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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  179k Miles... so far. - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Slumlord - December 4 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best car anyone in my family has ever had. Bought for $7000 with about 30k on it, still going very strong. Has to replace the water pump at about 100k, aside from that only gas, oil, tires, brake pads and love have gone into the car. Gets 23 MPG or so (no joke drove from pittsburgh to indy on 3/4 of a tank), heat is hot and A/C is cold. Very strong acceleration and plenty of room to pack friends in.

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  Valve for your dollar - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By twkunz - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Very good SUV -- no problems, I bought a second one last year because of my positive experience with this.

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  Buyer Beware - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By WW - November 30 - 6:13 pm

  This is my third Explorer (54000 mi), 2nd Eddie Bauer, car is great for about 40,000 miles and then look out. Just replaced the rear end clutch pack, at my 50% expense ($279). Now they want to put a new transfer case ($1500) and rear wheel bearings ($769). Its frustrating, but the cars drivetrain is just not strong enough. Im just gonna get rid of the car. Well built otherwise, but if the car whines and grinds, youre gonna be unhappy.

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  I like - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Ford4me - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I like this SUV. It drives really well and is a good all around vehicle to use.

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  Unreliable - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By AP - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Explorer has a weak V-6. The vehicle is unreliable. I have had numerous problems with the drivetrain, the transmission, and the rear end. I cannot trust this vehicle. On top of that it gets poor gas mileage.

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  I dig it - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Jeri - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have thoroughly enjoyed my Explorer. Its just too bad that its a 2-Dr vehicle. Im having a baby and have to trade it for a 4-Dr.

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  ford explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By P diddy - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I think that the 03 ford explorer is the best mid sized suv that there is.

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  Second time around - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Plumber - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Ny company leases two Explorers (XLS) and I drove one of them for about a year. This was a bare bones model and I wished It had better appointments. I needed to buy a new car for myself, and chose the XLT Sport. This one is nicely appointed and what a difference it makes! Much quieter and smoother than the XLS. I find this to be a very practical vehicle to own. It does many things well, plenty of room, the ability to haul cargo, and the 4 wheel drive is great in the snow. If someone is going to own one vehicle, this one fits the bill.

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  Surprised - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By BigEasy - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my XLT with 89000 miles and it drove like it was right out of the factory. Gas milage is horrific but in a SUV what can you ask for. I love the step up cruise control (dont have to hold the Coast or Accel button)and when I hit the gas I get what I ask for "POWER". Could use a better Stereo System and the tailgate needs a release switch in the cockpit (if its there I have no Idea where it is)

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  explorer review - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By dan` - November 15 - 2:00 am

  at 100K miles, needed some work, otherwise, not major work required except problem with paint during first 6 mmonths, but ford tool care of it n o problems