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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  mzhdg - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By beach babe - May 2 - 10:00 am

  i like the style

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  Ford Edxplorer review - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By RWCRWC - May 2 - 2:00 am

  We had the car 6 years without problems except for needed shocks frequently and the air conditioner condenser broke twice in the last year of owning.Brake pads needed replacing often and the 4 wheel drive was not reliable.

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  Great SUV! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By JoeCool - May 1 - 10:50 pm

  I cant say enough about how impressed I am with this vehicle. Drives and rides as good or better than anything else out there. Acceleration is good and handling is superb. I am more than satisfied with this vehicle.

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  Best Explorer Yet - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Jamers99 - May 1 - 6:43 pm

  This is my 4th Explorer since 1995. My most recent was a 2002 and the 2006 is much more comfortable. The ride and drive is really outstanding. Very tight feeling. The 4.0 l V6 is very impressive as well. Great torque. We just downsized from our 2003 Expedition and have no regrets whatsoever.

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  2000 Explorer Eddie Bauer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By W Green - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Looked at everything in the 20-30K range at the time of purchase and nothing could beat the explorer for overall performance,handling,interior comfort and safety. Problems: Air bag sensor changed. Radio LED display stopped working.

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  1 Year and Counting - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Z444 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Approaching 15,000 miles with no problems to report. Independent suspension is a major upgrade to the previous generation Explorer and results in a much more friendly ride, while still maintaining off road capability. Have no regrets in buying this vehicle or in choosing it over GM, Toyota, and Honda.

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  Dont Explore this Explorer! Throttle Body Fail! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By K&M - April 28 - 3:40 am

  My wife, 6 year old daughter, and dog almost stranded because of throttle body failure at just over 8,000 miles with no warning. This thing is not safe nor reliable and will most certainly cause death or injury, and Ford already knows its an issue but will not inform or warn you ahead of time. My wife was driving when the vehicle just shut down to an idle on the highway. Luckily it was early and traffic was minimal. The part is on backorder with no estimated time limit for repair. If you plan on traveling or exploring the great outdoors away from home, think again before purchasing the Ford Explorer. It is totally unacceptable for a brand new vehicle to be this unreliable and unpredictable to just shut down anywhere at any time without any warning. Very disappointed in choosing this vehicle I thought would be safe and reliable for my family. Now, even after it gets repaired, I cannot trust or take another chance with it and will be trading it in as soon as I can, even if it means going upside down.

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  My Review - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Coureney - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I think this is an awesome SUV!

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  Daughters 2016 vrs my 2013 - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Gregg Miller - April 25 - 3:50 am

  We have a 2013 Explorer and LOVE IT. One of the best vehicles I have owned (hope it stays that way). This is our 3rd one. I have always found Ford seats to be the most comfortable in the whole industry. I have a bad back and so does my daughter. Congenital defect. We need perfectly flat back rest in any seats. My 2013 is so comfortable we both sit in to when our backs bother us, it is like therapy they are so good. My daughter bought a 2016 Explorer, same as mine. They did some "face lift" to it but basically the same vehicle. She and her husband love it in every way, except they RUINED The SEATS. They are so bad she cannot hardly drive the car. I cannot stand them. They have bulge in the back rest that will not go away. My power lumbar completely retracts and the seat back is flat. Hers will not do that. When the lumbar is retracted there is still a bulge. The dealer was going to offer to take the power lumbar out, but when they checked closer the seat itself was made different then mine and has a built in bulge to the backrest, the reason when you deflate or retract the lumbar it is still there punching you in the back. She has had to try and design a wedge pillow to try and get rid of this. My other daughters Fusion has power lumbar and it also fully retracts and it very comfortable. It also is a 2013. Mine and hers (2013 and 2016) are great in every other way. If the seat bulge is good for you, they are great SUVs. For the rest of us, Ford please fix the seats to what they were and have been for years, the best.

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  1992 Explorer XLT 4x4 - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By Mobydick - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Still strong with 160,000 miles