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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  Good car / Bad manufacturer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By First Ford - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Brand new explorder-EB -> Good looking and smooth acceleration -> Having 3rd row seat is good but, when folded, it doesnt go flat -> When seats are folded, youll need cargo organizer. There are a lot of small holes. -> Expect a few trips to dealer to get the car manufacturing done. They dont seem to finish it at the factory.

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  Still Running! - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Jabber101 - March 29 - 2:00 am

  My 94 explorer has 104K miles, I think it is finally broken in! After 90K I seemed to get the best fuel milage. Also after changing out the shock to Edelbrook IAS the ride and handing improved 10 fold...

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  Rare - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Jbarghols - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I guess my 91 explorer wasnt built in the same factory as the rest of yours because I had it 171000 miles and never did any work on the engine or transmission. It was a very reliable car and I enjoyed it. However if you are planing on buying one you might not just take my oppinion since it seems to be rare and out of character.

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  Still Going - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By uno0thing - March 27 - 2:00 am

  Supprisingly this vehicle is still running great. There have been only a few minor repairs, but all in all this vehicle has served well. Major repairs with a used vehicle: brakes, fuel pump, bushings underneath causing squeaking. I have read and heard a lot about these vehicles having numerous problems, but I am here to say I must be lucky, cause it has been a great vehicle to drive and own with almost no problems. Purchased at 72,000mi, still going at 130,000mi.

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  Last ford we will ever buy - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Bigh - March 26 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our 2004 Ford Explorer in June 2004. First day drivers side speaker went out (had short) Drove our new explorer to Florida put about 3K miles Rear end started making noise while driving between 50 - 60 mph. Noise wouild quit when letting off gas. Went to dealer where we purchased vehicle and left at service dept. Was called about 2 hours latter said complete rear end had to be replaced. After checking on internet I,m not the only one with this problem. From what I,ve read only effects Explorer Sport model. Looks like ford knew it had a problem 4 months ago but waited for somebody to buy there piece of junk before they would fix. Last Ford

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  Decent SUV - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By ScottB - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Weve had this SUV for about 8 years. This is a decent looking truck, but have many costly repairs over the last 50k miles (currently 135k). Have had replace several components (4wd, and several other things under the hood. Also, this vehicle has rusted terribly along the running boards. One of the few positives is, although is parked outside every night, has always started on the first turn of the key.

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  Worth the money - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By firsttimeford - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine when they first came out around 7/01. Have 20K miles on it now. At first, there were many squeeks and rattles around the drivers door. Dealership "fixed" 7 times. Theyve gone away now. Comfortable ride and good handling. V6 adequete. Likes to shift to 5th gear too easily. Worth a test drive. Paid 26100 for XLT Leather, third row, V6, premium sound.

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  99 Durango was Better - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Tony - March 22 - 10:53 am

  I purchased basic XLS V6 model. Vehicle looks nice. It has been in the shop 3 times since March 06 purchase. Lumbar support driver seat broke twice, still not fixed right; rear driver side window inoperable, transmission will not shift out of park more than half of the time when brake pedal is depressed. Fuel economy no better than my former Durango V8 5.9 liter. Gas pedal is too small and foot slips off. I am stuck in this thing for several years; can not afford loss of value to sell now.

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  Works for me! - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Jim Mack - March 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for 45,000 of its 86,000 miles. It just keeps on working. Nothing serious in the way of repairs (MAF sensor, A/C hose, tires, brakes), just normal wear and tear. Rides like a truck (duh...)

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  Owner of a 2004 Ford Explorer Limited - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By BevHi90210 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Very enjoyable vehicle to drive, lots of horsepower, love the moonroof, love the fog lights, no problems with the performance