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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  What a great ride - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By chip 4899 - August 6 - 2:00 am

  I live in Northern BC Canada and we have quite cold winters here where temps reach -40c. This vehicle had started great and drives very well in the snow and ice. Its too bad this truck does not have a little more power. Still is great for long drives and seats 2 adults and three young kids quite comfortably. Corrosion protection is awesome and touch button 4wd works great. AC and heater both crank and sound system is excellent

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  93 explorer - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By mir - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I really liked my explorer it was fun to drive summer and winter. With the 4whl drive on in the winter i could navigate most city streets even in the worst weather.

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  POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By STEVE - August 4 - 8:53 am

  HORRIBLE ROAD NOISE. GETTING LESS THAN 10 MILES PER GALLON FUEL ECONOMY. OVERALL A VERY POOR VEHICLE TO OWN. I BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE USING THE NEW BODY STYLE TO GET PEOPLE TO BELIEVE THAT THE VEHICLE IS FIXED, BUT IN ALL ACTUALITY THE VEHICLE IS MORE POORLY MADE NOW THAN IT WAS BACK WITH THE 2000 BODY STYLE.

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  TRANSMISSION - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By agappraiser - August 1 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car new, off the lot, and have had normal use and maintenance on the vehicle. No off roading, or extreme towing. Yet there have had 2 bouts of transmission service. The first at just over 90,000 miles on the odometer and the second job within 2 years and 20,000 added miles. The "Ford tuff truck" is the image of the older truck chaise Explorer that could be used both for tough utility purposes as well as a passanger vehicle. Yet the power train did not last with basic to & from work city style driving.

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  Love It!!! - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Amy Kica - July 26 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome vehicle. I know that I can get in it and have a comfortable ride as well as being guaranteed that I will arrive safely to my destination. I am so glad to own one. Its a must have.

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  great vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By CHRIS LE - July 24 - 2:00 am

  great ride, a lot better than my Jeep Grand Cherokee,gas mileage is okay, (17mpg highway). I love the 6 disc in dash CD changer, also the 3rd row seat which is very comfy and easier accessed than the Chevy Tahoe. I had 12k mi on the truck with no problems whatsoever, althought Fords reliability is always a big issue, especially with the transmission. My brother bought an Excursion Limited, and he had to take it in to replace a new transmission. Thats a bad reputation for Ford.

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  SAVED MY LIFE!! - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Renn - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Drove mine for 4 years & 140,000 miles, no probs at all. 2 weeks ago, on the freeway, a lady tried to pass me by driving on the berm. She clipped my back tire and as a result I flipped 4/5 times. I had to be cut out of car -- but walked away with cuts and scratches -- the firemen couldnt believe how hard it was to get through the frame! All agreed it was thanks to the seatbelt and the heavy duty frame. THANKS FORD! I would buy another in a heartbeat -- if I could find one. I am amazed at the huge number you see on the road, and the small number you see for sale . . .

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  Love it!!! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Mr.C - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 1998 Ford Explorer Sport used in 2001. Within a week, the stereo acted up, but the dealer replaced it with an excellent sounding stereo. Much better than the factory installed unit. Summer of 02, the thermostat needed replacing. Other than that, its dependable, and never a problem. Built very tough.Great gas mileage too, city 20MPH, highway 27MPH..6 cyl.

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  Solid and Comfortable - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Bill in MD - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Delivered in perfect condition and only been in for service once in 32K miles. Much better handling and ride than my 91 Explorer. Only complaints are funky climate control (sometimes runs AC in winter on defogger with cold air) and occasional rough auto tranny shift at low speed. Otherwise we are very happy with quality. Extremely comfortable on a long drive. Handling is very good even at high speeds;

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  electrical contractor - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By frank keel - July 19 - 2:00 am

  starts ever day gives great gas milage plenty of room in it to use as an service truck roof rack is sturdy great looks . This is the best vehicle i have owned as a suv.