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 limited - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By noaln - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It drives great and has all the bells and whistles I was looking for. It has the 3rd row seat and I got a great deal on it with all the rebates Ford is offering now.

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  impressions of the explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By A plan jim - August 30 - 2:00 am

  test drove previous model, did not like the choppy ride. test drove current XLT and Eddie Bauer in current model thorougly impressed with Eddie Bauer compared with a fleet managers limited explorer. A plan pricing drove me to the new vehicle. I love the vehicle, no problems on the mountain, love the ride and ambiance of the vehicle considerably better looking than the Chevy Trailblazer and roomier than the 4runner. Wife has since appropriated the Explorer for herself.

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  I like my Explorer - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By mmazik - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I put a lot of miles on my vehicles. So far the Explorer has done well. The quality and "feel" are very solid. I feel safe when driving it because it is an old fashioned, heavy truck chassis with front and side airbags.

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  Great SUV at a nice price - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By J Bak - August 25 - 7:25 am

  3.5 L V-6 twin-turbo is awesome! The car hauls! Interior is very nice and quite. Smooth ride. Great for a long road trip. Lots of feature at a decent price. I would put up its features, performance, and price up against any foreign or domestic car/SUV. If you have not owned a domestic car before, give this one a try. You will love it...and have a lot of extra cash in your pocket I was a BMW guy for 25+ yrs . I owned a 328, M3, and X5. This is a great SUV. The Ford Explorer Platinum is really quick for a heavy SUV. Take a test and and you can decide.

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  Love That New Eddie Bauer - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Robert - August 18 - 8:43 pm

  The ride & handling are significantly improved from my 2003 Eddie Bauer. The ride is smoother & more quiet than the 2003. The vehicle feels glued to the road like a sports car. The interior (suede seat inserts) looks nicer & feels more comfortable. Seats feel more like a previously owned Volvo. The floor mounted shifter provides a much sportier look & feel than the previous column mount. Power is not overwhelming (doesnt feel like my 2005 Mustang GT with the same basic engine), but it is smooth. A great highway cruiser with 20mpg on the open road. SUV buyers should take a good look at this great truck.

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  1999 explorer xls 4wd - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Omar Diosdado - August 18 - 8:48 am

  Great car! Used every day to work average 70 miles round trip strong engine enough room for 5 persons and large enough cargo space...

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  Fixed Or Repaired Daily - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By james - August 11 - 8:20 pm

  Rear passenger ball joint went at 40,000 miles. 4WD module went at 15,000 miles. Transmission went at 79,000 miles. Gear shifter snapped off column at 79,500 miles. Automatic Idle Control went at 81,000 miles. Power windows sometimes work, sometimes not. Keyless entry key pad works sometimes, not always.

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  Still Loving It, Except For... - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MBC - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Since Day 1, I have loved everything about my Explorer-itÂ’s roominess, style, sound, handling, and more. 3rd row seat is great, although it may pinch your hand when lowering it from behind. Only 2 complaints; First, I keep finding plastic covers around my car that have come off where the seats are bolted to the floor; must be pretty useless since they have experienced only gentle use. Secondly, the front seat belts have gradually worn away some of the plastic framing at the seat belt adjustment location.

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  Nice SUV, poor transmission - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By WRH - August 3 - 3:40 pm

  My second Explorer and my second bout with a poorly designed transmission. I like everything else about the vehicle, plenty of power, great auto 4WD system, comfortable, solid, tight, great in snow, and with the 3rd row seat, lots of room for our 4 teenagers. Rear axle seal needed replacement at 75K miles (minor expense) and rear wheel bearing needed replaced at 80K miles (major expense). I attribute these faults to the SUVs first year spent as a rental car.

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  Horrible reliability - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Phil L - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I loved this vehicle when I first got it. Great power, OK handling (for a truck), and the perfect blend of size and capability for me. But it has turned into a real piece of junk. Problems too numerous to list here. My last Ford.