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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  Great SUV - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By TheJMan - August 1 - 2:00 am

  The first-gen Ford Explorer is a great vehicle in many ways. First off, it is very reliable. We have had our Explorer for over 10 years, and it has only needed a new AC compressor and a transmission rebuild. Other than that, all it needs is scheduled maintenance. The ride is a bit on the harsh side, but it is manageable and surprisingly good off-road.

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  hey now - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By fgdsfds fdsafds - July 30 - 2:00 am

  It does all things well. What more do you want for this kind of price?

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  In addition to my other review - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By CN - July 30 - 1:06 am

  I just walked outside last night to find my back hatch cracked in half by the Ford symbol. This is apparently an often occurrence with this model, but Ford will not pay to fix it even though I have the Premium Care Plan. Im on my fourth transmission now (at 56,000 miles) and I forgot to add that the six CD changer broke right after I bought this SUV brand new. Its a pretty, comfortable, fun, lemon of an SUV. Hope others have had better luck because I will never buy a Ford SUV again.

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  Ford Explorer, the rough and tough one - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By fordexstar - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new car (and first ever SUV) and it has been fantastic. I put 40,000 miles in 2 years. The reason I got the SUV is that I wanted a big car that I can have fun driving. My overal experience has been very positive. In the beginning I had some trouble with the spark plugs dying one after the other. Then came the firestone fiasco. But other than that the car has been very reliable. It is close to 100,000 miles now and touch wood it has not started showing any signs of age.

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  2202 ford expl - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jws - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Have taken 3 long trips very comfortable, smooth ride but solid. Strong engine (V8) but am slightly disappointed in fuel econ 14.5 town 18 highw . Like the interior appointments easy to read insturment panel. Will buy another

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  after 11 years - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Red - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Rides like a hay wagon, sits rattle, no pick-up, parts are made very cheapt

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  What a great SUV - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By ckbeartn - July 20 - 2:00 am

  I love this thing....no maintentance, great ride, easy on gas....what more could you ask for???????????

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  throttle body - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By john - July 18 - 5:26 pm

  After buying this car only six months with 6500 miles on vacation 600 miles away from home we lost power on a busy road pulling out in traffic. After shutting the car off and restarting it after a few minutes it ran fine for a while and then same problems. Called the closet dealer to where I was vacationing, what a joke, service manager said he wouldnt be able to look at it for about four of days and did not have a car for me to use while my car was in the shop, went to another Ford dealer 10 miles further and they were very helpful. Andy Shaw Ford Thumbs up, Mountain Ford Thumbs down

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  10 years later and Exlporer is still #1 - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By jpneuf - July 16 - 2:00 am

  My Explorer is 10 years old now and will soon be off to an auction. Its with a heavy heart that I say good-bye to an old friend who has been with me through so many adventures. Ford can be proud of their Explorer. Time and time again I found myself driving through several feet of snow with ease and confidence. Even as the years passed and the miles mounted, my Explorer was ready for any challege. The vehicle is solid, runs smooth, has good power. I often wonder why Ford had to put a V8 in tghe newer Explorers? What do people need with all that power? I cant think of anything one would do with a V8 that the old V6 couldnt do with ease. Way to go Ford!

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  Nice truck! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By JDP - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I have put 15K miles on it, used. Good: Love the look, shines up well. No breakdowns or reliabiliy concerns. Interior is comfortable (Im 64), great seats! Easy to mod (grill guard, stereo). Good offroad/bad wx. Strong engine. Bad: Poor gas mileage (bad as a V8 in city). Ride is rough unless smooth road (good shocks and tires help). Strange sounds from random places. Needs check-up often to replace poor OEM parts. Ding-magnet (Ive gotten 5 nice dings). Overall, I like the truck and the pros outweigh the cons. Find a low mileage model, an extended warranty (havent needed it), and have it checked by a good mechanic. I give the truck a 7.