Overview & Reviews

The 2013 Ford Explorer receives a new performance-oriented Sport trim level that features a turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension. All Explorers this year have a new front passenger knee airbag, while a heated steering wheel, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist are offered for the Limited trim level. The available xenon headlights now feature automatic high-beam control.

• Available fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder.
• Abundant high-tech features
• Upscale cabin
• Excellent ride/handling balance
• Excellent crash test safety scores

• Feels bigger than it is behind the wheel
• MyFord Touch is slow to respond and can be difficult to use.
• Less third-row and cargo room than some rivals

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 68.00

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  Towing Issues - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By textbook - August 22 - 6:22 am

  I just bought a 2013 Explorer with a tow package with the intent of occasionally needing to rent a trailer as I had done with my previous vehicle (a 2009 Edge). I found out after the purchase that U-Haul has black-listed all model years of Explorer and will not rent towable equipment that will towed by any Explorer. This fact was not know by the dealer.

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  Love it but check that middle row for rattles - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By kkaus1 - July 20 - 1:30 pm

  Love the explorer and would give it 5/5 if not for just one very annoying problem. The middle row passenger side seat vibrates and rattles. Every bump or rough road provides an irritating rattle. Headed back to the dealer for a second try at a repair. I found the suggestion to put something heavy in the seat funny but disturbing.

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  2013 Limited - Recommended - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By ak49 - July 19 - 2:26 pm

  Only 2K miles so far, but there is quite a bit to recommend for this vehicle. Mine has all of the options, and features like the backup camera make all of the difference. The safety options are outstanding -- airbags even on the rear seat belts! Ive used it mainly in town, from commuting to work to hauling 7 adults the flexibility with the power 3rd row is great. The electronic controls may seem intimidating at first, but they are really quite simple to use. In my opinion, the interior and exterior styling is very good -- I never liked the old Explorer. This vehicle drives very smoothly and does not feel too big. Have to wait a few more months to see how it handles ice and snow.

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  First day and issues - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By greenshield - June 28 - 11:27 pm

  We traded in our 09 Odyssey that was starting to have Tranny issues at 31,000 miles. Honda stone walled us so we went looking. Almost got the Highlander limited but tested the Explorer, liked it more, and got a good deal. About an hour after getting home I couldnt get the Navigation the Salesman said was on the vehicle to load up (like on a different explorer we test drove to get the feel, got a different color one). I called the dealer and they said I didnt have the voice touch screen Navi, just the Sync one. POd is all I have to say, Sync is horrible and my now "deal" looked normal to overpriced.There is also a high pitched chirp/whistle from the engine 3.5 V6 Returning it tomorrow!!!

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  Good ride, Bad seat design - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By ford_man2 - June 26 - 12:13 pm

  Great driving SUV. Handles nice. BUT be Aware that in the "base" model that the passenger seat height is very low and non adjustible. Too low for anyone under 5-6" to see out of easily. Also too low for anyone over 5-8" as your legs are way up at chest level due to the badly designed "low rider" seat. Not supposed to happen in a $30,000 vehicle. Dealer suggest we get a "booster seat", what kind of answer is that?

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  no memory settings for drivers seat? - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By robbin - March 30 - 8:43 am

  overall,like the styling the most-most of these sized suvs look very similiar. i had a 2005 buick that had driver 1 and driver 2 memory settings-cmon Ford,by 2013 you shouldve caught up...jeesh,maybe on higher trim levels...other than that,ride is comfortable,road noise acceptable,touch screen annoying,no kids to use 3rd row-so dont care bout that-actually using/liking the mini trunk space under that row of seats,....and what is that little compartment on the side,all the way in the back for? Fuel economy is ok-about the same as other suvs i looked at (kia sorrento,ford edge,mazda cx-9,) quieter than hondas popular cr-v-more power too-but not as quiet as the acura mdx-but big difference in price..cant comment on reliability yet-havent had it long enough,but after all the explorers ford has built-hopefully they have it sorted out.

