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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  Rattle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By TOPGUN - September 11 - 10:00 am

  The only problem after owning the vehicle for 7-8 months is that there is a rattle coming from the front end. Its not like it jumps out and hits you, but at speeds below 30 MPH and somewhat rough roads it really starts to sing. It reminds of when my radial bushing starts to go on my 91 Explorer. What scares me is taking it to the dealer to only have them say that they cant hear or feel it.

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  Hate to Sell - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By MatthewMitchell - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used with 10,000 mile and factory warranty remaining. Have never had a problem. Replaced the tires (Firestone was original), Ford even paid for these. Replaced the battery and brakes, and it runs forever with regular tune-ups. The ride is bumpy due to the big tires and sitting so high off the ground, but in snow this is the car you want to have.

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  Michaels Review - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By michael - September 7 - 1:53 pm

  The vehicle rides well and has plenty of cargo room. Would like it better if the back seat would fold completely down instead of leaving an angle. I like the gas mileage but would enjoy a higher one.

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  Good Power, but..... - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By revgod - September 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this to pull my 19 Robalo fishing boat here and there, which it does SURPRISINGLY well. Took it 585 miles to Lake Powell, no problem) Worked a little hard on the grades, but maintained 60mph most of the time, AND managed about 12mpg. I added an air lift airbag suspension system which is a MUST. It was 100 degrees, and the temp. guage never budged! That 5.0 V8 is pretty outstanding. BUT....man, this thing rides HARSH.... even after new, softer shocks, it beats ya up a bit. But hey, its a truck. The check engine light comes on frequently, indicating a faulty gas cap. One of the o2 sensors needed replacing at about 55,000 miles.

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  shame - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By kerry - September 4 - 2:00 am

  as this vehicle gets older in drives very tinny. needed new tranny at 40 k miles which is crazy.gas milage is very poor for a 6 cylender and i get it in very good shape and well maintienced. for a vehicle at a cost of over 25k its not worth it.

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  1997 Ford Explorer XLT 4WD - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By scooty - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Alot of options for the money.The 4.0 SOHC motor has plenty of horsepower.Beware of the timing chain tensioner problems and intake manifold gasket problem,though.Recall on these will fix it,but warranty runs out 7 yr/84000 miles.I have had no major problems with this vehicle.Only problems so far were two thermostats and front end alignment.It could use some shocks.All in all Im satisfied with this SUV.

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  Dont buy it - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By sprig10 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  All good until about 80K miles lots of problems: heating system, starting problems with electronics biggest yet is poor to non-existent acceleration when pushing excelerator pedal down! Bogs down, much resistence - like trying to pull a train car. This happens at all speeds, especially noticed when moving from stopped position. RPMs wind up to near 6K with pedal to the floor before tranny shifts. Sluggish accelration occurs only when the car is warmed up/hot - runs great in morning for about 3 minutes, then the problem starts. Cats replaced to no effect. O2 sensor replaced to no effect. Dealership mechanics cannot figure out what is wrong.

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  Good buy! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By bev - August 27 - 10:00 am

  I love the handling, and design of my truck..the gas miles isnt very good..but the truch is fun and comfortable to ride.

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  Beware: Check Engine Light - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By oaiman - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Up until recently, I enjoyed my Explorer very much. At about 68,000 miles the check engine light started coming on and Ford didnt help much finding the REAL cause. I was given estimates as high as $2300.00 to fix exhaust problems that, after much investigation, turned out to be simply that my gas cap wasnt tightened properly after I left the service station.

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  Great SUV - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By GregS - August 26 - 2:00 am

  My Explorer has been quite reliable, never had anything break on it. Got rid of the Firestone tires, now happily running Michelins. I used to live in Colorado, and the 4WD worked fine there, though the front wheels were skittish when making tight turns with 4WD engaged. Here in balmy Southern California, the sunroof is always open and the air conditioner works well. Im starting to have wind noise around the drivers window. Also, the front left speaker drops out now and then when I go over a bump. Overall, its been a great SUV, a huge improvement ofer the 86 GMC Jimmy it replaced.