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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  Versatile 4WD SUV That Rocks! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By AirportDave - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our 2000 Explorer for nearly two years, and we really love it. Its very comfortable on the highway, and very capable off-road we use ours regularly to get to a Wyoming cabin at the end of a seriously rough, four mile 4-low climb. Even with four people and a big load, its great. Drive it slowly and correctly in 4-low and it does awesome. Although power was somewhat disappointing orginally, a 2.5" Dynomax cat-back exhaust and K&N cold air intake cured that. Overall, we love ours and plan to keep it a long time!

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  No More Fords for me, thanks - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By SMG401 - June 14 - 2:00 am

  The Explorer has excellent features and options and is very comfortable to ride, but there are major design problems with the 2000. Way too much lean around corners, a stutter skip when hitting bumps at what would be reasonable speeds in other vehicles, broken motor in the rear wiper, grinding noise in the front end that the dealer "does not hear" and an annoying rattle in the dash are among my experiences.

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  Major Disappointment - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By John - June 11 - 6:16 pm

  My Caddilac SRX and Three Muranos were great cars. Not a single issue with any of these recent cars from the beginning to when I traded them in, all had over 50,000 miles at trade-in. My new 2016 Limited Explorer is have issues with less than 2,000 miles. Pump that runs the seat features sounds like a hamster cage, rear tire inflation sensor defective and causing alarms to go off every 50 miles. No way to disengage rear door from opening with your foot -- doing anything with a hitch, bike rack, boat trailer, and so on can cause the door to open. Car down and up shifts all the time on basically flat roads. Brakes are grinding, and the luggage rack, specifically the rails are not open thus not allowing for your to tie down anything around the rails. I cant understand this concept for an SUV that potentially could be used to strap on top kayaks, boats of all sorts, or really anything.......very bad design. Called Ford Customer Service and got the total brush off. Went to a local dealer and they said make an appointment a week out and well look at the issues.......will need the car for a couple of days and no loaner! I made a bad decision with this vehicle.

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  Dont Buy This ! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By PeterK - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a lightly used 1999 Explorer Sport in January, 2000. Last month, during the 60,000 service, I was told that I needed $1,000 worth of repairs just to pass state inspection. This is my 2nd (and LAST) Ford Product. The car is poorly designed, difficult to drive, and now ... unreliable. Consider the Explorer a "high maintenance" automobile and avoid it at all costs!!! I do not drive this vehicle off road and have always changed the oil, rotated the tires and performed all of the scheduled maintenance. Im headed back to the Hondas .. at least I know Ill get 100,000 miles out of them with little to no repairs.

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  Rainman - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Rainman - June 11 - 10:00 am

  It is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned there are a lot of vehicles out but this one is the best.

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  I love my Ford Explorer. - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Catherine Mansolilli - June 9 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle because we now owned a cottage in the Maine lakes region and needed 4 wheel drive. I am the main driver and I cant say enough about it. It has over 150,000 miles and the only major problem has been the fuel pump. Grant it that we have been very fortunate in that regard, although my husband is faithful about checking the vehicle and changing the oil and rotating the tires. I would recommend the 1995 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition to anyone.

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  A Great Value - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Donna (Dallas, TX) - June 8 - 8:53 pm

  I was very skeptical about owning a Ford due to all the concerns about reliability and depreciation. The newly redesigned Explorer definitely proved me wrong. This vehicle is a very good value for its price. Its not fancy, but very utilitarian (as an SUV should be). The fuel economy is actually not too bad for its size (I got 20.5 hwy and 15 local). Loved all the different compartments in the cargo area. Ride is somewhat truck-like but seats were comfortable and this was our "go to" roadtrip car. Didnt have too many problems with it except for the recall about the hatch (which was noisy over large bumps). Exterior clear gloss paint started fading around the windows after 5 years.

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  Overall Average Reliability - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By hockey_fan28 - June 8 - 2:00 am

  A pretty good vehicle overall, but does show signs of age after 7 years old. Engine power is not great, but its enjoyable to ride in.

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  A Good Sport - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By TIMDOGG - June 8 - 2:00 am

  This has been one of the best vehicles I have owned. Bought in 3/99 with about 20000 miles now has 84000 and havent had any major problems.

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  2000 Ford XLS - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By P.L. Eased - June 8 - 2:00 am

  Overall pleased with FordXLS performance. Rides somewhat hard.Overall handles well. Steering somewhat over sensitive giving a truck- like response. Had series of problems with electrical system governing dash warning lights,( ABS, Air bag and engine). Took World technicians three extended repair visits to finally solve problem. Finish on one of luggage racks excessively worn. Ford is hedging on repairing/replacing.Reported prior to warranty expiration.