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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  LOVE IT! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By bluebaby - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I own this vehicle and I love it! Traded in a Checy Blaxer for the Explorer. Best move I could have made. Smooth ride. Great vehicle.

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  my explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By jayse1973 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  weve had our explorer for almost three months and we love the roominess of it. We have a 2 year old and a 1 month old. Both seats fit really well in the middle seats. The v-6 is really powerful and have no problems pulling hills. The fuel mileage is about 300-325 miles to a tank. Overall we are really loving having this vehicle, and cant wait to take more trips in it.

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  my ford - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By alec4455 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  it is a fun car to dive around town and take kids to places

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  Happy owner - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By hbjb13 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  My wife had a stroke in April 2003. Her right arm is paralyzed and she has only limited use of her right leg. It is much easier to get her in and out of the Explorer than a car. It is also easier to get the wheel chair in an out of the back. We had to find a vehicle she was comfortable riding in and this was her first choice. We have been completely satisfied with the ride, performance and over all appearance.

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  Great truck - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By paganpink - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my explorer used and have had no problems with it at all. I now have 80k and it id virtually perfect inside and out. There is no wear showing on the interior, the paint is still great, etc. It is still very tight, no squeaks or rattles and I love the ride. It is very comfortable, but rides and handles well. and is very easy to park and has a great turning radius.

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  Johnnys Review - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By 98Explorer4x4 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Check for recalls and make sure not to get one with Firestone tires. Overall its fun to drive on- and off-road.

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  JUNK - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By RICH LUNDELL - November 17 - 2:00 am

  FOR MOST OF MY LIFE I HAVE DRIVEN TOYOTAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND WHY I LET MY SON TALK ME INTO THIS PIECE OF JUNK IS BEYOND ME.THE TRANSMISSION WENT AFTER 5 MONTHS@60,000 MILES. I GUESS THEY DIDNT MENTION IT WAS A 2400$$ EXTRA

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  Why I love my Ford Explorer Limited V8 - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By look171 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Limited Edition Ford Explorer. I kept the first one for ten years. I have never had to do more than change the oil. I traded in my 1990 Limited for the V8 in 2000. The V8 made the car more even fun to drive. I even test drove the BMW X5 and still chose my Explorer. I believe my car is, flat out, the best SUV on the market and no where near the most expensive. I have driven this car for fourteen years and it still puts a smile on my face too this day!

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  As a pleasure car - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Local Driver - November 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is used for local driving. Its fun to drive, but MPG is poor. In the 6 years I have had it, it has many recalls and mechanical problems. Also, it started rusting on the tailgate, bumpers and side steps after only a couple of years. I would not buy another one.

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  Love my Explorer - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By CarpeDiem1st - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I owned a new 4dr 93 Eddie Baurer 4 x 4 w/ the works. It was to big for me. I got a 95 2dr. 4x4 xlt. Nothing fancy but reliability & handling has been wonderful. These vehicles are just the right height & sz. for handling and to put in the garage. My vehicle will die before I give it up. I am like wheres Waldo, I mountain bike so this vehicle is loaded and unloaded many times a wk. It is off road alot and it has always worked for me. Guess what Im a lady owner.