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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  A shell of a car - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Found on road dead - April 29 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I were very impressed with the look of the explorer and felt that we couldnt go wrong with the best selling suv at that time. Well, we purchased a used vehicle by two years and found problems eight months later steming from the transmission being rebuilt and finally replaced to the gage lights coming on while driving (that includes the airbag and the check engine lights). NOT IMPRESSED!!!!!!

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  Surprising Power - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Jah Nesta - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Power out of the V6. Simple mods add a lot too. Pretty poor gas mileage but overall a great car.

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  Ford Explorer Limited - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Jeff532110 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Ford Explorer Limited is great improvement over its earlier incarnations mostly because of the independent rear suspension which has improved the ride of this class of Ford vehicle imensely. The total redesign of the Explorer was long overdue and needed in order for this very popular model to compete with all the new SUVs that have flooded the market. Ford definitely has designed a winner in this vehicle.

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  Sorry I bought one! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Abigold - April 28 - 7:06 am

  I had wanted an Explorer for as long as I could remember. I bought mine when it was 2 years old with 35,000 miles on it. The first weekend I had it one of the handles for the back compartments broke. Within a week, a sensor went out. Was great for two years, and then started hearing weird noises from the back. Ive had 3 wheel bearings replaced, additive added to the clutches and now theyre saying a spring is cracked, the clutches need to be replaced, and the differential is shot. Total cost for all is around $2,500. This will be my last Ford. Im moving on to Toyota!

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  Traded the Mustang - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By azure eyes - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I got my 2000 Ford Explorer Sport earlier this month when I traded my 1998 Ford Mustang in for it. I needed much more room for my things, with being an art major in school, and a musician. I liked how the Explorer Sport looked rugged and tough-not weak and flimsy like other SUVs. This one works great for people with busy lifestyles, with things to do and stuff to carry. Its fun to pile all of your friends into the Explorer and head out to the beach, or mountains, with the windows down and radio up. Its very fun to drive- I get a lot of compliments on this vehicle.

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  Eddie Bauer Explorer Exceeds Expectations - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By zeeman84 - April 27 - 8:13 pm

  Just purchased an Eddie Bauer edition Explorer. After reading all the research and reviews, decided this was the best vehicle for our needs. Build quality is excellent. Nav radio is the way to go. Very simple to use and program. Our eight year old was able to operate the rear DVD with a short lesson from the salesman. She thinks it "rocks" I do not see the big deal about placement of the door handles. We got used to them right away. Power with the V8 is great. The mileage is about 16 which is not bad for a engine which is not broken in yet. We are also very impressed with all the safety features. With the current rebates, we received a great deal.

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  PROBLEMS.... - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By XXXDIGGLERXXX - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Well I got my 95 in 97 and loved it then. Since then I have had 3 transmissions, 2 thermostats, 2EGR valves and numerous other small repairs. The most irritation thing is the color scheme. Willow Green interior. No other paint job will go with it at all. Lately i got a Flowmaster exhaust cat-back and a K&n air filter and i got back all the power i hve lost over the years from being young and dumb. I think im going to hang on to it and do little modifications for a couple more years. oh and the 96 bumperskirt fits perfect for that intergrated fog lights. so my 95 looks like a 96 1/2 and drives like a 99.

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  Awesome Vehicle - We own two! - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By sputnam - April 23 - 2:00 am

  Loved my 95 Explorer so much I bought my wife a 99. Theyre both great, but I particularly love mine with 6 disc CD changer, premium audio, leather, sun roof, all the etras!

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  Reliable and lots of space with 2 door - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By BARCA99 - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I own it for more than a year. All I had to do was change the oil. When I bought it had close to 100k miles and I have put another 20k and runs great. In the freeway I get 21 miles per gallon and in the city around 14. I recommended this car to students and professionals who need to carry tools.

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  Powertrain is terrible - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Randy - April 22 - 7:36 pm

  My 02 has had a leak in fuel line, new cat converter, fly wheel in transmission, clutches in differential, blower motor in air conditioner, front power seat motor, had to turn rotors at 20k miles. This thing is a lemon. Stay away. I cant afford to keep it and the TMV is so low now that I cant afford to sell it either.