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:

• 

  2004 Explorer Eddie Bauer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mhlohaus - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Great Truck so far. We upgraded from the Escape. Another Great SUV. FOrd owns the market on SUVs. I used to like the Jeeps but not any more.

• 

  my explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By sanrich20 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  it is enjoyable and fun to drive it is really good in the snow but i have had it for 2 weeks and my gas bill is 200.00

• 

  explorer ltd - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By sary23 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  nice and smooth transmission and great ride nice overall vehicle a little hadr on fuel, but all of that power makes up for it

• 

  OUR EXPLORER - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By James Oldfield - November 30 - 10:00 am

  We like what Ford did with the Explorer the extra inches that was added to the overall vechicle,changed the whole vechicle. We have only taken one short trip in it from Riverside to San Fransico. The only problem that we could find is on wash board roads you can feel ever thing, other then that I would reccomed this vichicle to everone,its not to big to whwer its over powering and not to small to where every thing eles look so much bigger.

• 

  I want another one - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Nighthawk - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This has been a really great vechle. I have been able to go thru 3 foot snow drifts and sometimes I get 21-22 mpg. There are onely a couple of things I would change I would give it stronger seat belt retractors. and I would like to be able to turn dash lights off entirely. I have had to put new front brake pads on at 70,000. Other wise new windshield blades and a transmission hose leak are about my only expenses. There have been three recalls, but the dealer was able to take care of them in about two hours. I do wish I would have bought heated mirrows, but I plan on buying another one in a couple of years. This one will given to a family member.

• 

  Comfortable, Dependable SUV - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By JSell - November 27 - 5:18 am

  With 5 years and 45k miles on the car, I still have not ever had to do anything other than recalls/oil changes. This car cost me more upfront, but has been infinitely more reliable than my old Cadillac. This car rides great on long road trips and around town. Gets about 20 in town and 24 going 85 mph. Only downside of this car is that people drive slow when youre behind them because they think youre a cop.

• 

  I like it at 98k - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By DJ Soulseeka - November 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had this Sport for a few months. Its quiet powerful handles well regardless of what anyone else says. Ive been driving full blown Nascar racecars so I know handling. Corners well for a short wheel-based truck. No fluid leaks at all, mileage 22 mpg on the road, a/c and heat will run you out. The rear wiper is almost useless unless you bend it towards the glass to get more contact. Overall I know this a GREAT value. If you dont need the four door dont get it. You still get a lot of truck and cargo area, not to metion lighter, so better mileage and cost less. Most of all DONT get the 4.0 SOHC if at all possible.

• 

  Great Truck - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By nevermor - November 23 - 2:00 am

  We have had ours for a year w/ no problems. Only thing Ive had done is a front end alighment.

• 

  Good Solid SUV - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By kmarchionda - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been better than I expected. It hasnt failed me for the 60,000 miles Ive owned it for. Im up over 130,000 miles and its still going strong. The only problem is a small knocking in the engine, but the performance hasnt been affected and I actually get better gas mileage than other people I know with the same truck.

• 

  Good Things - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By coolj - November 21 - 10:00 am

  GOOD