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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highway and off road use - 1992 Ford Explorer
By george henderson - October 16 - 2:00 amIhave used this car in normal driving to distant ski and hiking sites, requiring 4wd in snow butnever driven it off of designated roadways. It has performed admirably and maintenance cost hasbeen reasonable with noi maker breakdowns or replacements required.
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My first Explorer 1995 - 1995 Ford Explorer
By frank2369 - October 16 - 2:00 amThis is my first s.u.v. and i have a PT Cruiser 2001 too but i always take my Explorer in the week ends to go to the country love the space.
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Excellent Motor & Transmissiom - 1993 Ford Explorer
By JOe - October 13 - 2:00 amPurchased used with 87,000 miles on it. Ive recorded 91,000 miles over the past 3 years. I now have a total of 178,000. No repairs to the motor and transmission. Had to replace the radiator.I made the decision to convert the air conditioner for better cooling Both cost a total of $675.00. Overall, Im pleased with its performance.
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didnt get my moneys worth - 1992 Ford Explorer
By jvb - October 12 - 2:00 amWe have had so many problems with ours, from electrical to transmission. In the past year alone we have put over 2500.00 into it and thats mostly just in parts, my husband is able to most of the labor.I would be very leary of purchasing a used Ford again.
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Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
By mos - October 11 - 2:00 am1996-2002 Rebuilt Transmission Repaired Air Conditioning New Tires (Recalled) New Shocks Liftgate Recalled
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Been a good Truck - 1993 Ford Explorer
By bradski - October 9 - 2:00 amI have had explorer 10 years this month. Im turning 200k this month and have not had to do anything but standard maintenance. However, Im starting to hear some internal engine noise (lifter?) Primarly used for family travel. Started using a quart of oil every 1200 miles at about 180k. Changed oil every 3000, but never.. never gave tune-up. It was still getting 15 - 17 MPG!.
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Fun Yellow Ride - 2004 Ford Explorer
By Joelstrawn - October 6 - 10:00 amThis is a great vehicle. Also came in a great yellow color. Built well, rides smoother than my 2002 Chevy Blazer. This is a truck, and the Blazer was a car. Great engine and fun to drive.
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Les Explorer - 1991 Ford Explorer
By Les - October 6 - 2:00 amExcellent vechile. With regular/routine servicing I was able to achieve 195,000 mile with no major failures. The only problem has been with the clear coat paint on the hood and top dulling.
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FAULTY THROTTLE BODY - 2016 Ford Explorer
By Christine - September 30 - 7:19 amI got my 2016 Ford Explorer in mid August of last year. Today (Saturday) as I was driving home from errands on a busy street, the Explorer started to shimmy, engine light came on and I was basically without power. I "limped" home, called a tow truck and had it brought in to the dealership. It has 8,200 miles on it and I havent had it for a year yet and the thing crapped out on me!! Thank God this didnt happen to me as I was driving on a busy Los Angeles Freeway like I do during the week!!! I could have been seriously injured or killed due to the vehicle dying on me and someone slamming in to me. The service guy at the dealership told me that hes had a boatload of 2016 Explorers come in with the same problem and that a recall should be coming soon. That tells me right there that Ford is liable. I mean really Ford, youve known about this throttle body problem for a while now. Someone is going to be killed or seriously hurt because of this defect. Is that what youre waiting for?!
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We Love It - 2003 Ford Explorer
By Dave McAfee - September 30 - 2:00 amWe love the ride and the handling of our 2003 Explorer XLT 4WD. It pulls our boat extremely well, and has great low-end torque at the ramp. The power driver seat is very adjustable, and we like the lumbar support adjustments. The vehicle feels very steady and solid. My wife loves it. The turning radius is hard to believe. If you test drive one, be sure to do a slow 360 with the wheel to the post, you will be shocked!
