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:
Showing 2001 through 2010 of 2,880.00-
What a lemon! - 1993 Ford Explorer
By kitfox - March 22 - 2:00 amI cant believe all of the things that went wrong with this vehicle! Transmissions, count em, we did two, now needs repairs again! Went through brake pads so fast we thought they were faulty! Little things always went wrong, but $$$$to fix...gas gauge went, required entire new dash, ignition, still usable but a pain in the neck, all four door handles were broken and floppy. on and on and on...to top it off, very tippy and unstable feeling....finally rolled it!
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Way to go Explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
By John 999 - March 20 - 2:00 amAfter an accident, I needed a cheap car fast. This six year old Explorer with 90,000 + miles has become our #1 vehicle. The six cyl. gives me over 23 MPG. Go figure. Great for hauling kids to college. Ride is stiff, but you cant have it all. My first Ford in 25 years, but it wont be the last.
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xlt sport v-8 - 2003 Ford Explorer
By JJO - March 19 - 10:00 amI love it so far. but ive only had it for 3 days
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Falling apart from day2 - 2003 Ford Explorer
By euspml - March 19 - 10:00 am4 weeks into this. Day2 engine stumbling and missing upon engine start. After two visits = computer reprogram (we had to insist). Day8 the pass-door low trim split-off at the front & dealer says door re-alignment is needed when the new panel comes in. Day20, dual mode AC only blows cold air on pass side/warm air on driver side. Quality & Ford seem to have gone separate ways. The dealer has been poor itself with service being apathetic at best (had to resort to lemon law just to get action). Our new SUV which seems to be falling apart faster than we can drive it, ensures we will never buy a Ford product again.
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k - 1992 Ford Explorer
By wingnutkev - March 19 - 2:00 amI enjoy the truck like ride and hieght of the vehical. I also enjoy the capacity for toating everything from dogs to my work equipment. I dislike that Ive been through 3 transmissions and that the engine lacks power and acceleration. My vehical has over 200,000 miles and only so much can be expected. It had 120000 miles when I purchased it. It is easy to work on. A few quirks here and there but there hasnt been much on it go that I havent been able to fix myself.
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Never Buy a 2 Door SUV - 2000 Ford Explorer
By jemiller4golf - March 19 - 2:00 amI purchased my Explorer Sport new and found that it did not handle well on wet roads and curves. Besides a hefty transmission repair bill, I have had issues with the ABS system, air bag indicator light, and keyless remote system. Before I purchase my next vehicle I will review any Technical Service Bulletins and Recall notices on the National Highway Safety website as I saw a number of issues listed for the Explorer that I am experiencing.
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Love My Ford - 2006 Ford Explorer
By Mistyt - March 17 - 3:00 pmThis is my 2nd Explorer, love this truck. I upgraded from an Eddie Bauer to the Limited. Love it better than the last one. I had an 02 Explorer and boy, has Ford stepped up the suspension, it rides so much smoother and the engine is quieter. I love my truck and I will continue to buy a Ford!
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Reliable Transporation - 1999 Ford Explorer
By TonyH - March 17 - 2:00 amThis has been a reliable family vehicle. The only problems with it were covered under warranty. We are extremely happy with the Battlefield Ford of Manassas, VA for all our service work.
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Not Great - 2000 Ford Explorer
By Rosalia - March 16 - 2:00 amwell i liked the car untill the transmission went after 37, 000 mile the car was only used to go to work and home and the transmission went and they refused to give me a new one they only gave me a rebuilt one
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Great SUV! - 2000 Ford Explorer
By smpavlikk - March 13 - 2:00 amLove the truck! Always reliable, Lots of room, great Pick up!(V-8) Gonna Miss it, have to sell got company car. Held its value well!
