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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  solid performa - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By jimily - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Great car, never any problems. Returned to dealer on three recalls and firestone swap.

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  Dont buy a 2016 FORD EXPLORER..... - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By A - March 19 - 7:16 pm

  My 2016 Ford Explorer was purchased in March. It has about 6,000 miles on it and it completely stopped in the middle of the road. Im so disappointed.... A 50,000 dollar car should be made a whole lot better than this. This is happening to all of the 2016 explorers as I just so happened to drive a rented one while on a business trip and the same exact thing happened. I guess I have bad luck!!! we need to complain this is absolutely not right!!!!!!!

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  Good for an SUV - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By jillschmill - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable - lots of space inside. Great for road trips. Of course, not great fuel-economy, but no SUV does well in that category.

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  no more fords - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By frustratedfordowner - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I have a 95 "Exploder", yes an exploder. It only has 94,000 miles on the OD and Ive had to replace the transmission twice on it. The first time was at 37,000 miles which was 1,000 miles past warranty and Ford only picked up half of the replacement. The second time the transmission guys are telling me that the solenoids werent replaced when the transmission was changed and most likely contributed to the failure this second time. Never again will I purchase from this company because its true Ford stands for FIX OR REPAIR DAILY.

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  Lifetime Ford Tough Driver - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Canadagus - March 17 - 2:00 am

  First Ford truck disappointment after a loyal run. While the look is great, the thing is falling apart around me. I am a low/easy mileage driver and have had dealer returns for brakes, tires, front suspension and seat belts. Disloyalty on the manufacturers part too...hassles on warranty work and the ESP is major paperwork runaround. Low resale value as used truck reflects the lousy truck that it is. Final Ford for me.

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  Wezls truck - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By Wezl - March 16 - 7:49 pm

  Easy handling, with a very short turning radius...better than most vehicles Ive driven. Sways with high winds, but does not require much more to control it.

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  Needs Work - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By White Knuckled - March 15 - 12:46 pm

  My first and perhaps last SUV. The 94 Explorer handles poorly and fuel economy is non-existent. It seems to have been designed to do nothing very well.

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  1994 Ford Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By VanDriver - March 15 - 11:12 am

  4WD needed repairs. Otherwise, normal routine maintenance.

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  Review - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Nevada - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Review: Very nice vehicle, with excellent fit and finish. Comfortable. Excellent engine. Would recommend highly.

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  DEJA VU 98 & 02 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By J Eastlake - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I had a 98 Explorer that gave me nothing but heartaches the engine repeatedly stalled. I bought the all new 2002 Explorer and was immediatly impressed on how trouble free it was until I hit 19000 miles. I was driving down a road As the light was turning red I took my foot off the accelerator and at that point the truck accelerated and I was standing on the brake pedal and the vehicle would not stop. I missed another vehicle the explorer did a 360 and I finally could reach the ignition to shut it off. Ford told me the problem was a KINKED accelerator Cable and this is the first time that this has ever happened with this model.