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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  Just what I was looking for - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Tom H. - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle yesterday. Love the new design. Much more room overall inside. Comfortalbe seating all the way around. *I read one of the reviews about the rear window exploding. Thats my only concern.

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  Happy with my ford - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By tmoney - February 16 - 10:00 am

  very reliable and i am a happy customer.

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  Just a Couple of Mistakes - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Marcuso - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Put a CD player back into the base model. Nobody uses tapes much anymore. Secondly, Where is the second power point? I had to buy one at Radio Shack, drill a hole in the dash, and wire it up myself.

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  02 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By blmackin - February 13 - 12:36 am

  I really like my Explorer. I just dont like how hard it is on gas. I also do not like how hard it is to have access to the 3rd row seating. Having to lift that latch and the seat is a pain. I have also had a leak in my rear end already and my transmission is starting to slip at 70,000 miles.

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  Best SUV on the road - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Finochio - February 12 - 12:46 am

  Smoothest SUV ride I have ever experienced. I never though an SUV would be as comfortable and handle so nicely.

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  Mixed Emptions - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By GregFordExpSport - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Always wanted an SUV and loved the look of the 2-Door Ford Explorer Sport. I purchased a 1998 program vehicle in Jan, 2000. Ive had the heating/AC "arm assembly" replaced. Ive had 3 sets of brake pads (all around) replaced this year alone. The radio LED is beginning to fade in and out. I had to replace the EGER valve...woke up one morning and the darn thing wouldnt turn over! Fog lights simply will not work for very long before having to replace. Extremely rough ride, gas mileage is horrible. Would I buy another Explorer? I dont think so.

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  Fun to drive! - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Chad Williams - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I just bought it this year new. It had 74,000 miles on it. I now have about 96,000 miles on it. About 5,000 miles ago I had to have the transmission rebuilt because of the value bodies in the trans were failing. I am glad I took out the extended warr. they covered the rebuild except for the $100 deductable. If I hadnt had the warr. it would have cost me $3200. Other than the transmission the SUV has been great. I have loved driving it since I got in it in January. It has been reliable. Even when it was having tans problems, it was still going and going.

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  Quality is NOT #1 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By egarces - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned mine for almost 3yrs and have had many probs. w/it. They tried fixing the a/c five times before they replaced the entire system. Now I have a rattling noise under the hood and its taken 3 trips to the dealership and it is still not fixed. The seats are horrible in the rear AND front, no comfort what so ever! Storage space is great and good sized SUV. The back window opens up if you dont want to lift the entire rear door, but I have a crack in the plastic that covers the rear window. Some times the rear window requires more force to shut it and it will take 2 or 3 times to close it before it finally closes.

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  VALUE - 1992 Ford Explorer
  By JAMES - February 5 - 11:56 pm

  The Explorers have been demonized by the media. Great vehicle!

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  I love my Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Becky - January 31 - 7:16 pm

  I have always loved the way Explorers hold up. I just recently purchased a 2006 XLT. The experience was great and I love my new truck. I will continue to be a Ford person for a long time to come.