Ford Explorer Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.00/5 Average
2,880 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 2361 through 2370 of 2,880.00
  • Still not sold - 1995 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I bought my Explorer in March of 99 when it was 4 yrs. old. Didnt have any problems up until about 2 yrs ago and since then Ive had my share. I have had two of the same problems with the clutch that required a part be replaced. The 2nd time it happened just over a year apart (12 mos and a week) and the warranty was for a year. Also had a problem where the car just wouldnt not start, then miraculosly started working after having to get towed to the shop on 2 different occassions. So Im just waiting for the next thing to break.

  • Throttle replaced at 8,000 miles, all else great! - 2016 Ford Explorer
    By -

    First - I do LOVE this car!! Every month when I make the payment, I tell myself that and really do mean it!! BUT. . . . . While vacationing and only at 8,000 miles when the car breaks down and I read that it happens to ALOT of these cars -- really disappointed!! Ford, you need to do something about this. Need to get a recall on this car. I was lucky - I was only in a 45 mph area when all of a sudden the lights come on and the car slows down -- I have time to pull over and take care of things, but I can only imagine if I was on the highway going 70 mph. The other issue I have is the average MPG -- I only get an average of 19 MPG after 8,000 miles of highway and local driving.

  • Great Truck - 2001 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Just got traded in a mustand and go this truck off a lease with 16000 miles. I love it so far, i have room to do everything. Rides really well, and all the extra options with it are great. I dont know if i would like an xlt but the eddie bauer package makes it really worth it.

  • Had an Acura and "traded up" to the Ford Explorer - 2017 Ford Explorer
    By -

    We purchased the Ford Explorer Platinum 2017 - So very pleased with it. From the size, the comfort, the technology, the safety features... Love this vehicle !! Went from an Acura MDX to the Ford Explorer Platinum and it was an upgrade plus it cost less then a new Acura!

  • 163K - 1993 Ford Explorer
    By -

    Good SUV until the transmission went out @ 163,000. But that should be expected. Before that barely any problems to mention.

  • What a pleasant surprise - 2004 Ford Explorer
    By -

    The best handling SUV weve ever owned (and weve owned a lot of them). Power is more than adequate with the base 4.0 6 cyl. Seats are a bit hard, but supportive. Sound system not the greatest, but then again, its the standard one. In hindsight, we should have opted for the upgraded sound system.

  • Great SUV! - 2017 Ford Explorer
    By -

    We just welcomed an addition our family (wife and I had our first kid) so I traded my 2015 Mustang GT premium with performance package for a 2017 Explorer Sport and dont regret it at all. The passing power is amazing, all the standard features are also great and of course the room is more than enough for us. The navigation on the Explorer is flawless as are the other features. I would have thought Id miss my Mustang but I guess I dont because I got the one with the twin turbo engine. Of course the Mustang had more power and is way cooler but if youre like me and have to switch to an SUV from a sports car, get the Explorer Sport and you will not be disappointed.

  • My 1998 Explorer Made it to 268,000 Miles - 1998 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I bought My 1998 Eddie Bauer Edition Ford Explorer used back in 2001 at about 58,000 miles overall I have loved my car, but then it was my first car :) .It stood up to 16 years of constantly hauling heavy DJ equipment and speakers to all my DJ gigs and performances over the years, even constant driving up and down the mountains of Colorado. Over its long life It has had a few problems like the Multifunction switch going out twice (controls your Cruise control, turn signals and wipers etc) however I did have to rebuild my engine at about 170,000 miles after constantly driving up into the high altitude mountains of Denver Colorado while hailung DJ equipment. I did start running in to an issue with car alarm system in the last 2 years randomly going off, I believe due to a malfunctioning door so had to stop locking my doors when I didnt have anything of value in the car. Finally at 268,000 miles this week my Transmission Reverse just went out so its probably time to let the car go as a repair will cost between 1800 and 3800 depending on who does it and if they also decide to do the front differential which has issues now as well. Still drives forward perfectly so I guess I just gotta be a forward thinking person LOL and never go back. The car has been pretty reliable overall and has lasted me years its kind of sad that its time to part ways but it has served me well over the years and the cargo space has been great for all my DJ equipment. Personally I kind of want to buy a newer model Ford Explorer, but I have a wife that really doesnt want me to buy another one :( LOL so the debate goes on as we research reliable SUV cars... (which is how I came to find this in the first place) LOL - [HTML removed]

  • 2006 Explorer: So Far So Good...... - 2006 Ford Explorer
    By -

    This 2006 Explorer is a fun drive, smooth ride and a nice solid vehicle. Great for long trips. We got the captains seats for the second row - very comfortable and storage is convenient. So far with about 7,000 miles on it our highway mileage is at about 21 mpg. Not bad for the solid build of the car and the great get up and go of the V6 engine. So far so good, but our past experience with the Ford Explorer has been at 3 to 4 years old, lots of things start going wrong. Hopefully Ford has improved the reliability as well as the look. Needless to say, we leased this one for two years. Time will tell.... Still happy we chose the Ford Explorer. Love all the improved safety features, too!

  • Dont buy a 2016 Explorer - 2016 Ford Explorer
    By -

    I love the smooth and controlled ride of the Explorer but that is the end of my praise. I have owned this SUV for over a year and Im so terribly disappointed. This vehicle is lacking in comfort and reliable electronics. The seat length of both front buckets and 2nd row bench are short, cramped and just all-around uncomfortable. Legroom is non-existant. I have 3 kids and a tall husband and this SUV is way too small for us. The 3rd row is tiny and hard to access. Cargo space is nice but robs the car from much needed leg room. The entire vehicle is just designed narrow and cramped. There is so little room that my purse ends up on the cargo mats daily, covered in dirty shoes. And the electronics... I often refer to my car as having a mind of its own because the horn randomly beeps at me for no reason (much to my teenage daughters extreme mortification). The cargo hatch/door on back also refuses to close on occasion for no reason... and sometimes closes on my head while loading groceries. And... after one year, the door lock has broken on the passenger side, one of the backseat seat belts completely shattered just from tilting the seat forward, and the poorly placed and cheap USB port covers have broken off. Really??? Come on Ford. You can do better.

Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area