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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  Poor Performance - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Frank Cuca - November 1 - 9:46 pm

  Beware of 2002 Ford Explorers with new rear suspensions. After numerous trips to the dealership, the noise was corrected with replacement parts. Now that the vehicle is three years old, the noise is back, and is not covered by the original warranty. It seems the aluminum housing used in this model, rather than the traditional cast iron, has created the problem due to expansion and contraction with heat.

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  Avg. at Best - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Bradley J. - October 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is average at best. I was much happier with my 2001 Expedition. Fit and Finish are marginal. Ive had it back to the dealer several times to fix outside trim and interior flaws. Mileage is poor(14-15 Mpg avg.)and the transmission shifts very rough. It clunks when shifting into "D" Drive and between 2nd and 3rd gear. Dealer says this is normal, but I dont buy it. It seems like other consumers are experiencing the same symptoms. After this SUV I will go back to Japanese Mfg. for good. They are consistantly better quality, perform better, and hold their value much better. Sorry Ford.

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  Hey, This Aint No Chevy! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ChevyDude - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I must admit, I am a Chevy Man, but my wife really wanted to check a super deal in the paper on a 2003 Ford XLS MSRP $26,985. After a test drive and 3 hours of checking everything out, we got the fire red metallic. No, I dont ahve leather, no 6 cd stereo, no 50 way seats and no major extras, but it is brand new and I got a great lost leader deal at $18,300.

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  Quite an improvement in driving comfort - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Waldo Otten - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Had a 1995 Eddie Bauer Explorer, put 122,000 miles on it with no major repairs or rust, sold it to a friend and hes got it over 175,000 miles now with no major problems. But I love the comfort of my 2003 because I dont feel as beat-up after driving 700 to 800 miles in one day, as I do a couple times a year. Much more stable on road especially at 70mph and above, and independent rear suspension gives it the handling characteristics of a luxury car and not a truck -- like the 1995 model. Seats more ergonomic, too -- no stiff legs after long driving stretches. Would buy another.

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  ford explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By cfd3girl - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had three items that were defected that needed to be replaced already. The warranty covered it but what a hassle to go through already.

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  nice - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By dawg - October 24 - 10:00 am

  i like it, it great on the highway & in the city. You can see everything in this suv. It makes you feel safe.

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  Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Qadine - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had 5 Explorers since 1992. The 2003 is my favorite so far. The wider wheel base made a big difference.

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  Very Impressed - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Savyth - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This was the first 4 wheel drive vehicle I ever purchased and my first Ford. The ride is excellent and its great for long trips. Will not hesitate to get another one! Third row seating is nice to have and lots of room when seats are folded down. Great Job by Ford!

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  My Wifes car - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Short Round - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I love it. Its our third one

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  Best Explorer yet! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By ohmboy - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This is our third Explorer,a 92, a 2000, and this 2003. The ride, acceleration, brakes, and room are all improved. Finally fog lights that work! Perfect vehicle for Ohio snow and 2 kids and a dog. Some minor glitches, mainly rough idle and rear hatch window that popped open occasionally.