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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  Not That Impressed :-( - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By king17 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had the vehicle now for a little over a year and its already been in the shop 6 times. Its been everything from the paint fading to the back window breaking to the front end making an annoying clicking noise. I sorry to say that Im not really impressed with my first purchase of an SUV.

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  great - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By jennifer lynn - March 5 - 10:00 am

  all i need to say is great!!!! no problems!!!

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  Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By GGates31 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I have just bought the Ford Explorer and it is a great vehicle. I was considering a GMC Envoy but he price is too high and the interior and safty features are just not as good.

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  Trans Problems - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By kblock108 - March 1 - 10:00 am

  At 5500 miles, I had my automatic trans replaced and the vehicle still does not run correct. Person Ford continues to tell me that it shifts rough because it is a computer aided trans. Ford has not stood behind their product and I have taken Ford off my list of future vehicles!

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  This is my third Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Jon Karger - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Explorer purchased in the last seven years. Although I have only had my 2002 Explorer XLT V8 for six months, it has been trouble free. My last two Explorers have been relatively trouble free. I really enjoy the feel of the road with the new Explorer. It feels stable and comfortable. There is very little road noise. The Trailblazer just couldnt give the same feel, as the suspension felt too sloppy. I would definitely buy another Explorer.

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  5 Months with the 06 XLT - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Katz - February 18 - 11:23 pm

  Ive had this 06 XLT for almost 5 months now. I had an 04 before, and I can tell you the 06 is a vast improvement. The ride is better, interior comfort is better, and the build quality is much superior. There are some quirky features on the interior that you have to put up with, but I understand that some of these (the door handles for one) will be corrected on the 07. My highway gas mileage (21.5) is substantially better than the 04 (17.5), although I think my 04 never did run right.

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  Very Pleased - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By rcopeland - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Great value for the money. Got 105,000 on original tires. Get 21-22 MPG

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  I Like It - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mdmcdougall - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the fourth Ford that i have owned and i am enjoying this one the best. i love its towing capacity, its snow capability, and its great looks.

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  Very Disapointed - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Disapointed Ford Fan - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Im very disapointed in what the Ford engineers did to an awesome SUV. This is my third Ford SUV. They ruined the Explorer. It has car mirrors instead of truck mirrors. HELLO! IT IS A TRUCK, IT SHOULD HAVE TRUCK MIRRORS! Now in order to sit up high, you have to raise the seat all the way up, but then the rear view mirror gets in the way. I now HAVE to drive the recommended speed limit on a clover leaf. If I dont, I can feel the SUV lose traction. Teach people who are used to driving corvettes how to drive an SUV instead of giving a knee jerk reaction to the bad roll over publicity!!! People who knew how to drive trucks & SUVs werent the ones rolling it!

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  2005 Explorer XLT Sport --A Winner!!!!!! - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Rick In VA - January 3 - 7:56 pm

  After having two previous Explorers, we decided to test drive some other 2005 brands to compare. Toyota 4- Runner-next best. Nissan Pathfinder- loud engine and tire noise and rode like a truck!! BMW X-5-what were those Germans thinking? Noisy and harsh ride!! Mercury Mariner- a beefed up Escape,harsh ride and small. Land Rover LR-3,let me buy a lake cabin instead! None of these would compare to the ride quality, noise insulation and overall handling tightness of the 2005 Explorer. Then add the 4.6 V-8 and it is true perfection. Status symbol(NO), but you keep your radical fender flares and tri-star emblems on your foreign SUVs. As for me Ill keep my Ford!!