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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  Even now she still surprises me! - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By Voodard - September 4 - 2:00 am

  With over 168,000 miles on the original transmission and engine this truck continues to amaze us. Though 130k miles is freeway commuter trips and the remaining city driving, this truck has yet to give us any major repair bills (knock on wood). The leather was well worn, so I installed beautiful Wet Okole seat covers and she looks new again! Well done Ford! Look at how many of the pre-1995 Explorers are still on the road next tiem youre on the interstate, it will surprise you.

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  Change is good, mostly. - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Bobadillo - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd explorer since 1998 and Im very pleased with my limited. The improved ride is less bouncy, dual zone climate control works great and the car is a pleasure to drive. The car is heavy and feels substantial but is very easy to control and makes light work of any task you put it to. I moved an entire house full of furniture (including fridge) in an Explorer and I cant recommend them enough.

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  a whole lot for the price - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jags4all - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this 2002 Explorer for my wife and we just love it. It has adjustable pedals and the entire is very functional. The v-6 is suprisingly quick and responsive. My wife is 51" and has very good visibilty in this truck. We traded in a 2001 4 dr Tahoe and we really do not see much in the power loss and we are saving a ton in gas. Overall, we are very happy with the purchase. In fact, I have ordered a F-250 and cant wait to get it.

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  114K and still going - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By rhlucius - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Has been a reliable truck. The ride is rough, but the engine still has plenty of pep on good days!

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  FUN DRIVE!! - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By James 68 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had this explorer for only a month but have put about 1000 miles on it and loved every one of them, I got it with 155,000 mile and it feels like it will easily go 300,000...Ive had it off road twice and it handled great, great job ford did on the explorer!

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  they dont build them like this anymore - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By tommmy d - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This is by fat one of the best cars made. I have beaten the junk out of this explorer and it just keeps on running. The clutch was replaced at 128000 after younger brother learned to drive on it. Every thing else in the car is still factory and working great.

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  Not a bad truck - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By ironhacker - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 92 4-door XLT 4WD used in 94, and drove the car for 8 years. For the most part, it was reliable and cost-effective. Everything was OK until the 5 speed trasmission developed a slow leak and ran out of fluid, evidently due to a design problem that caused lots of Explorer manual transmissions to fail. There is some kind of issue with the suspension resonating at highway speeds, which was allegedly why Ford recommended the low tire pressures that led to the Firestone fiasco. My Explorer exhibited a little bit of the shaking problem, but it was still acceptable. I got my moneys worth out of the truck.

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  The Vehicle That I Cannot give up - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Francisco Rangel - August 19 - 12:13 pm

  When looking at this vehicle, be sure to select trim and technology packages that add more value to the SUV.

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  If the explorer dont work, how do you e - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By danielle0623 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  things fall apart on my car every day it makes me mad.

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  Ford Explorer Review - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By JOE - August 19 - 2:00 am

  When I bought my Explorer I loved it. Last year my transmission started to go out and its been downhill since. I have talked to a lot of Explorer owners and found that they also have had to replace their transmission for the same model.