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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  misc - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By mbyrd - January 21 - 9:36 am

  this is the second explorer ive owned, they just keep getting better. the 6 cyl. tows nicely and has good passing speed.

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  lemons n more lemons - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Mr Howard - January 18 - 9:26 pm

  Never go to a used car dealer right after dropping off a rental with your kids in tow needing a vehicle immediately, the dealers take advantage therein knowing youre already in a squeeze, these vehicles are plagued with rear end vibrations, obviously during design some technician didnt do his mathematical grams/ounces/lbs correctly nor did he/s calibrate centrifugal force correctly, centrifugal is right, vibration is 55+ mph, Im not buying any ford explorers again.

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  Ford Explorer - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By jpjljr77 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall the vechile has been great.

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  First time buyer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Burns4u - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I like the amount of space the option of the 3 row seat and the comfort of the automobile in general. I like the new look ie. wider frame. With the wider frame I feel there is less of a chance of roll over. I have test drove Exolorers before and I think the 2002 Explorer rides better than the older models. When purchasing the Explorer I would not think that one would expect the SUV to ride like a car. The Explorer is not made like a car nor is it made to be a car. The Explorer is a 4x4 automobile. If you want a vehicle that rides like a car then buy a car. I give the Explorer a Thumbs UP!!

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  Great Package - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By cowbay - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Good all around vehicle. Around town mileage could be better about 14 MPG. But highway is respectable I get 22-23 MPG at around 70-75 MPH

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  Love my Ford! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By safedude - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I think the general public has written off the Explorer brand because of the Firestone fiasco. They dont know what they are missing. In my research, I found the Explorer to be the best all around SUV -- all thing considered. The Jeep Grand Cherokee lacked the extensive safety features on the Ford & everything else seemed too expensive. Additionally, when I test drove the Jeep -- they had to jump it both times & I heard squeaking coming from the engine. All other cars were too expensive in comparison with the Ford. I also have been satisfied with the long term reliability of Fords in general ... problems are never major.

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  Eddie Bauer Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Saltnppr - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV, fun to drive, nice interior and great design for drivers wheel, with radio and air controls handy. Average milage between highway and city is about 12 mpg. AWFUL!!!!

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  Research paid off - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Raider - December 26 - 9:53 am

  I was skeptical about purchasing a Ford in general. I reseached actual people reviews and local mechanics before I made my decision. Besides brake rotors and pads this vehicle is very worthy of its Editors Choice Award. I would advise converting to synthetic oil immediatly as to save $$$ in a big way. I have travelled through 16 different states and logged over 41k miles in less than 2.5yrs. I use this vehicle in NYC everyday yes NYC! Overall I cant say enough. Not 1 trip to the dealer yet. Take care of it and it will in return take care of you and your family safely.

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  Quality is NOT job 1 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By RK in PA - December 26 - 5:56 am

  I bought my Eddie Bauer 4.6L Explorer new and have been the vehicles only owner. The engine is powerful. The vehicle is roomy, comfortable and stylish. However, reliability has been horrible. The 4X4 and transmission especially have been consistent problems. Ford has been unresponsive. Ford replaced the 4X4 transfer case to correct a defect, but only after being directed to do so by an arbitration board. The differential failed catastrophically after 45,000 miles, posing a safety hazard and necessitating a >$1000 repair. Ford took no responsibility. For a vehicle that cost $40,000, it has been a major disappointment.

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  I GOT A LEMON - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By frank defrank - December 25 - 10:00 am

  WHEN MY 2002 EXPLORER REACHED 30,000 MILES, THE FOLLOWING WENT WRONG WITHIN 6 MONTHS: 1) BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT TOOK 5 VISITS BEFORE THE PROBLEM OF NOISE AND VIBRATION WAS DETECTED. 2) THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. COULD NOT PUT TRUCK IN PARK. 3) BELTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. 4) REAR DOOR HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF A LEAK. 5) PLASTIC ON REAR DOOR CRACKED TWICE FROM COLD WEATHER. 6) WHEEL VIBRATED AND HAD TO BE CORRECTED. ALL WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE FILED COMPLAINT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE UNDER "LEMON LAW"