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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  Great Car/Cosmetic Problems - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Mr. Brown - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Eddie Bauer Explorer for 1 year now. Overall, I like it b/c I was driving a little girly car. I Like the look, power, the computer, stereo system, cd changer, space, all bells and whistle options. Dislikes are constant rattling and engine noise. Its a rather rough ride, but what do you expect from an SUV/Truck.

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  disappointed - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By first explorer - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This was my first ford explorer. It was great for a while and then problems with the electrical and suspension started around 45k miles. The impression I got from several ford dealers was I should just expect these type of problems and the associated cost. Afer 18 months of this I decided to trade the eddie bauer in and pick up a used 4 runner (its great). Beware of the lousy resale on the explorer.

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  Never Again!!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By prat - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I took it into the dealer 3 times in the first year for transmission problems...hesitation, thumping noises, among other things. They were unable to find anything wrong any of the times. They acted like I was crazy. The week after my manufacturer warranty ran out (I did purchase the extended)the vehicle was almost unbearable to drive due to hard jerks, loud thumping noises and extreme hesitation, so I took it back again. Imagine, they found it this time! They had to send it "out" to a transmission place for repair! Of course now it cost me $500 even w/ext. warranty! It drove well for 1 week. I could go on and on but there are numerous other issues as well.

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  I just LOVE my Explorer! Very Reliable! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Yvonne - April 7 - 5:09 am

  This SUV I got as a baby shower gift. I have owned it since Febrary of 2014 right before I had my daughter. It has never left us stranded anywhere. This SUV is like a tank seriously! The only thing we had to do with it was get the transmission rebuilt which cited us $1,975.00 but it was worth it. I plan on getting it fully restored when I get my settlement. Maintenance is easy , we have always kept up with oil changes etc. the original owner that bought it brand new always got all of its maintenance done at the ford dealer she got it at! It was all written down in the maintenance schedule book with the owners manual she kept. The original owner also kept the factory window sticker in the owners manual! Neat! My explorer costed $42,000 new! Wow back in 1998!

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  Can you say - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Betchacantride - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle with nearly every option I wanted (pwr everything, sunroof, roof rack, nerf bars, keyless entry, 4WD, leather, etc). I purchased it 2 years old with about 56k on it - which is a lot for two years, but not much overall. Needless to say, due to mileage the warranty had expired, but I remember Fords as being fairly reliable - not the case with this 2000 Model. I have had the fuel system fail on my among other things. I should have bought a Chevy Tahoe.....

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  2002 Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Carl McClary - April 1 - 12:56 pm

  Unacceptable reliability from the start, beginning with malfunction of a/c vent linkage from floor to face, steering linkage rattle (replaced), leakage from map light, brake light switch, dealer spark plug malfunction, and poor transmission handle functioning. Have taken this vehicle in for repair far too often.

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  Always wanted one. Glad I have one. - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By J. Cunha - March 27 - 2:10 am

  Very happy with this 2006 Explorer, even for an XLS with Sport package, its awesome. Great looking on the outside, beautiful on the inside, I just couldnt be happier.

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  Full Use/Longivity/Satisfaction - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Sabrina - March 25 - 1:31 pm

  I have owned a 1999 Ford Explorer XLT for 18 years and I must share with you that I have never been on the side of the road with engine problems. This was my "dream" car at the time of purchase and it NEVER disappointed me, through travel, family and regular use for work transportation, (including big dogs, kids, moving & craft shows). We have traveled across the United States during the extreme heat of summer and used the air and no worries! I have always purchased the best tires and was taught at an early age after getting my drivers license that maintenance is KEY to a healthy car. I treated it well with auto checks regularly and in return my car performed well and still does. Now that it is older, my maintenance costs remain low because the only thing I have to fix is from natural wear, like brakes, belts, filters etc. My leather seats held up well with the exception of my seat , which got the most use. I just really wanted to share how happy I have been for the past 18 years with this vehicle!

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  Traded In 1998 for 2002 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By limbert08 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 explorer is a significant upgrade to my old 1998 XLT. It almost feels like 2 different vehicles, the 02 has great handling and quieter engine. I got a used 2002 with 18,000 miles on it for less than $20,000. I think it was a fair deal

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  Pleased Customer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Andrew Donovan - March 21 - 7:26 pm

  The Ford Explorer XLT 4WD is a great vehicle. Perfect for family use. Roomy and comfortable. It can fit todays on the go lifestyle. Storage is more than ample. Comfortable, smooth ride and remarkably quite interior.