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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  Very Solid SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By x - July 12 - 2:40 pm

  I love the practicality and cargo capacity. It is a very value-packed SUV, and is great for families and off roaders alike. It is also very smooth riding and reliable.

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  very good auto - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By blevit - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Have driven this auto 70,000 miles with little or no problems. I recommend this vehicle to anyone. Chuck

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  what a gigantic error... - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By dino - July 12 - 2:00 am

  gas guzzling nerd mobile -electric door lock failed 2x - center armrest broke off - cant sell or trade in if my life depended on it

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  work horse - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By gerald kissner - July 12 - 2:00 am

  This truck took a bad rap for the tire thing. Ive owned my from 99 and just now put in the shop for the the first breakdown--a thermostat gone bad in 90+ degree Texas.

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  Cant wait to sell...way upside down! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By buyforeign - July 12 - 2:00 am

  What was I thinking?! The resale value on this vehicle sucks! Luckily I got it for A-plan pricing due to a family member otherwise no way. I have to admit that at 37000 miles I have had service issues. Do note that transmission slip problem is there and will probably get worse. I had 3 Taurus that had this problem really bad! Go Japanese instead!!

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  More time in shop than on road - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By bisjoe - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought at 80k miles,after 2 weeks had check engine light, turned out to be cracked head. Determined to be factory defect! Had head replaced, new one sucked a valve into piston. Dealer paid for new long block. Since then had another check engine light, apparently tech damaged gasket on EGR when swapping engine. Paranoid now, always looking for that orange "check engine".

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  Happy - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By config - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Purchased it used but had nothing but positive experiences with it. Now has 110K reliable miles on it.

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  Shop for deals - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By miller - July 8 - 2:03 pm

  I am a Canadian owner. Looks, drive and interior a-ok. Mileage great--rated for 25 mpg on highway. Getting about 28 mpg on a Canadian gallon (@60-65MPH) which is about 21 mpg on a Us gallon. Owned an Infinity QX4 for about the same list price. Had it for 14 months and sold it into the US for almost what I paid for it. $48,000.00 Canadian minus tax. Bought demo Eddie Bauer for $33, 000.00 Canadian.

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  reliable - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By sugar04em - July 8 - 2:00 am

  All in all, this has been a very reliable vehicle. It is my dads car, but Im the only one who drives it and its my first car. It has 114,000 miles on it now and Im taking it from NY to FL this summer, and Im pretty confident that it will do fine.

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  Clutch Unbelievably Bad - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By bhburton - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Stiff clutch must be pushed all the way to the floor, still doesnt quite disengage. Miserable to shift from neutral to 1st at stoplight. Wont enter 1st without great effort. But its my first SUV and I love sitting higher where I can see the traffic!