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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  Mixed Review - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By pjl275 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Nice riding SUV, very roomy compared to others in class. Handles very well and love the independent rear suspension. V-8 has good power, with lots of V-8 noise on acceleration. Transmission tends to bang when slowing to a stop when going downhill (tries to upshift). Too many rattles, the doors and entire cargo area seem to rattle. Will take to dealer soon, perhaps hatch is rattling. If it did not rattle so much, I would recommend. Runs on reg gas.

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  Explorer keeps getting better - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Bama99 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Got the 2004 4WD Limited V8. Previous car was the 95 Limited 4WD V6, which I really liked. The 2004 has kept the best of the Explorer and added many improvements. The ride is much better, although it is still truck-like. The 17" rims really stand out and make the truck look great. DVD and CD changer are great options. The wife is a big fan of the dual climate control and the seat heaters. Didnt think I would want the 3rd row seat but it is really useful. Automatic 4WD provides extra sense of safety on the slippery roads.

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  94Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By fordowner - September 26 - 2:00 am

  147,000 and still kicking. Ive used the trcuk for Family outings, long trips, boat towing, hunting and fishing trips, other than a few sets of tires and brakes, Ive replaced nothing. Im religious about oil changes and have done them every 5,000 miles, which is inbetween what Frod recommneds for light (7,000) and Heavy (3,000) duty use, but the engine still runs strong and the A/C will still freeeze you out ! Im about to get a 2003, so I hope I have the same experience !

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  Ford Explorer XLT - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By laneyrae - September 26 - 2:00 am

  The only problem I had in over 50,000 miles was the sensors on the 4WD - they had to be replaced once and cleaned several times.

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  Could be better - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By SUV girl - September 24 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Eddie Bauer could be a better SUV, Its a boxy truck and just doesnt seem very luxurious, like you would hope for the money and eddie bauer name, light interior is really bad if you have kids, leather seats and light carpeting end up dirty quick, The dealership I worked with and Ford company are great, they both send me little perks and gift certificates to the eddie Bauer stores, but as for the truck I am really not impressed. There is some rear sliding in winter. I also have had problems with the memory seats forgetting the memory, and it feels and sounds like it wants to take off when you braking at a red light on on a decline of a hill.

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  Rattles - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Don Crocker - September 24 - 2:00 am

  The engine performs excetionally well.The ride is like a car. The Auto 4 wheel works great in snow.Have not tried it on rocky terrain or swamps.Fuel economy is not great. The only problems I have is that it rattles in the back due to build quality.The transmission is slow to kick down to low gear.

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  Saved my moms life - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By MBailey - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought used in 2001, Rides, and handles great, could be beter on gas, but hey what can you expect out of an SUV. A week ago was totaled due to an almost fatal accident. The Explorer is actually my moms... she was on her way to work when a Dodge Dakota cliped her on her passenger side, the Explorer immediately turned sideways, and flipped 4-5 times on a paved road. My mom had on her seat belt (Thank God) and had minor injurys considering the servierness of the accident everyone talks about how well the truck held up, although she will never buy an exlorer again the frame, and the safety design saved her life. Thanks Ford!!!!!

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  2002 1/2 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Tripodi - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I got this ford explorer because i needed the exta room and let me say it does the job. i had a 97 ford explorer sport before, night and day it looks and feels like 2 different manufactures made theses SUVs.

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  This is NOT your fathers Explorer!! - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By TC - September 17 - 9:52 am

  The Ford Explorer Platinum is without a doubt the best value in the near luxury/luxury SUV market. I tried--HARD--to not buy this car as I had one previously and just wanted something different, despite the Explorer driving like a luxury car and not an SUV. Well...all that effort and I finally traded in my old Explorer Sport for a.... Explorer Platinum! Why? As before, this is the fastest SUV in its price class. I had a Hemi V8 Jeep...and this V6 runs circles around that big V8. Second, the upgrade in quality materials in amazing. Third, the new Sync3 is finally what I wanted in a system--something naturally intuitive that doesnt require you to speak 100 words and decide among 6 lines while driving to find the right address. This couldnt be simpler and more convenient. Lastly, the included options with the Platinum got the GLE and the X5 I was pricing to over 20,000 more than this car (and for a lot less space...and still a slower car!). I honestly tried to go a different route, but the quality of the car, the intoxicating power of the engine and the overwhelming included options in this model just wouldnt allow it to happen. If youre in the market for a luxury SUV, you owe it to yourself to check out the Explorer Platinum....but beware-- youll run into the same dilemma I did and just may end driving out with it!

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  Turbo went out, causing smell of fire & smoke - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Nicole - September 16 - 12:42 pm

  I leased my 2016 Platinum in Oct 2015. March driving home on my commute, on a hwy I received an error that my off road traction had been turned off, didnt know that it was on, and looking at dial it wasnt on. Just moments after that error came up I began to smell something burning. I thought it was from outside in the air so wasnt too bothered. As I went another couple miles, now on city streets the smell got stronger and by the time I got home a few more streets away I was very worried. I got out and my car was smoking but not on fire. I had it towed to the dealership for service. For the first couple days they couldnt figure it out and had a Ford Engineer come out and investigate. They determined that the turbo had gone out, not sure if that was the real problem or just their way around something more severe. Problem fixed. Just a couple weeks ago my cross traffic and blind spot fault came up, and this was during Thanksgiving, so waited until after the holidays to call for service. During that time went in for work and came out at 5:30pm to find my vehicles side mirrors folded in, so got in my car and they wouldnt open up, I tried to open up my windows to manually push the driver side mirror out, and the window wouldnt open for both driver and passenger. It is so dark during this season, but still drove home. I do not recommend driving at all with no side mirrors for any amount of distance. This 40 miles home in the dark on a freeway was beyond stressful. As I exit the freeway, another fault comes up - tire pressure fault. I take it in the next morning without an appt. I had to rent a car for 2 days since they wouldnt cover it. They reset the codes and all is fine. I pick up and 3 hours later all the same errors and window and mirrors go back to acting up. I drop it off at service Saturday morning and no one is there. I talk to the Sales Manager and let him know what is going on and tell him I will not pay for a rental, and that Ford will be picking up the bill. He did not hesitate as I have 3 kids in the car. It is now Tuesday, and I havent heard from service manager regarding my car being there. Not sure what is going on, but this really worries me that it is so easy for them to just reset the codes and not actually fix the problem. Overall I love everything about this vehicle, and hope that this does not continue after I purchase it.....extended warranty is in my future.