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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  Built Ford Tough - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By kcribb03 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2001 Explorer prior to purchasing the 2003 - WOW.... what a difference. I thought I had a great vehicle in the 01 Explorer - was I ever wrong! Ford made a wise decision in the design of this SUV. The Explorer has the feel of the Expedition but at a cheaper price... and the $3000 cash back and dealer discounts made the buying decision a no brainer for me. Test drive the Explorer. Youll drive it home.

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  Fix faulty THORTTLE BODY before purchase! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Lumpy Trooper - December 18 - 7:58 pm

  Purchased this vehicle 3 days ago and the throttle body when out on us as we were getting onto the freeway. We could have be in a serious car accident. FORD is knowingly selling people these cars playing Russian Rullete with you familys safety and lives. The part has been on back order for months and the internet is lighting up on this issue with these cars yet FORD has failed to issue a recall even now. At the dealership they begged me to keep my car because giving me a new one would lose the dealership so much money. Like I give a damn about their profit after they knowingly sold me a vehicle that puts me and my family at risk. Do your research on customer complaints about the SUV and ask that the part be replaced before purchase if you really are shallow like me and still want the car for its sexy body. Or get smart and buy a Toyota.

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  Great SUV - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By daveace37 - December 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Limited new .The only thing I have done is change oil and a new set of tires.My car is Irus Frost I still get comments on the looks and the color .It only has 5300 miles and still smells new with the leather. PS a heat sencer when new...

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  my explorer gets more love than any girl - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By AYA chu CO - December 15 - 2:00 am

  i had moved to buffalo, ny, so i traded in my 93 infiniti for this truck. i had to replace the intake gaskets literally a few miles before the warranty was up, so i was lucky with that. i have had no other problems whatsoever with the truck, the cd changer i installed skips a lot, but that might be my fault. the sohc engine is awesome, i have raced and beat many accords and camrys, as well as triton v8 f150s, and other explorers.

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  Wow - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By RX-8 Mars - December 15 - 2:00 am

  Wasnt looking for an explorer, but when I saw one and test drove it, i loved it. Went searching and found my Limited. It was my first car I bought myself, and I would give it up for anything.... well except for a CTS or RX-8. It has never failed me, always started and never stopped.

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  Great Truck, Glad I bought it! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By emtpjimd - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Great truck overall. I had a 95 Explorer, and it was time to replace it. GOing from the old pushrod 4.0 to the new 4.0 was an amazing difference..the old engine was too underpowered. The interior is well laid out, and the suspension gives a great ride with the independent rear. I didnt get the third row seat, so I have quite a bit more storage area in the back.

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  Saved my life - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Gabe654 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I was in a bad accident with my 98 explorer last night, I hit a patch of black ice, spun out, and then rolled several times. I climbed out and walked away from the accident with a small bump on my head, and a few bruises were the seatbelt had been. None of the windows broke, and the truck held its shape extremely well. Its a write off by the insurance company, but it still doesnt look that bad, and it kept me safe. Good work explorer!

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  2004 Ford Explorer XLT AWESOME - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Mombt - December 11 - 7:46 am

  The Ford Explorer Ive had for 1 year and its by far the most responsive vehicle Ive owned. It is also incredibly reliable and safe. The perfect size with all details thought out with great appointment. It is a dream to drive and Id recommend it to anyone, easy to drive, fun, safe, responsive and just overall FABULOUS!

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  Great Car - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Trifecta Show - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I love the explorer. Only bad thing is the terrible as mileage(mine is a 5 liter V8 and I get about 13 miles/gallon on average. Oherwise great car.

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  My 2006 Explorer is a lemon - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By roknhrse - December 9 - 5:40 am

  My new 2006 Ford Explorer XLT is a huge lemon. I have a problem with the steering shaft and have no power steering and Ford is not prepared to repair until some time in the 1st quarter of 2006. They are working on it in engineering. They say it is safe to drive. I am in the process of filing with the Better Business Bureau per Fords recommendation because they refuse to do any repair to the vehicle. Ford claims it is an inherent problem in some 2006 Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers.