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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  Ford Exp. Limited - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Kelvis - May 12 - 7:36 am

  Great SUV to have as far as the space, look, and comfort. I think this is a great vehicle. The only concern I have is that the truck runs very loud as far as the engine is concerned. Everything else to me is great!

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  A Real Dream of a SUV - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By A mercedes like SUV - May 11 - 9:26 pm

  This is my fourth SUV purchase with Ford. I bought the Eddie Bauer V6 fully loaded with all the great bells and whistles. It drives so smoothly and it is very comfortable. It feels like you are driving a Mercedes sedan. It has great space and can comfortably seat 6 adults. It has the 3rd row back seats for those with larger families. I am glad that I took advantage of the great pricing and rebates that Ford offered. My only complaint is that the gas mileage on SUVs is not all that great. If you are looking for a great affordable, and reliable vehicle take a look at this.

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  Jims Review - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer Sport Guy - May 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. With regular maintenance it has preformed excellent. Origional brakes and tires were good to 80,000 miles!

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  Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By bob clavet - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Great on trips. Great off road. Great in city.

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  It goes the distance - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Ford is Awesome - May 8 - 2:00 am

  This explorer has 192,000 miles and hasnt skipped a beat yet. I can tell that the transmission is slowly going, but I cant complain. When washed and waxed, its a great looking ride. The ONLY thing that has broken is the driver side power lock.

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  Finally , Quality Job #1 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By U00GXG1 - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Ford has finally built a quality vehicle. I have been a G.M. buyer until this one come out. NO comparison of the quality of Bravada , GMC , or others. The Limited wins hands down ! I am in the process of trading it in on a new 2004 Limited.

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By RALP - May 7 - 2:00 am

  fANTANSTIC CAR. NO PROBS AT ALL...LOVE IT!

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  I was surprised! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By pDub - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable and easy to drive. Doesnt feel like youre driving a SUV other than towering over people.

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  99 Explorer, tie rod end replace 37K - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By tipman053 - May 5 - 2:00 am

  At 37000 miles all four tie rod ends needed to be replaced. This seems too soon. The cup holders and extra storage in the front area is extremely poor. Driver seat does not go back far enough for leg and arm comfort. Performance is very good, and gas mileage is surprisingly good for such a large vehicle. Side to side rocking on rough roads seems excessive.

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  1994 Eddie - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By bucknut - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I have 132,000 miles on my Ford and it is still running strong. The exceleration is very good and is a very comfortable highway tourer. The only money I have invested in it is a H2O pump and brakes...the only real flaw I have with the vehicle is the brakes. As front disc only they wear out way to fast for my likeing. I have towed over 5000 pounds cross country on four occasions and the car performed well, only bogged out hitting the big hills and crossing the Rockies.