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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  pretty good suv - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By tammy l - November 5 - 2:00 am

  pretty good suv. many accessories to add. always could be better. comfortable seats. eddie bauer best in its league.

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  If not for the transmission! - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By JDM428 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  After 135000 miles and 1 rebuilt and 3 remanufactured transmissions we have loved all but the obvious. The engine control module was replaced with the last transmission 36000 miles ago and our fingers are crossed. Great ride and interior comfort combined with an exceptional sound system has kept this vehicle in the driveway despite the transmission problem. Best in the snow we have ever had!

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  A bumpy ride, literally and figuratively - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Psychscan - November 2 - 2:00 am

  My Explorer had a radiator replacement, tire replacements, and a recall in the first 1000 miles. It had two additional recall items in August, 2003. It went out of warranty (3 yr/36,000 miles) in July, 2003. In October, 2003 (37500 miles) the engine blew, though it had been meticulously maintained, costing $5200. Ford would not accept any responsibility or cover any repairs. No more Fords for me though I have driven them in my business and personal fleet.

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  Love it - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Smokey03* - October 31 - 10:00 am

  It is an overall great car, and ride, but the fuel economy is poor.

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  3rd new ford, only way to go - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By robert b - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought my wife a 2003 XLT with the third row seat because I was tired of hearing about how she didnt really like our mini-van. So far we have only put about 4,000 miles on it. But, we are hard on our cars and this one feels like all our other Fords. Built to take it. I like the ride and how it handles. I would have rather had the V-8 but the power gain didnt seem worth the mileage loss. The V-6 pulls hard enough. Im not a big fan of the 5 speed auto. It shifts a little too often and I almost always lock out the overdrive.

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  Exactly what I wanted - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Kathi Valentine - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I go to the mountains a lot and I needed a car that would get up the mountain without bogging down. The Ford Explorer went up the mountain with no problems at all. It was smooth and comfortable. Plenty of room for my kids and my 85 pound dog. The third row seating is very nice to have when you have three children a grandchild and a dog. I am very happy I chose the Explorer.

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  2002 Ford Explorer (Eddie Bauer) - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Armstrong - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Great acceleration and mobility in heavy traffic. Fairly quiet. All options for the 2002 Eddie Bauer series are standard with 2004 same models.

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  Good car to own - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By deltaj - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I like the room and the way it handles. The gas mileage is ok for highway. I get about 17.5 miles highway, stated for V8 is 15 miles. I do a lot of highway driving. I love my sun/moon roof. The only thing I do not like is the factory runnig board, they should not be attached to body. Collects to much snow and mud. should come with the sport (pipes) running boards. Other than that I would buy another one

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  I love my Ford - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By JLO - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a dream to drive. We have been four wheeling in the outer banks 3 times already and it just handled like a dream no worries here... We love it!

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  1997 Ford Exploder - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Tim Hopper - October 31 - 2:00 am

  This truck had lots of recalls. It was fairly relibale until the plastic timing chain guides broke at 70,000 miles. We had to replace the engine. I would not recommend this vehicle with its unreliable v6 engine. This was a known defect by Ford and they would not help us in resolving the problem. We have a friend you also has 97 Explorer and he had to replace his engine as well. THUMBS DOWN!