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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  Already been in the shop - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Tracy H - October 20 - 10:22 pm

  I bought this car brand new in 2015. Its a 2016 model. The other day while driving down the road, the car lost power. It freaked me out because the car is brand new. Come to find out, the throttle body went out. I bought a new car so I wouldnt have to spend my days at the dealer getting it worked on. Well that came back to bite me in the butt. Then, a day later, I noticed my AC isnt cooling properly. Is anyone else having issues??

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  Buyers remorse - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Michelle - October 20 - 5:43 pm

  The ride is not comfortable. Seats are not big enough. No USB ports in the back. Went it to dealership to buy a flex and decided on this. Should have done our research. Rented a traverse this summer and many times better ride and features. Nothing good to say about car design and ride.

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  2006 Explorer Limited - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Rob - October 20 - 4:00 am

  I love this car so much I dont even mind driving to work. Ford has hit a home run. Rugged good looks, very nice and functional interior, quiet as a luxury car, solid road feel, increased power from V8. I also like the fact truck is about six inches taller than previous model, allowing for better visibility. Still, nothing is perfect. Inside door handles have to relocated. What were they thinking? Have only owned the car 2 weeks, but only getting 14mph. Overall I would say the 2006 model is one of the best SUVs around and a very good value.

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  No more Fords - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By casasmith - October 19 - 10:00 am

  We have had transmission problems, rear differential problems, leakage problems with back window, and door lock problems and that is all I can remember at this moment. No more for me!!

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  6th explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By macmoylan - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I can haul 5 people and their gear (7 without), and pull a 4000 lb. trailer with ease. This vehicle rides smooth compared to previous Explorers Ive owned. It kept me safe in a head-on collision at 40 mph with no injuries to me or my passengers. Im sold for life. This is my 6th explorer (1st - 1990).

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  review - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By chipaplo - October 19 - 10:00 am

  i like it a lot.

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  From C5 vette fo 05 Explorer - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By pathfinder - October 11 - 6:56 pm

  Living in the Texas Hill Country made driving my C 5 Corvette a lot of fun, but I got tired of being surrounded by huge SUVs and pickups. A base Explorer seemed to be the safe, not too big and not too expensive, choice. Making an SUV attractive is sort of like putting earrings on a hog. You can only hide so much ugly, but Ford did a commendable job with the Explorer.

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  Baby Blue - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By melkitho - October 2 - 8:33 am

  I love my new baby. I am the previous owner of 2 Explorers. My most recent being a 2000. The difference between the two is like light years. I love how smooth and quiet the ride is now. In my old truck I always felt like I was riding with my windows down. This one is also more spacious than my old one. I love almost everything about this SUV. It also looks more like a luxury vehicle inside, and rides like a luxury car. Not an SUV. Good job Ford.

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  Great Family Hauler - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By eaton - September 28 - 10:06 am

  We bought our Explorer second hand 2 years ago and have been very happy so far. No unscheduled service trips. We previously had a 1995 Explorer (for 10 years and only one O2 sensor went wrong) and were looking for the same type of versatility. Huge improvement inside and we went from the 6 cylinder to the V8 for a small increase in fuel cost but much quieter and smoother acceleration.

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  New owner with less than 3000 miles - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Bob Stewart - September 25 - 1:11 am

  The lane guidance and adaptive cruse take a little bit to get used to the automatic functions. These features work well but are unnerving the first time used. Handling, braking and acceleration are excellent better than my previous Mercury Grand Marquis V8. Auto wipers are somewhat intermittent in operation and sometimes not as effective as they should be. Second row seats have good leg room, third row seats are tight for adults. Heated, cooled and massage front seats are great for a long drive. Ford should offer a running board option as vehicle is a high step up without running boards. The only negatives on the platinum model that I have found are the lack of fitted running boards and the Ford MySync Touch being the older Sync system. The phone Bluetooth functions are limited to read text and no speech to text function available. The brake assist should be improved to not just flash warning bar and increase brake response but system should apply brakes to stop vehicle. Review at 9 Months 6800 miles: After several long trips I still love this car, heated /cooled massage seats reduce long trip stiffness, versatility of use with 4X4, fold down seats, roof rack & class III allow use in any trip. Trip to mountains with seven passengers was comfortable for everyone and kids loved the third row seats. Only negative is automatic wiper function which I may just turn off in the settings options. Wipers for no reason dry wipe on a very intermittent bases.