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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  Very Bad Choice - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By dao - January 18 - 2:56 pm

  Bought it new thinking that with the redesign I was a buying very good and affordable SUV. I was wrong. Had multiple problems with the back door (7 times), multiple problems with the rear air conditioner (4), with the co-pilots window (2) and had to change the transmission with 42k miles on it. ItÂ’s too bad that Ford wouldnÂ’t back up this car on all these quality problems.

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  Great SUV by Ford - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Sherman - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Fords Exployer XLS is a great buy. Has the looks of the higher cost Exployer at a affordable price.I get good gas milage as I dont have to get to 60 mph in a second. Love the inside seating and the ease to put down rear seats for more carring room. Handles great on the road, and you feel safe driving it.Best Ford I have had in a long time.

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  excellant explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By lineman1 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  great vehicle

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  Westmont review - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Robert Westmont - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Other than the squeeks and rattles with the interior plastic panels, the truck is awesome. The AWD is remarkable in the snow and ice (We live in boston). The ride is somewhat harsh as we changed out the "26lb" Firestone tires immediately after buying the vehicle and replaced them with Goodyear Wilderness - obviously a good call. Anyway, the truck looks and runs great - recommend to anyone.

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  more "premium" than expected - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By pooldude - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive just leased an "02 Explorer (XLT, V8, leather, moonroof, 3rd row, Sport pkg.), and left the dealer less than thrilled. I was disappointed at not being able to lease a more premium suv in my business, and I settled for good old Ford. Some 200 miles later, I find myself grinning alot, driving as much as possible, and wondering "WHAT WAS I THINKING???". My new sled amounts to nothing less than a combination of performance car, tow vehicle, mini van, trail runner, and stylin cruiser. Everyone admires and respects her. I think Im falling in love.

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  Well, its an SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By schmitty17 - January 16 - 11:53 am

  I bought my Explorer In June of 2006 with 71,000 miles on it. And now it has 120,000 miles on and it is Sept 2007. I have used and abused this car way beyond what any car should go through. And I have to say it has stood up pretty well, I have taken it on many many road trips. And it has only left my stranded on the side of the road twice, once dude to a dead battery and was in the middle of the Arizona desert and that almost killed but im still alive! And the second time was due to the transmission going out. Ive had spent about 4 thousand on repars and up keep, but thats not bad compared to some of the explorer horrior stories. and the other major repair done was the 4WD had 2 all replaced

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  96 XLT - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Renae - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoyed my Explorer. It corners well, is well balanced, therefore travels in snow & on ice REAL WELL. Mine has a tow package and overdrive feature. I have towed 4000# a few times, pulls comfortably on the level, slow on inclines but what else do you expect with a 4.0 litre engine?

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  Eddie Bauer Rocks - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Bushman - January 14 - 11:53 pm

  Great styling for Eddie Bauer. The new V8 has excellent power. Power seats are very comfortable. Car has a smooth quiet ride on the 18" Michelins.

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  Ford is a four letter word - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By fooled me once - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I babied the tranny more than any other vehicle I owned...and also spent by far and away the most on it terms of preventive maintenance ( >$1000) and repairs (>$3000). The engine was wrecked due to poorly designed (plastic) timing chain tensioners (the chain powered the oil pump)FIrestone tire fiasco.head rests not safe. seat reclining lever poorly designed. U-Haul wont let trailers be towed by Explorers (2004). tire changing components fail unpredictably. locks rust easily. manual says towing max speed is 45 MPH!! Honda shop manual (Helm) MUCH better. No Tow hooks. climate control heater blend door $2 part failed $1100 estimate to fix (Bob Bell Ford)

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  Ford Explorer XLT 2002 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By mynamesmegan - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my ford explorer, dont get my wrong but the gas mileage is terrible, especially with the prices shooting up!