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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  Like It! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By kw - March 18 - 2:00 am

  I like it and have had no major problems but i always buy the extended warranty so the (just in case) happens i am prepared for it with as little cost as possible.

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  Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By kenny borom - March 14 - 10:00 am

  great truck to have in a crazy climate like here in cleveland, ohio. also a stylish truck that fits in anywhere.

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  1994 FORD EXPLORER - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By TOM COPLIN - March 14 - 2:00 am

  REPLACED THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM COMPLETELY. HAD A MAJOR TUNE UP AT 98,000 MILES. THE FUEL MILEAGE WENT TO 23MPG ON THE HIWAY AND 17MPG CITY.

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  Loved it, but hated transmission - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Tibbels30 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought it used Oct 4,2001. Broke down December 24th (lovely christmas present) 2001. The transmission went out. Come to find out the dealership put a used transmission in it in September. We made them put in another transmission (used again) around the end of Jan 2002 and it also went out in about 120 days (after the 100 day warrenty expired) Now it sits and the finance company doesnt even want it back!! I was told that transmissions in Explorers go out all the time, exspecially before the put in the newer ones in 1994. Do I dare buy another?? I cant deciede. Good luck to anyone who buys under 1995.

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  Bills Review - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Bill2 - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Great design, extremely reliable.

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  The gold mobile - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Sue - March 8 - 7:58 pm

  Third row seating is fun for children under the age of 12. Heating and a/c are great throughout the vehicle. Adults can sit in the third row without difficulty up to approximately 6 feet tall and 200 pounds

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  I always wanted an Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Fergie - March 7 - 2:00 am

  great for hauling family around, fire wood in the back, and beating up the woods in S. Indiana.

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  Experience led me to FoMoCo - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ED - March 6 - 1:16 pm

  I have owned 3 Chevys, 5 Fords, 2 Mercurys, 1 Pontiac, 1 Oldsmobile, 5 Ford pickups, 2 GMC pickups. I drove virtually all until they dropped or were taken by ex-wives. A couple were wrecked. The last was a 1995 Ford Explorer that was ran into by a semi - and drove away although body damage totaled it. This Ford Explorer is the best vehicle I have had, not the newest, just with features (all of them work). Great to drive, reasonable on fuel, powerful performer, room for four easily, good all-around-home vehicle.

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  Only thing to drive - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By TeresaD - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used with 118,000 - all highway miles! Since then, I am still driving the thing and have 195,000 miles with more to go. Yes it has had its share of problems - primarily electrical, but nothing major. Leaks, yes, but what do you expect with that many miles. Id drive it from coast to coast & never bat an eye. Like it so much, keeping it & buying another Explorer!

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  Devoted Explorer owner - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Jeagi - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Explorer and we love it! I have owned a 1992 and 1996 XLT with the V6 and have only had a few minor problems in ten years. This is my first V8 and I really like the extra torque. Anyone who buys a V8 should know the gas mileage will not be spectacular, I am pleased with the mileage I have gotten. The Explorer has a feeling of quality and safety that I will come back to again and again.