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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  Does A Lot Of Things Well - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Dave Madrid - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Although my Explorer has had minor powertrain repairs, they occurred during the 6y/75K extended warranty. My other complaint is the drivers side seat recliner lever which was placed in a terrible location. It has broken off since every time you exit the vehicle, you hit the lever with your left leg. Other than the lever, I love my Explorer because it still does a lot of things well.

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  A great SUV - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By grit - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle in 02, with 60000 miles. I now have 75,000 miles on it and it is still running strong. The only big repair that I have done was had the A/C Compressor replaced and that was only $800. The former owner bought it new and had the oil replaced every 3,000 miles, as I stil do. The engine is not quite powerful enough for me, but it is a reliable vehicle. I would suggest this vehicle to anyone who wants a reliable, fun to drive, and basic SUV.

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  94 Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By F - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used at two years old with 30,000 miles. Drove very well with no problems for 3 years, then all hell seemed to break out with numerous problems. Auto was very well maintained with all required maintenance. At 6 yrs old, driver electric seat shorted out and caught fire. At 5 yrs old, driver seat seatback metal handle broke off leaving seatback stuck in remaining position forever (found corrosion/rust on the metal joint). Overall, have been treated very poorly by Ford service depts.

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  Love my Explorer! - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By JBurg6 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  This is not only a fun truck to drive, but its a great family vehicle. We have been considering replacing it with a minivan, but everytime I get into my Explorer I think "No way am I giving up this power!" Not to mention, it looks GREAT! We love this truck and it has been very good to us. We would buy another Explorer in a heartbeat...of course, with our growing family - it may need to be an Expedition!

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  I LOVE MY FORD EXPLORER - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By dncdnc1 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck! I got the V-8 and still get good gas mileage (around 18 before my upgrades) it is powerful and fast. The layout is very nice on the inside and the upgraded sound system is great with its built in subwoofer. The exterior is awesome looking and I feel safe too (I got in a freeway accident with my old one, well i am typing arent I?). I added a K&N filter charger and a flowmaster so my mileage is over 20 mpg now too. And it is faster too. Also it performs very well off road, and yes i take it off road unlike soccer moms. Only compliant the seats SUCK! Long trips are a pain, literally. But I still recommend this truck.

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  Great SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By JBL4 - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Explorer new. I have been extremely impressed. The 5.0L V8 puts out a good amount of power, although it get terrible gas mileage (11mpg/16mpg). Perfect size and very manuverable. Comfortable on the highway, but feels every bump in the city. Very reliable except for on very cold days- Fords dont like the cold. No problems until about 60K miles. We had to replace the sparkplugs- $200. Overall, great car for the price.

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  1999 Ford Explorer 2 Dr. Sport - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By LUVMYSPT - February 18 - 2:00 am

  First of all this SUV is loaded with virtually everything you can put on one. I love this vehicle. I have large, but not illegal, Michelin tires on it. I can see all that is occurring a long distance ahead of me. I am 6 3" tal and weight 230 Lbs. and I am comfortable in the vehicle, except I cant wear a hat. This is one of the nicest and safest vehicles I have ever owned. I have only 45,000 mile on it, and there is hardly a mark on it anywhere inside or out.

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  Get a wagon instead - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By ShrinerMonkey - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Like many others, I fell for the SUV craze and regretted it. Sloppy handling, bouncy ride, noisy, gas guzzler, weak brakes, outdated styling, cumbersome 4WD system that never worked. Reliability was terrible and was the reason I got rid of it, everything was always breaking on this piece of junk. I got a VW Passat wagon to replace it and never looked back.

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  truck sucks - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By wolfie47 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  i bought this vehicle with 12000 miles, needed new engine after 19000 miles, have 37000 currently and it already needs a new engine, i use mobile one full sythetic oil with wix filter, and run fuel cleaner every 4000 miles, and the engine is already breaking down. The tranny is also slipping while driving.

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  Fixing it all the time - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By guy from NH - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable, but has been in the shop over 10 times everything from the steering rack to sensors. Will never buy one again. Extended warranty has turned out to be worth it with this vehicle!!! Nobody should have to be paying a hefty car payment and hefty repair bills at the same time. Actually had smoke pouring from the steering column once. The multi- function switch apparently melted!!!