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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  Drive One.....Awesome. - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By whoagirl - July 29 - 8:10 pm

  First, congrats to Ford for "not one dime!" As a taxpayer, I appreciate it hence, my recent purchase. Ive had my 2011 Explorer about 2 weeks and it has lived up to my expectations: - smooth, controlled drive - responsive handling - secure turns (sticks to the road, not top-heavy) - upscale, roomy & very comfortable interior - high-tech, hands-free MFT is a delight - sleek, sporty exterior w/classy dual-panel moonroof - great MPG for its class (17 city) - offers about every perk you can imagine - favorite feature: "bootie cooler"! (A/C seat) Transitioning from a GMC Suburban to the lighter, more agile and advanced Explorer has been a treat. My family recommends it to all!

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  Love it - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By atalaya1 - July 25 - 8:55 pm

  I just love my SUV. I find it fun to drive (I must I have Ive had it since third week in January 2011 and I already have 10,000 miles on it. I love the interior, the ride, the room. I only wish I had the back up camera. This is my 4th Ford I have owned, Tarsus, T-Bird and Areostar and by far the best. Would recommend it to everyone.

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  5 stars for me - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By tempist1 - July 25 - 1:22 pm

  I bought this explorer awhile ago and put a lot of miles on it. I have never had a problem with it at all. I always get the regular oil changes, brakes etc. I have had Chryslers and gm vehicles that are completely worthless but so far with all of the Ford products I have purchased, I have been very lucky. This Explorer is great for everything from handling to pulling. Maybe some of the others out there may have been a bad batch or something. So far so good. All 5 Fords that I have owned I have taken over 100,000 miles with no problems at all and I hope this explorer will be the same. I will write another review if its not.

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  Let me count the problems - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By wilkg - July 20 - 9:50 am

  First, Ive been a loyal Ford owner for 30 years now. My last Ford was an Expedition. We had no problems with the SUV and put about 120k miles on it. Needless to say, with the current performace of my 2011 Explorer, this will be the last Ford I own. That being said, here are the issues: 1) Transmission slips in first-I almost plowed through the back of the garage last week. 2) Overheating 3) Sync system: a) Bluetooth errors b) Nav slow to react c) system reboots when driving d) radio stays on after car is turned off e) time is wrong f) destination history is wiped out 4) Right rear window is loose..how that got past quality control is beyond me. 5) dashboard noise update to come...

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  Sync ruins a decent SUV - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By nfriedman - July 17 - 7:55 pm

  Exterior very nice, all downhill from there. Car is very under-powered, getting worse gas mileage than expected and the Sync system is aweful. Been to the dealer a few times about it already. The system crashes, freezes and cannot tell time. Dealer told me to go to website. The website is worse then the system itself, poor insutrctions and the guy on the chat service says you have to bring it to the dealer! Dealer says go on web! How do I return this car?

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  Soon to be Lemon Law - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By jen413 - July 16 - 5:34 pm

  I loved my 2011 Ford Explorer Limited until after one month of driving it when the problems started. My Ford Touch screen malfunctioning: SD Nav card error, screen freezing or blacking out, controls not working. Had to be reset twice so far. Next, the "electronical component in the fan" went and the vehicle overheated significantly dumping antifreeze all over. That was replaced but what major permanent damage did that cause? Last week I noticed I have a tapping, banging, knocking sound from the engine. Ford knows about it, working on a fix but ok to keep driving as per the dealer. Today I noticed oil leaking from the engine. Im frustrated, upset and fed up.

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  What it could be - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By 4tified - July 11 - 5:46 pm

  The all new 2011 Ford Explorer could be Fords best vehicle yet. It drives so well like floating on air with decent pep for a little larger than midsized SUV. The interior is upgraded with luxuries usually found in luxury brands. I absolutely love this vehicle BUT, its been in the shop twice already and it would be 3 times if I could have made the time to take it in. The MySync system and the cooling fan so far. Only 1500 miles and things keep breaking. I had my previous car for 3 years without an issue. It has been extremely frustrating. I love what it could be - if it was only realiable.

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  Ford should never have released - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By dmr1063 - July 11 - 11:32 am

  BUYER BEWARE.......Picked up new XLT on 7/5/11. Next morning the MyTouch screen was not working. Waited 4 days for a new module. New Module installed except it was wrong. Now I have AC and Radio but no Navigation and the 2nd row controls dont work. 2 weeks old, 500 miles on it and 320 of the miles have been back and forth to dealer. All this after waiting three monthes to hear I could not get Tuxedo Black paint. What a mistake. Too bad because the new design is appealing and the run in nice.

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  2002 Ford Explore Limited 4.6L V8 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By carguy03 - July 9 - 10:08 pm

  Purchased this vehicle in October 2010, and really liked it, but after I drove it for a while, I realized that I didnt have enough leg room, Im 64". The Explorer had a lot of power, and would get you where you needed to go!

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  Tranny problems/Cracked lift gate - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By mlong30 - July 3 - 9:14 pm

  I have had my explorer for eight months. It has a cracked lift gate which is obviously a known problem and has to have the tranny replaced at 127k miles this is a known problem and Ford refuses to take care of it. Read consumer reviews befor buying