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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  Im LOVEN-IT - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Karen Rouse - November 2 - 8:29 pm

  Its a great car the ride is smooth comforable

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  2011 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By Anthony Giordano - November 1 - 1:14 am

  Reliable, comfortable, great in snow and still looks like new after 5 years of daily use.

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  Who Says its an average SUV - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Chief - October 26 - 4:39 pm

  The Ford Explorer get mediocre ratings only because its a domestic SUV and didnt cost us $75K to drive off the lot. It looks and acts like a Range Rover and the upgrade kit we ordered was worth the leather seating. I love the ride its comfortable and the interior is quiet. The steering is extremely sensitive and braking is perfect. My only regret was not getting the supercharged version, otherwise this SUV competes with the more expensive models and frankly its worth every penny. Buy one and no I dont work for Ford I traded my Chevy Blazer for the Explorer and have not regretted it.

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  Low Quality, Unreliable, get a Toyota - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Jeff - October 25 - 5:58 am

  2015 Explorer, 9K miles and been in dealer service five times for warranty issues. Aircoditioning out of service last visit!!!!!! Very cheap build and finish out, rattles, viberates and squeaks.....very irritating while driving or riding in vehicle. Leather seats are ok, ride is good, handling is spongy, V6 power is adequate, but sluggish. This will be the last FORD product Ill ever purchase due to cheap build and quality.

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  only 26000 mi on this 5 yr old auto - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By Rodney Martz - October 22 - 6:58 am

  Battery went bad in 37 mo. no warranty! navigation went bad @38 mo no warranty! tires went bad @38 mo. no warranty! sidewalls cracked and Ford would not stand by them! only 19000 mi on the auto Auto was out of warranty. Ford does not stand behind their long time customers time for a change!

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  Awesome Track Suv! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Moses Alvarez - October 17 - 2:05 pm

  I have a 2013 Sport Black on Black. This Suv looks great, the interior is nice, and the performance is awesome. When Im driving this bad boy around town, peoplw in other Suvs and sometimes cars always want t race me and I destroy them everytime. So one day I took this to the track, and ran a 14.07 bone stock! So I decided to do a livernois Stage 3 Tune and now Im doing Mid to High 12s in an Suv!!! This Suv is just awesome, the EcoBEAST engine is phenomenal. 5 out of 5 stars in performance EASY. Sure there may be a lot of plastic pieces, compared to a Range Rover or BMW X5, but the interior is very decent for an american Suv. Plus when you know your faster than all of them, who cares am I right?? My wife even enjoys leaving the other Soccer Moms behind in their Mazda CX-9s, Chevy Traverse, Honda Oddysseys etc... All in all, this things is a Rocket and I am so glad I decided to purchase this over a Grand Cherokee SRT, AND I get a THIRD ROW!! WAY TO GO FORD!!!! Highly Recommend!

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  Unusable Parking Brake - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Richard Mondy - October 17 - 12:48 am

  Bought a 2015 Ford Explorer for my wife. She is small 4-10" age mid-fifties so we got the Limited model for its adjustable brake and gas pedals. Problem is the parking brake is so hard to push she cannot set it with her left foot. She pushed the brake so hard to set with her right foot that it has made her right knee sore. Local Ford dealer says he cannot fix the problem because the brake would not hold if it were made easier to push. I find it hard to believe that Ford engineers are so incompetent they cannot design a parking brake that is usable by a small lady. Local service manage says just do not use the parking brake. I wonder if he cleared that advice with the national highway safety Board?

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  Great family vehicle! - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By Kendra - October 15 - 4:39 pm

  Bought my 2012 Ford Explorer as a Certified Pre Owned with 36k miles. Have had the vehicle 8 months now and still love it! Now that we are one of few families in our circle with a 7 passenger vehicle, we end up being "the bus" ... recently had 7 adults on board and even the two in the third row were comfortable and commented on how roomy it was for a third row seat. My 8 year old loves the third row and thinks it is great fun climbing in and out. Things I love: Power liftgate Power folding third row Heated and cooled front seats Great sound system Drives very smooth and quiet (except for windshield hissing/whistling - problem is solved by turning up the music!) Handles great Great rear view camera and backup sensors Looks great Great warranty since I bought Certified Pre-Owned Surprisingly good gas mileage for the size Things that bug me: -Had to have the shifting assembly replaced after getting "shift to park" messages when it was clearly in park. Covered under CPO warranty and I only paid $100, but irritating to have to pay anything for what is clearly a Ford defect, as many people have reported the same problem. -The blind spot takes some getting used to. I have gotten much more adept at using my mirrors because the blind spots on the sides are significant. I couldnt find a used model with BLIS which I gladly would have paid for, so this was a big downfall in the beginning -I hate MyFord Touch. It never works properly. Luckily, I already knew this was an issue from my research prior to purchasing the vehicle so I expected it. Works great for voice climate control and using the phone everything else is pretty much crap. I never use the navigation much easier to plug my iPhone in to the USB and use Google maps. -The dark blue color is very hard to keep clean almost as bad as black. Would have preferred white or silver but when youre buying used you have to take what you can find. Overall I love the vehicle and would buy another. This is the first SUV I have ever owned after years of driving Acura sedans. I actually had my heart set on an Acura MDX until I compared the Ford Explorer and realized I could get just as many features and luxury items for a much lower price. Bonus: its much cheaper to work on since its American made! I was always shocked at the repair costs on my Acuras because the parts were so much more expensive. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a reliable SUV with a luxury feel at an affordable cost!

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  Stuck on 3 for air and heat. - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By Cindy - October 13 - 7:23 pm

  When the air/heat knob is on 1 or 2 no air flow, only on 3 is when it works

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  Ford - First On Race Day - 2014 Ford Explorer
  By Shaun Drutar - October 11 - 11:02 pm

  Ok, I am in love with this 2014 Ford Explorer Sport. It rides quiet...almost too quiet...you can easily speed and not realize it... The twin turbo and great handling make this beast come alive..and 0-60 in 6 or so seconds is quite invigorating. Interior and ride comfort rival the Lexus LX 570, the explorer has a better third row than the Lexus LX 570 & Toyota Sequoia. Handling is great in the corners and smooth down the road. Body roll is almost non-existent especially compared to the Toyota Sequoia. Lets not overlook the sunroof and moonroof, rear climate controls and AIR CONDITIONED front seats! I do feel like the sound system needs a bit more power and the voice commands on SYNC are not as easy to use as I would have expected. Love that it seats 6-7 easily.