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:

• 

  Tough Little Explorer - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By llibst - June 25 - 2:00 am

  Six years and almost 90,000 miles this 97 Explorer Sport has been on of the most bullet proof vehicles our family has ever owned. Even survived a roll over collision in west Texas snow. No major mechanical problems, the single overhead cam engine just keeps running, no problems with a/c, electrical, sound system. Tires even seem to last longer than other SUVs weve owned

• 

  Love the explorer - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By keithsndebs - June 24 - 2:00 am

  We bought our explorer used from friends of ours, and were really unsure about owning an SUV. But now that Ive had it for 2 years, I will certainly buy another one once in the car market. It has been very dependable, fun to drive and a handy vehicle in the snow. Ive driven it everywhere from the upper east coast to deep south, and it has always got us where we needed to go.

• 

  1996 Ford Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By tomkeith - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has been a great vehicle. I would buy one again, and plan to. I would also recommend to others

• 

  Great - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By maryh36 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV. I commute from Beaumont to houston everday and drive about 115Mph. Each way (go texas drives) and the explorer will even get up and go at those speeds it is an excellent SUV. With The V8

• 

  Sporty and Fun - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Bob Carignan - June 23 - 2:00 am

  For an American-made car and first year of this model redesign, this car has been excellent and reliable.

• 

  Great Family Vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Rocko - June 22 - 3:30 pm

  This is a very good reliable family vehicle. Goes in snow in Northeast PA without difficulty. The deal beat the competition by thousands. We probably will buy another in a few years.

• 

  What a steel - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By craiger - June 21 - 2:00 am

  One and only owner. 88000 miles and going. Did all the routine maintenances, but did replaced both radial arm bushings, breaks, shocks and took cared Manual transmission problem a couple of years ago... in addition to the two new batteries and two sets of new tires (one was recalled Firestone). Truck dont always get good grip in the rain. Will keep it for a while longer.

• 

  acura TL traded for 3004 XLT - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By first_explorer - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I had just bought a 2002 acura tl last year, and was very bored with it. I drove all the mid suvs, Pilot, Endeavor, Envoy, Tblazer and was not impressed, the endeavor was the best of the bunch. Then I drove he Explorer. I had liked the styling of the new body style since 2002 and now that the 2004 XLT has monotoned paint and chrome grill it looks REAL sharp!! And in black with black tints, is very nice. I test drove one, and traded my TL. the ride is very good even after coming out of an acura. I got mine 500 over dealer, and with a $3000 rebate or 0%. and free 3rd row seating how can you go wrong? the 2004 Explorer is a great suv.. now stop reading and go buy one!!!

• 

  It was a good buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By CMM - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is much nicer than my previous 98 XLT. Its roomier, quieter (though still loud), and the 3rd row seating is great when travelling with a crowd. I have the 6-cylinder engine and the acceleration is fine for how I drive the car. The gas mileage has been less than what I expected (around 15mpg, 18 if Im driving on the highway). Overall, it is a definite upgrade from the previous version but is still somewhat loud and drives, for lack of a better term, more like a truck compared to other (higher-priced) vehicles in its class that I test drove. If you need space, and want a mini-SUV, then you should definitely test drive this vehicle.

• 

  WARNING! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By MIKE COLLINS - June 16 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE MOST UNRELIABLE AND TROUBLESOME VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED