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:

• 

  Tried and true - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By TCap - August 23 - 2:00 am

  My 1998 Ford Explorer has been one of the most reliable vehicles Ive ever owned. Ive averaged 19.8 MPG consistently in combined city / highway driving. At 127,000 miles it still has the original spark plugs and wires,I changed the serpentine belt at 110,000 miles even though it didnt need it and the battery at 97000. I replaced the brakes one time. After over 5 years on the road it passed its first smog check! The clear coat paint is as good as new (garage kept and detailed every 6 mos.) Towed a car trailer and car one time at freeway speeds and over the grapevine here in California, total trip time 4.5 hours not a single problem. Tough truck!

• 

  Very disappointed - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Jimmy D - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Our Explorer would be fun to drive, if we could ever drive it. In the 14 months we owned the vehicle it was in the shop 13 times. Lets just say it is now someone elses problem. Also, the dealership was not helpfull an all around bad experience.

• 

  Strong Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By fordfan - August 21 - 2:00 am

  This explorer has great style and power with its v8. Its great fun and very luxurious.

• 

  My Best thoughts about my Ford Explore - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By lindati2001 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Well i havent had the truck that long, but I Love the way the SUV drive and its my favorite SUV model. And I hope,Ford will keep improving on there SUV Trucks . Because they drive so very well. And has great milage when i drive.

• 

  Satisfied owner - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By crummd00 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV. More than enough horse power. The Eddie Bauer provides all the extra bells and whistles to satisfy anyone. Very stylish - even today!

• 

  Ford Does It Again - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ren - August 18 - 10:00 am

  What can I say this is my third explorer. I have had a 2 door sport , an eddie bauer, and now the xlt sport 4door v6

• 

  Disappointing Vehicle - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By waikhew - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Too many thing gone wrong on this "new" vehicle. It is like Ford has never build a vehicle before. This is something I would expect for a Hyundai or Kia!

• 

  Ford Explorer NBX - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By JECouey - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Had the NBX for just a couple of months when we took a "shortcut" home; that is, almost 50 miles of a deeply rutted muddy road in El Malpais National Monument in New Mexico in mid- February. I did not think we were going to make it, but we did. The locals thought we were crazy as most folks drive on the road in the early morning when it is frozen over and hard. The only drawback is you have to be careful to clean all the mud off the wheels or they become unbalanced at high speeds (over 60 mph). My wife and kids love the car - high visibility, lots of rooms, lots of storage, and it looks good (Mineral Gray).

• 

  My Explorer Experience - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Range Rover - August 16 - 2:00 am

  My Ford Explorer was my first American auto after I sold my Range Rover. I bought this hardy lorry with 125000 miles and have only had a few minor problems that were easy fixes. Even at $40000 less than a Rover it still is a better lorry. It feels like it will never quit on me and I am putting aftermarket parts on it like it was a new auto. It looks like an expensive auto on the inside and All-American on the outside.

• 

  Suprised - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By TAM - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I am a Gm man and when I drove the Explorer, I was hooked. It drives great, the V8 is powerful and reliable and it loves gas. The interior is laid out convienently. I will buy another Ford Explorer the next time around.