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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  Will Buy Another - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Lake Diamond - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Driving experience and dependability has been very good. No serious mechanical problems. One irritant has been that the check engine light stays on and dealer or others cannot figure out what is cause. Sometimes it stays off for months then comes back on for no apparant reason. Use it in my Real Estate business and love the spacious interior.

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  99 Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Deer Hunter - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Truck has nice, car like ride. 4.0 v6 is a little under powered especially with A/C on. Constant brake problems however. Always squeal even with new rotors and pads. Fuel economy is not bad for a truck this size. 4WD is noise in turns

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  ford exploder - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By vickiw91 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  If your planning to by a family vehichle, this is not the one to buy. We named my truck the exploder because as soon as you fix one major thing another happens. If you have lots of money and nothing to do with it this is the vehichle for you.

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  I love my Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By SusieQsSUV - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy driving the Explorer. Its comfortable, dependable and great on gas mileage. Its stylish.

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  Shop before you buy this one - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By ForrestZ - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle new 4 years ago, and have mixed feelings about it. I have a decked out 4WD version with 4.0 SOHC, 5SP Auto, leather and sunroof. I highly recommend all of these features. It has been an all around good vehicle, with no major problems to date (75000 miles). I use the 4WD for the beach a few times a year, and occasionsal trail use for camping, and occasional utility trailer hauling. It has served me very well in this capacity.

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  Its cool BUT - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By cshel24 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I really loved my 97 XLT Explorer, however it wasnt too kind to me, I drove it a year or so, and it was great, then the problems started. As previously stated by somebody else, tensioner problems, believe that stuff. The tensioner broke on mime Then the transmission problems began it was going to be around $2000 to fix that problem. So I traded it off. I miss it a lot, Id love to have another. Mine had 107000 miles when the problems began. and oh yea, the check engine light burned for a long time... no problems, when the check engine light quit burning, thats when the problems began.`

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  Automatic Transmission Problems - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By ootpa - September 23 - 2:00 am

  My family members have bought approximately 10 Ford vehicles since we purchased a 1988 Aerostar. All have been exceptional vehicles except for our recent experience with our 1997 Explorer. The transmission began having shifting problems at 62K. When I returned it to the dealer, I was told we needed a remanufactured transmission which cost $2400. Quite a shock and no explanation from the dealer except "it happens." Appealing to Ford directly.

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  97 explorer sport - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By VooDooU7 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of the job I had. I traded a jeep wrangler for this explorer. The explorer is not as much fun as the jeep it is a lot more functional. it is more comfortable and reliable as well. the only complaint I have is with the dealership. I no longer live in that area so that is no longer a problem for me.

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  built ford tough - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By justexploring - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Eplorer brand new for business travel purposes. I was getting more than 20k miles a year on it, and at the same time had hardly any problems. Keeping up on maitainance sure makes a difference in performance. It now has a little over 150k mile, and still running very well. Very comfortable, even when driving a few hours on the road. Handles very well on corners. The "Check Engine" light started bleeping when it hit 120k miles. Been going off and on since, but hasnt altered the performance. Mechanics havent figured whats the problem though. Very pleased, and would consider buy another explorer, when the time comes.

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  Love my Eddie Bauer! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Rchap - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Have owned the vehicle for almost 2.5 yrs and it is as pleasurable to drive today as it was on day one. The V8 engine has plenty of oomph and gas mileage has been better than expected (15 city/18 hwy). The brute force of the engine and luxurious styling and features make the vehicle very versatile. Even though it is 4x2, I have taken it off road in the Arizona desert and it performed fine. So far, have not had any problems except for a minor electrical glitch with the wipers that was promptly fixed. Also, replaced the Firestone tires, even though I really liked them and didnt think it was necessary (dealer really pushed to replace on a maintenance visit).