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:

• 

  My bad investment - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By joe blow - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I was getting out of a 98 Mustang when I got this suv. It hasnt failed me except for once. I dont have too many complaints except for the drivers seat has broken, the rear windshield wiper doesnt work, and the middle console broke easily. It gets crappy gas mileage of about 14 city and 20 hgwy. I like my Explorer, but I dont love it.

• 

  Pleased - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Elzy - November 14 - 11:19 am

  I have not been a Ford person but this Explorer has changed my opinion.

• 

  Fun 4-wheel drive - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Nate J - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I have totally tried to break my 91 explorer by dragging it through the mudd, crossing rivers, and racing chevys. After all the things that i did to that thing it just keeps coming back for more. My explorer has about 180,000 miles and the only 2 problems that it had was the paint was faded due to the south carolina sun and the lifter tick. these were both easy fixes (i.e. some paint and a bottle of cd-2 lifter quiet.).

• 

  Id buy another (but not a V8) - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By trathgeber - November 12 - 2:00 am

  My 98 Eddie Bauer is a great vehicle. It hauls all I need it to, has proven to be reliable and looks great. The features on this truck have spoiled me (power everything, auto headlights, steering wheel controls, push button entry, great stereo, etc.) The V8 is very strong whether youre hauling or playing with some kid in a Honda Civic. I recommend it to someone looking for a TRUCK based SUV!

• 

  Car looks great, rides O:K but - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Del - November 10 - 10:00 pm

  18,000 mile & needed a new transmission, and I got a re-Mfg. one put in, thats with the dealer does when they go. Also multiple recalls, including, tires, air bags and also seat belts. Then they changed electrical harness & and in the beginning the oil sending switch. Car has made me plenty unhappy. Yeah they might be better than the Blazer I once rented but that really dont say much if you know what I mean.

• 

  Four wheel drive not worth it - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By kwhiting - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Not only to I agree with the above review citing TRANSMISSION problems, but I was recently informed that after about 100,000 miles the head has a tentancy to crack due to poor manufacturing. Repairs for this are over $3000, and this was on top of a transmission problem last year and a fuel injection probelm costing over $400 the year before. I rated the confort as fair, that is, when the seat was not falling backward due to a broken screw so far within the seat, it woudl need to be replaced to fix the problem. If youre thinking of buying an Explorer, any year, please look at a Pathfinder or a Toyota.

• 

  Throttle body issue - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Jth - November 8 - 10:18 am

  Do not buy this car unless they agree to change the Throttle body before you leave the lot. My 2016 shut down on me while I was making a turn into a busy highway. Thus could have been bad. Shame on you Ford for not issuing a recall. Now my rear AC is acting up. Strike 2. I have only made 3 car payments! I am disappointed.

• 

  love my explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By hunypooh777 - November 7 - 2:00 am

  i got it with 96,000 on it and it looked and drove like new. now has 108,000 have only changed o2 sensor, oil and trans fluid. oh yea the front end squeaked like crazy when i got it and the dealer replaced front shocks and grease fittings. havent had any real problems...has been pretty reliable. was comfy when we went from nj to fl and back.

• 

  Disgusted - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By stilhunter - November 7 - 2:00 am

  At 50000 miles I spent over $2500 in repairs. I continually have problems with the check engine light particularly in cold weather. In cold weather when the vehicle is first started it is necessary to keep the engine revved or it will die. The radio and clock display failed after I owned the vehicles for two years. Personally I have bought my last Ford vehicle.

• 

  Im going to miss my 99 Explorer Sport - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By mewsgal - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely loved my Ford Explorer Sport and am going to miss it terribly. It had 181,000 miles on it and was still going strong when I totaled it. I never had a single mechanical problem other than I had to replace the transmission at 170,000 miles but that was not unexpected.