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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  97 Ford Explorer EB AWD - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By alg115 - September 3 - 10:23 pm

  Truck is a beast. Yea it does suck gas but if you drive like a normal person, youll be fine. Pushing 265000k truck is still on the road. No leaks little rust, but very reliable. SAfe for the kids and easy to drive. This is one of my favorite style of trucks has alot of room inside while disguising it on the outside. doing little cosmetics to eventually sell, already have 3 buyers...lol...at 265K..Love this Truck. AG

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  Ok except for the transmission - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By whizkidcat - September 3 - 11:50 am

  We bought our Explorer in 2005 new. It ran great for 36,000 miles. It now has 68,000 miles. The best gas mileage we have gotten is 18 hwy/11 city with a constant average of 14.6. NOT very desirable. No repairs, just regular maintenance for 3 years. Shortly after 36,000 miles we had problems with the reverse: going into reverse and going from reverse into drive. It would take about 3 to 5 seconds for the gears to catch and move the car. After a new transmission everything else started to go wrong. Interesting that until we took it to the dealer we had no other problems! The blinkers work intermittently, the rear windows work sometimes or NOT and the leather is cracking sides/edges.

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  Overheating problems - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By hrivington - August 26 - 8:00 am

  I have about 7000 kms on this Explorer and I had to have it towed back to the dealer because of overheating problems. I have been driving for over 40 years and I have never had to have my vehicle towed. I had to leave my daughter at the soccer field. I would recommend to people thinking about buying a a Ford Explorer (Exploder) "Dont do it"!

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  Problems with My Synch just the beginning.... - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By lockew1 - August 19 - 1:29 pm

  My Synch never worked properly from day 1. The phone constantly froze up which brought the whole system down...the phone, radio, navigation. The dealer told her it was not compatible with her phone....a one year old Blackberry? She went out bought a new I-Phone and had the dealer program it. Same problems. Now they say it was a software problem. Replaced/upgraded software and the problems continued. It is a dangerous situation caused by the distractions of the malfunctioning My Synch. The voice activiation never gets the commands or the names right, so it might as well not even exist. Last week vehicle caught fire due to defective valve. Never want to see car again

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  Solid Truck & Tow Vehicle - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By tbill2 - August 19 - 1:02 pm

  We bought this vehicle to tow a 5,500lb boat and it does it easily and safely. We had bad reliability previously with a Ford Windstar and were reluctant to buy Ford again. But the Explorer fit into our garage (vs. the competing & huge GM products with 3rd row seating), had more than adequate tow specs, and had a nimble feel due to the independent supension. 6 yrs and 70,000 miles later we couldnt be happier. It has required only minor repairs, oil, brakes, etc. It rides smooth and quiet at xway speeds and is a powerful tow platform (glad we bought the V8). Gas econ is 16 - 18 which is acceptable given the fact that this is actually a heavy body-on-frame truck vs. the hybrids which are n

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  Wait - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By nobargain - August 16 - 10:59 pm

  As background, I have owned 5 ford explorers and loved 4 of them. My 2011 is pathetic. The problem is not with the car but with my touch. It simply does not work. It crashes all the time. Ford is withholding information about the problem and there is no real hope of a solution until late in 2012 when Microsoft does a complete rewrite of the system for ford. Do not even think about buying any ford with this system until this is proven to be fixes.

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  Worthy of Luxury - Not your typical SUV - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By arsenal1 - August 16 - 10:43 pm

  The Explorer is outfitted with an incredible ride and a spacious interior marked with quality components. The electronics seem overwhelming at first with MYFORD TOUCH, but it is well worth it. The programing and ease of use is excellent, although I would not have said this on my first ride home from the dealership. Too much to play with it . . . .but functional. The SYNC system works efficiently and is a great feature.

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  You should wait - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By kevin139 - August 7 - 11:17 am

  The exterior looks and ride are the only positive things about this vehicle. There are too many issues including, electronic/software issues, driver comfort, my sync/my touch, etc. The seat bottom is to short and foot rest is to close. Im 6ft and the driver position is not comfortable. My phone only connects about 50% of time. I have no idea why it wont connect the other 50%. I do nothing different other than shut the vehicle off and start it again. The NAV lady only talks about 10% of the time. The music stops when she should talk but nothing comes out and the music starts again. None of the sales people mentined this vehicle is for on road use only - 20" wheels std on Ltd.

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  will NEVER buy a ford again - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By buyahonda - August 3 - 11:57 am

  this is HORRIBLE. the exterior is awesome but that is all you get. Too many blind spots...if we didnt have the back up camera we would have been in numerous accidents. the sync system sucks..blacksout/ resets/reboost itself out of now where. you definately need someone with you to operate any radio/ac controls or you will crash the car. it is worse then people trying to text while driving. major safety issues. our trunk door is attached improperly. has been in shop 3 times for sync system and the dealers have no idea how to fix. I get car sick everytime I sit in rear seats. 3rd row makes you feel like you are in a closet. recommend you place car seats and entire family in for test dr

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  Wait til the bugs are worked out! - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By larryhat - July 30 - 7:05 am

  Less that 5k miles and I have had problems with overheating and air conditioning. Both were resolved by dealer. MyTouch is problematic to say the least. Being computer savvy, I could not get the "upgrades" to install. Took it to my dealer and they had the same issues. The website is as useless as I have seen. Bluetooth phone adapter is no where near as good as the one I had in my F150. Everyone complains that they cant hear me...even though its the same phone as before!