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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  Im VERY satisfied - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Lance V - June 7 - 8:06 am

  I owned a 2000 Explorer and I expected the 2006 to be somewhat similar but I was wrong. The 2006 is light years ahead. This vehicle has all the comfort you could ask for with more power than you can imagine.

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  Safety/Security that they talk about so. - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Salmas - June 6 - 10:00 am

  DOES NOT HAVE AS A SAFETY FEATURE dusk sensing headlamps, auto delay off headlamps, which are a very important saftey feature for woman at night, also does not have daytime driving lights, which I thought all vehicles must have.

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  MY EXPLORER SPORT - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By "THE MAN" - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I have a 92 explorer spory 4x4 and I love it. I just bought it with under 74000 miles. The only things I have noticed that arent really a big deal arethe engigne is a little weak and The A/C doesnt work and it needs a new power steering pump soon. Not really a big deal but hey, what do you expect from an 11 year old car!!! I LOVE IT!!

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  i love my explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By randoelfilosofo - June 4 - 2:00 am

  i am very happy with my limited 8 cyl. explorer. the 5 liter engine is very powerful. the color is beautiful in pearl white and it also has a very nice interior. the leather is very soft, i am very proud of my explorer and i think it was a great investment

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  11 Years and still on the job! - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Storm4343 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  A terrific workhorse that has served as a daily driver, sports car, weekend get-away vehicle and utility vehicle. Bought it new and Im keeping it until it croaks (which I wouldnt think is going to be anytime soon as it is still in great shape).

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  Ford Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By brenfin - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I will never buy another Ford Explorer. Plagued with numerous recalls from the beginning, this vehicle performed poorly. Comparing cost to value received, I did not get my moneys worth. I expected more from a $30,000 vehicle. Little things like malfunctioning windshield wipers, stereo/radio,sticky gas pedal, etc. are results of slipshod engineering.

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  I guess I got a good one - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By 99Limited - May 30 - 2:00 am

  For the most part, and probably since I have the extended warranty, my 99 Ltd with 4.10 LS and rear load leveling (air shocks) has served me very well over three years now. Sure, its been in the shop, no more than my Integra, Camry or others Ive had. Most problems have been with minor items dying such as the rear wiper motor (2x), rear gate shocks (2x), door locks not working from remote and front brake grinding (dealer probably over-tightened the lugs when rotating wheels). I recently replaced ALL fluids ($400US) at 40k and it runs better than new. Trust me, it works and will probably extend the life of your "Exploder".

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  FORD - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By SCOOTERFX4 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD 13 CARS, TRUCKS, SUV IN THE PAST 7 YEARS AND THE EXPLORER IS ONE OF THE NICEST VEHICLES I HAVE EVER OWNED OR DRIVEN

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  Trusty Steed - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By goodguy - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck new and have never owned a more useful or reliable vehicle (22+ cars/trucks over the years). With over 146K miles it continues to look & perform very good, and still has no squeaks or rattles. The only mechanical failures Ive had were the front sway bar links (recall item) and an idler pulley at 105K. Over the past few thousand miles Ive noticed a very slight delay in the transmission engaging when I shift from park to reverse and occasionally hear a soft "thunking" coming from the front transfer case, but cant find anything else to complain about. I love this truck! Id highly recommend these older series of Explorers (95-00).

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  Buy if youre a mechanic - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By JWyatt - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Big, roomy inside, comfortable vehicle. Good stock stereo and fine build quality. Good paint. Now the negative. I hope Ford changes those automatic trannys. I maintained mine but still went out at 130K miles. Jeep Cherokee/Wrangler, Isuzu Trooper and Toyota use the same AT which is much more reliable. Explorer has poorly designed brakes and rotors. Its also too heavy which causes tires to wear out to fast. The alignment seemed to go out often. Until Ford makes some changes, I expect to stick to Jeep Cherokee/Wrangler. Its ashame because I used to be into Fords.