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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  Used car purchase - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By David Stewart - January 21 - 6:15 am

  We received a good deal, not great but OK.

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  Still Goin Strong - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By morfman - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This baby has 130,000+ miles and runs as good as the day I bought it. Nary a speck of rust for being exposed to road salt every winter. Mostly rides like a truck, but handles nice. V-6 runs smooth, but sluggish on hills. Replaced both radial arm bushings, breaks, shocks. Manual trany leaks a little oil. Im keeping it a while longer. I hate new car payments.

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  Good potential if not for the bugs - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Ed - January 19 - 9:30 am

  Bought a year and a half ago now with 30k miles. Beautiful riding truck, quiet, handles well, very comfortable. Traction control works seamlessly. Have had lots of problems with 6 speed tranny (bangs into gear really hard). Ford reprogrammed module with no improvement. Basically told thats the way it is. I am afraid that rather than fixing it, they are just sticking a band aid on the problem with the knowledge that by the time it falls off it will be off warranty. Have looked into trading in but the resale value is so poor Im not willing to take the loss. Some quirky interior features (door releases) but you know this going in. Would love this truck if not for the seemingly unfixable transmission.

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  Overview of an inspiring vehicle. - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Presrvd - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Explorer from my girlfriends father who bought it right out of the factory in April of 91. It only has 105,335 miles on it because he always telecommutes, but is truly a beautiful vehicle.

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  1996 V8 Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By dtownfb - January 16 - 2:00 am

  132k miles and 6.5 years later. Great vehicle for us. Very low maintenance. We had two recurring trouble areas, tires and fuel cutoff switch. Vehicle came with the Goodyear Wrangler RT/S. OK tire at best. Fuel cutoff switch while nice to have inthe vehicle is not in a good spot (passenger wheel well) On three different occasions my long legged friends have accidently hit the switch and cut the fuel to the vehicle. The only negative about the vehicle is the fuel economy. But what do you expect from a V8 engine, two ton vehicle. At 132k miles, still going strong with very few signs of showing its age.

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  1996 V8 Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Dtownfb - January 16 - 2:00 am

  132k miles and 6.5 years later. Great vehicle for us. Very low maintenance. We had two recurring trouble areas, tires and fuel cutoff switch. Vehicle came with the Goodyear Wrangler RT/S. OK tire at best. Fuel cutoff switch while nice to have inthe vehicle is not in a good spot (passenger wheel well) On three different occasions my long legged friends have accidently hit the switch and cut the fuel to the vehicle. The only negative about the vehicle is the fuel economy. But what do you expect from a V8 engine, two ton vehicle. At 132k miles, still going strong with very few signs of showing its age.

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  2003 explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By julmar - January 11 - 10:00 am

  poor interior materials, they scratch even with a finger nail

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  Honest Two Month Review - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By N - January 11 - 9:59 am

  We have had our 2016 Sport for two months now. It replaced a five year old Chrysler minivan. Before buying the Ford, we compared it to the 2016 Honda Pilot, 2015 GMC Acadia, and 2015 Toyota Highlander. All vehicles were the top trim models. We liked the Ford best overall. So far the only issue has been a bad tire pressure sensor, which was at bad at purchase and was replaced the following week. As far as the seats others have been complaining about: I am 511, 220, and have a 36" waist. My wife is 56, 170, and is a size 16. Once we adjusted the seats, the comfort level is fine. We have the heated/cooled leather seats. The vehicle is quiet, punchy, handles well, and has plenty of interior room for three teens and a child. The storage room behind the third row seat is decent, more than any of the vehicles we tested, but not as much as a minivan. This is one of the only downsides and we know it switching from a minivan to a suv. My only other issues would be the hood (seems bigger than it needs to be) and the touchscreen. I like buttons and switches, not touch screens and different menus to change settings. Overall a good vehicle so far.

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  Good buy for the Buck - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By sil - January 8 - 2:00 am

  Good overall domestic vehicle... I have no major complaints other then I go through brakes like crazy!!! Fuel economy is nothing to call home about but everyone knows that when buying a SUV type vehicle...I tried out all the competitors and other then the Pathfinder backseat, I found it to be the most roomy and comfortable vehicle in its class...

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  Great Car - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By towscorpio - January 8 - 2:00 am

  No problems Great Car