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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  No more Ford! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By rotceh - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle brand new. Multiple recalls, a rear windshield wiper that NEVER worked, and just flat out bad Quality Control from the factory. First and last time I buy a Ford.

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  Really miss my red 97 Ford F 150 truck! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By NanaD - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I really like the looks of my Exp.Sport,but it is the worst vehicle I ever drove.You feel every bump in the road..and if those bumps are in a curve,the rear will get "squirelly". If you drive in the rain...slow way, way down because you lose traction (rear) on wet roads. I tried other tires with no success in changing this problem.

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  The scariest experience of anyones life - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Very dissappointed - October 28 - 5:14 am

  Please stay away from this SUV. 3,760 miles on the car. Going 57 mph and the car completely shut down on a busy highway. Could not go forward, backwards or get out of the way of any cars. This needs to be addressed and stopped now before anyone gets killed. How can Ford continue to sell their vehicles with this serious problem? I heard it happens in the Fusions, F150s. How can this be?

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  Ford Tough - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Gina C - October 25 - 3:36 am

  The 2004 Explorer XLS is a great deal for the money. The new body style brought in with the 2000 model adds much more stability and roominess to the vehicle. I am still surprised by its great turning radius, particularly for its size. Sound system is great. Cabin in surprisingly quiet cruising through town, but there is noise when driving on the freeway, as it isnt very aerodynamic. There does need to be an improvement upon gas mileage - the Explorers Japanese competitors are much better in this area.

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  Junk - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By MJRaw - October 21 - 2:00 am

  After buying the Explorer with 18k miles, we have had nothing but problems. 3 sets of front hubs, 4 fuel pumps, vapor locked twice, 2 sets of brakes, starter, the list goes on. I will not bore you with all the details. The worst thing about it, the resale price drops so fast that I cant even get rid of it for a decent price (what I owe)! I will never own another Ford product!!!!

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  01 Explorer Limited - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By RDJames - October 21 - 2:00 am

  So far this has been the best vehicle I have ever purchased. I had this vehicle almost 3 years and have only paid for oil changes and othe scheduled maintenence.I have the V6 which I get 19.8 MPGs riding around the Orlando suburbs. The only problems I have is on long trips the CD player kicks out the CD and displays "to hot" after only 3 hours of traveling. The other problem delt with water seeping in through the back window, the seal was replaced under warrenty, and of course I got 5 new tires after only 5000 miles due to the recall of16 inch firestones.

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  Looks Matter + Reliability - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Terry Robertson - October 20 - 4:44 pm

  I am a long time owner of Hondas and Toyotas, but with the positive changes of reliability ratings overall, it finally made sense to look again. Have to admit we purchased in part because of exterior and interior looks. Honda Pilots now look like magnified CRVs. I could not tell inside the Pilot if I was in a $30K family van or in a $45K SUV. Highlanders now have those bulging red rear lights and that pleasant open-mouth whale shark grill. The Explorer just looks better. Looks and reliability count for something :)

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  good old ford - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By cybercookie - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I found a great deal on a 1995 ford explorer with some miles on it (72387). I looked it over and saw that is was in OK shape so I took a chance. I spent money changing belts and oils and have had NO major problems since. This is my 3rd year with the SUV and I have 146678 on it now...I just changed out the front hubs ($800) and am going to do the same to the rear next month. Bought the ford for $9,900 out the door (cash) and besides my changing out the "tune-up" items and regular fluid changes/mantaince I really can not complain. This is a great family hauler/off road/ moving stuff SUV...it has always been able to do what I needed it too.

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  best auto that i ever owned - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By cousin vinny - October 19 - 2:00 am

  this was my first 4x4.the ride in rough terrain was a pleasure to experience.the controls are well layed out and easy to use..it rides like a truck,cause it is a truck.i owned this vehicle for 7 years and it never failed when the weather was bad..best truck for the money

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  Great vehicle, but very pricey. - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Keith HB - October 18 - 8:48 am

  This is an excellent SUV, and my purchase choice after detailed review of the competitors. Ford is excellent to deal with and the have produced a quality product with this vehicle. Having realistic expectations of how an SUV will be after the initial purchase honeymoon has worn off is important, and you have to understand that you will not get the mileage (MPG) nor the ride comfort of a regular car (sedan). It is after all an SUV. The fuel economy is fair but I did not expect it to sip fuel either. The controls / instrumentation are complicated for those not accustomed to technical navigation through screens of available data, but its also intuitive enough for the average user to get up and running fairly quickly. The only negative is the price (but I knew this going in). $40K + for the decently equipped mid-size SUV is a lot of money and the price rockets as soon as you get into additional options.