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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  First SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Chrisava7 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This is my first truck!! Since i got it i loved it!! The only problem is that after i got it i had some problems with the transmission. But since it was certified by ford it was all covered. I have done over 5,000 miles in two months and i know that it will be able to keep up with my crazy driving habits

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  Gas mileage - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Chris - December 30 - 11:13 pm

  I have put 6000 miles on my 06 XLT V-8 4WD. I will start with the statement "It is the quietest vehicle I have ever driven." Inside the cab, it is virtually silent. I cant even hear the rumble of the V-8, or the hum of the highway. Sometimes you have to check the tach to see if its running at a stoplight. The interior is great, except the shifter on the console versus the column, and the wiper/headlight all-in-one stalk. The only performance complaint I have is gas mileage. I am getting 9-11 mpg in city and 12-13 mpg on the freeway. I think there may be something wrong, but the engine sounds great. Overall I highly recommend, if only the gas mileage was better.

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  Our First New SUV - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Dennis Avery - December 30 - 10:49 pm

  In the past Ive owned used Chevy S-10 Blasers, a Bravada and a Lexus RX 300. My family recently purchased a new 2017 Ford Explorer XLT. With the incentives offered by Ford and decent internet pricing, we got into a new model with many options that brought our vehicle within reach of the higher-end Limited series for convenience and features that we wanted, but at a manageable cost. Fit and finish both outside and in the cabin is well executed and we were pleased to find one locally with a light tan leather interior matched to a silver body. We do not like all black inside, its just too gloomy in my opinion. On the plus side of the equation we enjoy the heated steering wheel, lighting and displays and the touch screen functionality. Also, the truly fold flat cargo floor is a huge deal as we frequently haul goodies to and from the cabin. On the downside, the front driver and passenger seats are shallow, too narrow for a full framed body and somewhat hard. There is little concern shown for long-legged drivers as the seat does not go back far enough and your feet are compressed into a relatively small, boxed in space that does not permit any shifting or wiggling of your extremities. In summery, we are reasonably happy with our new ride, and not at all sorry for the purchase, but would like to see the level of driver comfort improved in future.

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  great vehicle - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By ccd - December 30 - 2:00 am

  have owned a few explorers, ford has been making them for a while,,great vehicle

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  Much Better Than Anticipated - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Zman2003 - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I never thought I would own a Ford until I saw the new explorer. Previous cars were a 98 Range Rover & a 98 Volvo V70. The Explorer ride compares favorably to the Rangie although it doesnt have the luxury interior features. Car looks great and has a very comfortable ride. My wife has an 03 Honda Pilot and I prefer driving the Explorer (hopefully it will compare favorably long term on reliability). I would recommend this car to friends.

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  Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By briscoe - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Honda owner for 12 years. After researching and driving the new Explorer, I felt very comfortable putting my family in this vehicle.

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  explorer xlt - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By campngirl90 - December 26 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has had multiple problem with its front wheels. Have had to have several repairs with all of them being quite costly. I have had the vehicle to several Ford service centers, and have generally not been happy with service recieved. Fuel econmy is terrible, when I purchaced the vechile the window sticker siad aprox 20/MPG. The best I have ever recived was 15/MPG.

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  As Capable for My Purposes as a Rover - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By pprather - December 22 - 2:00 am

  The Explorer has been an excellent automobile. Gas mileage leaves much to be desired. However, the ride is extremely comfortable. Much more so than my fathers Mercury Mountaineer which is based on the same platform. Mine has the 18 inch wheels and the load levelling which I believe contributes to the much more comfortable ride.

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  i love it!!!!!!!!!!!! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By C. Marks - December 20 - 2:00 am

  bought it used with 84000 mi on it, drove it to NC and back with no problems at all!!! all my friends love it. love the "on the fly" 4wd. the only thing i wish was for better gas milage...thats about it. great SUV.

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  Well all get old someday . . . - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Fred M - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Well, I still love the dumb thing, and its all been fun and for the most reliable. I had a power steering hose problem when I got it, and after a few visits, the repair dealer in Torrington Connecticut finally remembered to order the damn part After that, ran great.But like Little Big Man, she kept losing parts. Rear door stopped unlocking drivers side. Reach in and around. No problemo. Then the climate control system crashed, and for $1000, ill keep manually controlling the temp. Then the front door lock started acting up around 100,000 miles so getting in and out is strictly dukes of hazard. Getting a new car, keeping this to trash.