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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  wow - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By nvelez - July 5 - 6:30 am

  i love my truck. Roomy, comfortable, rides and handles extremely well; all the bells and whistles. Cons: Not the greatest gas mileage, but is getting a little better As the proud owner of my fourth Ford Explorer, I can honestly say the 2002 Explorer is absolutely the best model yet! New technology, great styling, 3rd row seat. Cons: Gas mileage, ugly key fob. I recently traded an amazing 230,000 mile Honda Accord for a brand new Explorer. The main reason being that I need more space.

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  Always Japenese - Pleasantly Surprised - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Swimguy - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Have always owned Japenese vehicles, however full credit to Ford, the Explorer is very competitive. V8 is hard on gas, but that is to be expected. Had the DVD system and sunroof put in and I now enjoy listening to Scooby Doo vs. a screaming 16 month old that hates her car seat. To all the families out their, "the DVD is worth the cost." Have the 17 inch BF Goodrich tires on - tire noise intrudes into the cabin. A purchaser may want to consider less aggressive tires. However despite the noise, the Explorer handles very well on snow and ice and I am sure the tires have something to do with that.

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  FORD NEVER AGAIN - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Priest Miles - June 29 - 2:00 am

  98 ford explorer sport bought it with 22K miles after 3 years nearly $5K plus in dealer maintainence charges and 5 months after a complete tune-up at Merchants the car needs a new engine at 83K miles. Yeap never going near a FORD EVER again

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  Second Explorer-same problem - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By K Beaver - June 21 - 11:29 am

  This is our second Explorer. Bought the first one in July of 2014. Anytime you accelerated to pass a car or just sped up, there was a smell of exhaust fumes in the cabin. After many trips to the dealer and finally filing a complaint with Ford, they reacquired the vehicle in October of 2015 and we purchased a 2016 model. We were told that problem had been repaired on the 2016 model. That was not the truth. We are now going through the same process with a complaint. Not sure how this will turn out but will not have another Explorer. And that is really sad because we love everything about it with the exception of not being able to breathe when the cabin fills with exhaust fumes.

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  great all around - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By cb1 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Traded in our mitsubishi montero for the explorer and the difference is amazing. 4 wheel independent suspension gives you a much improved ride. Very stable on the road. Performance is good with the V-6 a little noisey at times. The build quality is excellent. Allready have 10,000 miles on it since buying it in June. No problems at all. My only complaint is the fuel economy, it could be better. One would thimk with a 5- speed auto it would be better. I also own 4 f-350 p/u with the diseal engines and they get better mileage. But overall in its price category I find it as a value that is hard to beat.

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  Another hit by Ford! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Ken Errickson - June 9 - 10:40 pm

  This is our third Ford SUV. The first was a "94" Explorer XLT that we ran the wheels off. After 140K miles we hadnt turned a wrench on it. We then bought a "98" EB Expedition. That was also a great vehicle with absolutely no problems! This one, a "06" EB Explorer, (the kids are all grown) has to be one of the best designed on the market, we feel almost like were flying an airplane when sitting in the drivers seat. All the controls are at your finger tips and the ride is exceptional for an SUV. Ford sure beats the Chevys we have owned in the past. We are faithful with our service and exceed the manufacturers recommendations but could not keep transmissions in the GM SUVs.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mikez - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This truck is great....great looks, great ride, lots of great amenities. Really enjoy this truck through and through.

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  Like a lot! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Rave - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive for an SUV. Very functional for variety of uses - around town, towing, hauling.

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  enjoying ownership - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By Edward Nahin - May 22 - 9:04 am

  good choice . . .

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  ALL NEW IS GREAT - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By MELISSA - May 21 - 9:23 pm

  I like the new style of the Explorer this year. I have driven several Fords over the years, different Models, this Explorer drives very smooth and the stearing is impeciable