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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  Ford Explorer = Absolute Junk! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Steve - October 23 - 11:46 pm

  An absolutely horrible vehicle from the start. This 2002 was actually a replacement for a 2001 that we went lemon-law with. The 2002 started off with a defect in the rear hatch, the plastic cracked. Then over the past year the following have been replaced: all 4 Rotors; all 4 sets of brake pads; the e-brake cable; the 4x4 transfer case; the transmission (yes, transmission!); the rear axle seals; need I continue?

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  Ford Explorer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Edwin - October 22 - 6:40 pm

  This is one amazing truck though I feel like I am driving a car. You can not tell how fast you are going. You can catch yourself doing 75 quickly. The interior has everything right in reach and the material is high quality. The door handles are a really big thing when someone gets into it. It took me about a day to get used to it and now I love them. Also, the stick shift on the floor is nice.

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  Best Car we ever had - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By SerJhon - October 18 - 2:00 am

  We simply love this car.

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  Nice drive - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Edwin Morales - October 15 - 10:30 pm

  The ride, road noise, and stability seem to be much improved. Beautiful interior with DVD package. Third row seats is a nice convenience. Shift in the console is a nice feature. Everything is very easy to reach. Quiet ride. Overall is a nice ride.

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  After 14 years, I still have "Old Faithful!" - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Kim Miller - October 14 - 10:59 am

  I bought this vehicle in April 2003, and although I have since bought another car for commuting to work, my Explorer XLT has never let me down after 120,000 miles of towing boats, campers, taking me on numerous trips to and from the mountains, and everyday usage. Not only does the engine still run well (my only complaint is a slight hum from the back end when accelerating), but the body and trim have held up remarkably well. Planning to keep "Old Faithful" for another 14 years!

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  Eh... - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By NeedTeddy - October 10 - 10:00 am

  I have about 39,000 miles on my Ford Explorer. Got it for around $22k brand new. I dont drive it often for the gas mileage reasons but when I first got it I was ecstatic. However, I wish I have the new 2002 version now. I havent hit the mileage that most of the people are experiencing problems but I know its inevitable. Supposely the "better" Explorers become Mercury Mountaineers while the crummy ones remain Ford Explorers.

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  Me? Drive a Ford? - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By MoparMan - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Being a Dodge guy,when it was time to shop for a new grocery getter Dodge was aour 1st stop but our last stop was the Ford dealer. The new Explorer is head and shoulders above the older style and yes its better than the Durango. Attractive styling, quiet, smooth ride and responsive! I may have to change handles!

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  making me a believer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ford is cool - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Fix Or Repair Daily has been the rep. for FORD in my mind. Reliability is yet to be judged since Ive only driven this car 600 miles. Apart from that, great car and no problems so far. Like the spartan functionality of the XLS better than the other trims. All the necessary options for cheap compared to other midsize SUVs. Quiet at hwy speeds, good acceleration, good maneuverability especially in tight parking spaces. Like the high ride height. Aggressive styling is a plus. After driving Japanese cars all my life, this car is restoring my faith in American automobiles and is turning me into a Ford fan.

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  Im never giving up this car! - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Julian Novoa - October 5 - 10:55 pm

  I own a 1996 ford explorer limited with the 5.0 302 v8. We owned it since 2001 with 37,000miles now it has 166,000 miles we take it on road trips all the time and never has left us walking. The limited trim is absolutely luxurious and the alloy limited wheels are just pure style. I recommend this car to anyone who wants a v8 and a luxurious inexpensive SUV.

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  La 2002 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By rteutsch - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Still have a steering problem Ford has not been able to correct. Been at dealership 4 times for same problem.