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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  Couldnt be happier. - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By frank m calabrese - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I dressed this thing up like a "mid premium" level SUV for the high 20s. Dollar for dollar, feature for feature Id stack it up against any other mid size SUV, domestic or imported. Its a good looking vehicle, has great pickup, and has lots of neat ammenities that come standard.

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  Best Explorer I owned - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Ron - January 1 - 12:03 am

  This is my 3rd Explorer, and the best one yet. Ford did their homework on this one. I ordered it with the V8 and am getting 17.5 MPG overall. Very happy with the vehicle and highly recomend it to anyone.

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  european qualiaty at ford value - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By r.wreford - December 29 - 4:26 pm

  This is my first Ford Explorer, and I am very impressed with the quality of fit and finish. coming from a Volvo wagon I was use to European quality. So far I dont think I will be disappointed with this great looking quality vehicle. The ride is extremely quiet and smooth. Great response from the 4.0 V6 and 5 speed auto. Overall a great SUV, a lot of car for the money.

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  Flawless - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By LarryS - December 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Explorer and what a wonderful vehicle. I strongly recommend. While I have not had it long, I expect smooth sailing ahead.

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  Noisy - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By chamb - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Disappointed:( After owning a 97 Expedition and buying this Explorer, I regret the decision. The vehicle is excessively noisy on the highway...mainly wind noise. Cant even hear the passengers in the back seat !!! I do like everythng else about the vehicle and get great gas mileage (23 MPG Highway / 16 MPG City). I dont find the interior quality poor, just economically made. There certainly arent any over abundance of bells & whistles on the vehicle.

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  Love my baby - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Felice - December 25 - 6:43 am

  I was afraid of driving in snow until I drove this, and camping is easier with space to pack it all.

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  A Handsome Hauler - 2012 Ford Explorer
  By Kelly - December 24 - 11:33 am

  Lets say you are an outdoors type or a family type, either way you need something to haul your gear or your people or both. This truck, I like calling it a truck - its not a car, and "SUV" sounds silly, carries your stuff in style. I sigh every time I look at my Ex. Its just so good looking! It hauls my husband, two dogs, camping gear, luggage, a bike on the back, and a small kayak on top. I keep the third-row seats lowered for more room in the cargo area. I love knowing I can raise the lift gate and easily load my gear or groceries into the cargo space. The front and back seats are comfortable. People in the back like having access to their own heating and cooling controls. Other than that, my Explorer has basic controls but Im okay with that because it kept the price low when I bought it used. Besides, I do not want nor need navigation, bluetooth, or the MyFord touch. The trucks auxiliary ports are sufficient for playing my music through my phone. I fill up the tank once a week for my daily trips to work and back. I drive 250 miles a week plus local driving on the weekends. My only concerns are the whistling noise around the windshield at high speeds and sometimes the engine refuses to go faster than 80 miles per hour though that might be the result of a safety feature - and really who needs to go faster than 80 mph.

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  wish me luck! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By eric tangert - December 20 - 1:46 pm

  I sold a 94 Explorer with 140,000 trouble free miles so I could get a 2002 model. I like the styling and the smooth shifting 5R55W transmission. I bought this truck used with 49,000 miles on it, so it shows a little wear, but the price was right so I went for it. The 4.0 OHC V6 runs great and everything works and is tight. The rear gears whine a little at speed but I understand this is a common complaint. As I own a transmission repair facility, correcting any drivetrain problems should not be an issue for me. I would recommend an Explorer (used of course, love that low resale value) to anyone who wants a nice truck at a great price.

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  2002 1/2 Update - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By judy - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Purchased after trying many other SUVs both foreign & domestic. Fit our needs all around. Waited for the newer production model that included real bucket seats w/ a headrest, foglamps, leather wheel, & autodim mirror. Used info off the internet (edmunds & others) to get a great deal - $1000 under TMV!

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  Love It! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Carse - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Should have bought one of these a long time ago.