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:

• 

  4.6 Liter 8 cyl Eddie Bauer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By CJP - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Foggy windows every time it rains (very poor climate control). Third row seat means a sloped cargo floor. Heavy items fall out to the ground when you open the liftgate - watch your feet! No separate fog light switch - you cant use fog lights when using the auto lamp feature. Auto lamps only stay on for 20 sec after vehicle is shut off. Heated seats turn off after 10 minutes. Cheap plastics used throughout interior. Screeching noise from instrument cluster area. Ford is still scratching their head over that one.

• 

  Very good fun to drive - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By lovemyrig - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Got the explorer at about 63000 and besides the dealership not doing the work they were suppose to and making us pay for it nothing has gone wrong and being a teenager im a little harder on it . i go off roading in it and the only problem is i have to repack my bearings a little more often.starts everytime tows and hauls anything i have not enough room to say all good stuff even for 166000+ miles

• 

  1991 Ford Explorer - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Been a very dependable and enjoyable vehicle. With special emphasis on usefulness....makes life easy running errands and carrying family.

• 

  We love our Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By unney - February 28 - 2:00 am

  We just recently purchased our Explorer. So far, we love it. It rides and steers smoothly. Theres plenty of room for us, the kids and our luggage. Its very comfortable. We bought an extended warranty, because you never know!

• 

  Not Quite Sure - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By AndyB - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I have only had my truck for about 3 months, and i have already put over $400 in work on the transmission, and its still not working quite right?? The display on the radio goes out sometimes, and there is a weird rattle when it idles sometimes? After reading some of these reviews its kinda got me thinkin about trading already. But as far as looks and all around usefulness its great.

• 

  fix or repair daily - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By chevy owner - February 24 - 2:00 am

  we had our explore for 5 years. It was in the shop at least once a month for the 1st year they could never fix the problems. A loose rear sway barwas fixed after 4 vists. then stuff really started to go wrong. we replace the rear door handles 3 time under warranty left the broke after that. replace the ball joints 8 times!!!! each one at least once the cv joint once had to send the front end 200 miles toi get it fixed. and could not get parts for except form ther dealership for 4 years not even the 25 dollar air filter. Overall the car always ran but needed constant

• 

  owner - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By d-alpert - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This is an SUV in excellent condition. Has been driven in Colorado for short trips in the past five years.

• 

  Really nice SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By mgb - February 17 - 10:00 am

  My vehicle is new, but I love it. This is the 3rd Explorer I have owned. My friend is driving my 1993 Explorer and has well over 100K miles and no problems. Be sure to buy from a dealer that has a good reputation for service in case you need it.

• 

  1st Time SUV owner - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By UrtDog - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Im a female owning this vehicle and I just bought it not to long ago, and had already had to replace the raidator and the egr sensor, but thats the risk of buying a used vehicle, yet so far Im impressed on the vehicle that I have. needs and owners manual.

• 

  Good, Solid SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Lou - February 16 - 7:23 pm

  This is my second Explorer. Love the extra room they gave it in the 2002 upgrade. Comfortable, serviceable vehicle that I would recommend to anyone looking for an SUV. Nothing fancy in the XLT, but still does the job. Comfortable ride - great for long trips - with plenty of storage.