ride and handling for a sport utility that can double as a pleasure vehicle and tow vehicle.

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  1994 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4 - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Quality is Job #1 - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Like most other Fords, needed AC work. Fun to drive. Very reliable. Stylish enough to take on the town, yet rugged enough to go for a week in the woods. The fold-down rear seats make the cargo area very roomy when needed. ~15 mpg in the city - not bad for a 10-yr old SUV!

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  2002 Explorer Pros/Cons - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Wayne - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Ford did a great job on the 2002 Explorer Limited. I made a mistake and ordered it without the running boards. It is difficult for shorter people to get in and out of. The other poor feature is the seats. The lumbar support is wimpy. When I sat in it at the dealership, I believed the lumbar support to be adequate, however after driving it on a long car trip Ford should have increased the amount of lumbar support. Other than these two minor items, it is a great vehicle with no defects of any kind.

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  Just keeps getting better - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By B2 - May 28 - 10:36 am

  I have had three Explorers and each one is better than the last. I can always depend on my SUV to get me where I need to go. I put 275,000 miles on my first one and 192,000 on the second one and I have 72,000 on this one and it still has its original tires! I recommend it to anyone who needs a reliable safe SUV.

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  A Lot Better Than My 2000 Ford Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By wjddec10 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  When I got my 2002 explorer, i loved it a lot better than my 200 Explorer. I love the 3rd row seat, and believe it or not at 61", I can fit confortablly in the back for a good distance. The eager 239HP V8 is WONDERFUL and is a bit upgrade from the 215HP V8 from 2000, but it could use a little more power, about 20-30 more horses. It has great breaks and accelleration is top notch. The standard AM/FM/Cassette/CD sterio is pretty good for a standard sterio. Rear visibility is good and the large windows make it a good view all around. THANK GOD FORD PUT IN A INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION IN BACK!!! Hint hint GM and Chrysler!