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  40,000 miles and paint chipping off???!!! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Cathy - November 16 - 4:56 pm

  Ive driven Explorers for 20 years. Ive been thoroughly satisfied with every one....until now. After purchasing a certified 2013 XLT with 39,00 miles, in the perfect colour, I thought I was in for many years and many miles of satisfaction. Wrong! On THE DRIVE HOME a piece of paint came off the hood! Needless to say, I was--and remain--frustrated and angry. After many calls to the dealer, trips to two body shops, and LOTS of research, Im left with the knowledge that dealers, Ford Motor, and body shops are all aware of this long-standing issue. Thats what Im left with....oh, and the news that the wonderful warranty we have is worthless and the repairs (anywhere from $600-$1000) is all on me. 33 days into ownership and I wish I had my 10-year-old vehicle back. Im done with Ford.

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  Pleased - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Elzy - November 14 - 11:19 am

  I have not been a Ford person but this Explorer has changed my opinion.

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  car - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By bill stull - September 10 - 6:38 pm

  It is smaller then you think

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  The best SUV Ive owned...with 2 issues - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Bob - June 13 - 10:43 pm

  I’ve been happy with every Ford I’ve purchased and this Explorer is no different. I am thoroughly happy with my purchase and was surprised with what this vehicle has to offer. I expected the XLT to have the very basic options and was I wrong. I’m a 6’-2” 240lb man that is used to driving full-size trucks and SUVs and this one has plenty cabin room. This is the first Explorer I’ve purchased because I never cared for the exterior of older models. In my opinion, Ford nailed it with this model. Ours has the black leather interior with the Ford My Touch system. It has all of the bells and whistles that a premium SUV would have at an XLT price. I’m sure the Limited and Sport additions have more to offer but, this one fit our family perfectly at a good price. We have 2 teenagers (14 & 19) so we’ve never used the third row. They’re typically stowed away. The heated seats are great and the rear-controlled AC/Heat keeps the kids happy. The panoramic sunroof is great and operates easily. Road noise is noticeable but bearable. There is plenty of storage and the cubby under the touch screen is practically bottomless. The instrument cluster is easy to read and the steering wheel mounted controls look like something you would see in a fighter jet. You can control just about everything from the steering wheel. There are secondary displays (secondary to the touch screen) inside the cluster that shows all sorts of information that you can scroll through with the controls on the wheel. It took me over an hour to go through all of the options (bit of a gadget geek here). With that being said, the My Touch navigation is horrible…even after updating the software to the latest version. The voice commands are useless, the lady in the NAV system is a nag and everything dealing with the NAV system is slow. I’ll just continue to use my cell phone. The entertainment, climate control and cell phone connection portions of the My Touch are great. The Bluetooth connects flawlessly and Sirius connects with no issues. I love the various connections (USB, SD Card, AUX) and you can charge the entire family’s cell phones at the same time. Climate control is easy to use by either the My Touch or by its own touch sensitive controls. As mentioned above, Ford nailed the exterior styling with this model. I’m always getting comments on how good it looks and when family and friends sit inside, they are amazed at the interior (I know…sounds like a commercial). Ours came with a tow package (typical 2” receiver and light connections) and has a 300lb bumper rating (enough for my son’s motorcycle and carrier). One thing I would change is the tow hitch receiver cover. It’s kind of cheap looking and you can easily see the indentions made from the receiver. Nothing big, but it’s mentionable. Also, the rear window does not open separately from the hatch. Most SUVs I’ve owned had this feature which was nice. Not sure if this is what all manufactures are doing. Again…not a big deal to me. The standard 18” wheels are stylish but not too much. For an SUV, this one handles better than any other SUV I’ve owned. You don’t feel top-heavy when taking corners and traction is pretty good, even in wet conditions. Ground clearance is typical for an on-road SUV and getting in/out of it is easy. The biggest issue I have with this SUV is the acceleration…it’s like a worn out rubber band. I know it’s not a sports car but come on. This could be a turn-off for some people. I’m averaging 19 MPG with mixed city/highway driving (Atlanta, GA). It shifts smooth and the exhaust is quiet. Overall I’m happy with my purchase and would recommend this SUV to family and friends.