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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  Shockingly Good - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Bob Coviello - November 14 - 8:57 am

  I purchased this vehicle while hoping to find a good used 4Runner of the same vintage, but this one-owner SUV appeared with 166,000mi with a nearly new remanufactured engine (owner felt a new engine was better value than replacing both head gaskets, one of which was leaking) that looked exceptionally good, outside (not even a door ding) and with an interior that looked amazing, showing no real wear at all. A comparable 4Runner of the same mileage and year would have cost at least $2000 more than the $3300 I paid for this V8 AWD Limited that cost $41,000+ new (I have the window sticker). If I am careful I can get 18 city and 24 highway (Interstate) which I consider nothing short of outstanding for a V8 SUV. A former 6cyl Cherokee I once had only managed 16 city and 20 highway. The AWD with limited slip rear differential model does not have a 4WD Low transfer case, so I expected nothing off-road, but I easily followed a friend w/ a 4X4 4Runner through Arizona backcountry that looked impossible for an AWD, but the Explorer easily went up no drama and with zero wheel spin on any tire, whereas the 4Runner was skipping and intermittently slipping one tire or another. Even w/out a low range, it climbed with little throttle, and the temp gauge never moved. I dont plan going on expeditions with the vehicle, but I was amazed at how it did in conditions I thought it would fail at. Overall, given its high chassis mileage especially, its tight and rattle-free and has been extremely reliable (I have the service records since new), and except for the head gasket problem, only the front shocks and upper ball joints were replaced (except for normal wear items like brake pads, wiper blades, etc.).

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  Explorer debbies 1992 - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Debra Burkhardt - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive always loved driving my truck, and look forward tro driving it everytime I get into it. Its been an awesome vehicle that I know someone else will really get as much enjoyment with it, as I do.

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  I dig my Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Enreek - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 Explorers and I would buy another one with a second thought. It is a good reliable vehicle that I can feel comfortable in. I dig it, man.

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  Happy with the Explorer Sport - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By tonguebp - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall we are happy with the 99 Explorer Sport. The vehicle is reliable, comfortable, convenient, and cost effective. We have put 25K miles on this vehicle (starting at 30K) and have only had to replace the oil pressure sending unit @ $30.

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  dont buy - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By fordowner1 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I had to pay for this vehicle basically twice. I put 2 transmittions and one clutch in it. The vehicle still rides rough. Has many other minor problems. Overall, worst vehicle I ever bought.

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  Classic, Reliable SUV - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By bucko - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car at 36k miles in 02, and it is a great car, that never seems to faulter. He kept it in immaculate condition, so i know it hasnt even been "broken into" yet.-- ITs a great drive comfortable and smooth (for an older model SUV).

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  Excellent Excellent excellent - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By bigron - October 31 - 10:00 am

  new body style much imp. over previous. much easier to handle, and fun to drive. had old body style big difference. still #1 in SUVs

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  Get a new trans! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By TJ351 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Have had problems with the trans from day one! First two times to a dealer they say they cant find a problem. Third time I find out there is a TSB to replace the torque converter etc. That lasted all of 3,000 miles before the trans started to act up again. (very poor shifts, slippage, noise from trans). Oh yeah, and the vibration at 75mph is a pain after a few hours on the highway.

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  Poor Quality Ruins An Otherwise Good Product - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Lovecars - October 31 - 7:00 am

  I wanted to be among the first in my neighborhood to get the new 2016 Explorer and so I did. Now I will be among the first not to get another one as my lease is up soon. Here are the problems Ive had which are driving my decision:check engine light goes on at 300 miles, take to dealership, they say its fixed, then it goes back on again. Take it back to dealership, they get it to turn off, then it goes back on again. Now it has remained off. Side auto retract mirrors are a great idea, unfortunately they now creak like haunted house stairs when they retract. Power windows chatter when you press the down button. Dashboard periodically whistles and its not the a/c, its something else. Out of the clear blue, when you lock the door, the drivers seat moves to a fully reclined and fully lifted position, the mirrors move to a weird setting. Lastly, the seats suck. Very uncomfortable and cheap-feeling leather which is showing a lot of wear after only 25,000 miles. It feels like you are sitting on instead of in the seats. Very poor thigh support and I am only about 6 feet tall.

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  Over the fence and outta the park! - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By TravisPettit - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This is an all around 1st class vehicle. Rugged yet refined exterior, and quite possibly the most perfectly designed interior. The Explorer says to all other SUVs, "Get in line, and FOLLOW THE LEADER." This vehicle has more luxury and convenince features than any other SUV in its class. It also introduces most industry first features. All other SUVs, especially Chevy, flock to Explorer for ideas and features. If you see a new feature on another SUV, its a good bet you will either see it on a previous model Explorer, or on a Ford drawing board.