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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  First SUV - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Curtis - September 9 - 11:16 pm

  This is our first suv. So far we love it. The vehicle has plenty of room for everything needed with the little ones. Easy to get them in and out of the vehicle. Excellent highway vehicle, nice comfortable ride, and not bad in the city either. Only complaint is the fuel mileage.

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  Not safe… Electronic Throttle Body(ETB) issues - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By T-bone - September 5 - 3:20 pm

  My wife drove this 2016 Explorer for about 10 months and put only 5500 miles on it. A couple weeks ago, the vehicle lost power in the middle of a busy intersection. Luckily, my wife was able to pull to the side of the road without being clobbered by another car. The now infamous "wrench" light came on and the vehicle would only idle at about 2 mph. No response to the gas peddle. We had the vehicle towed to the Ford dealer. They told us it was a issue with the software that controls the electronic throttle. The dealer flashed some new control code and called it good. The vehicle has exhibited some strange quirks, like an erratic idle at stop lights, since getting the new software. Took it back to the dealer, but they insist it can take up to 500 miles before the computer learns our driving style again and that it will start acting normal sooner or later. My wife wont drive the vehicle anymore. I dont blame her. What if the vehicle loses power again turning left in front of a semi or trying to pass someone on a two lane road. Ive been a Ford man my whole life, but I think thats about to change. Thinking hard about trading in the 2016 Explorer on a Four Runner.

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  Reliable but boring - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By ncstewart - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had mine for four months and wish I hadnt jumped so quickly -- especially since I made the mistake of getting a 4x2 vs. a 4x4. I intended to trade in about 4 years anyway but with this latest rollover news, resale is going to be even more in the toilet.

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  My Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By SteveF - September 5 - 10:00 am

  A great handling SUV My first one , powerful and comfy

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  Pay me later - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Xavier Fordham - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Stereo shot ($350), transfer case broke ($2200) all around 70K.

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  Life is good - at least so far! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By wesleyd - August 23 - 1:06 am

  Bought our v8 Eddie Bauer Explorer about 3 months ago - just coming up on 3,000 miles - We love it - great handling for an suv, especially considering that my previous vehicle was a saab 9-3. Holds lots, rides well

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  First Car. Glad I bought it. - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer2003Lover - August 17 - 10:00 am

  My parents both own Explorers(92 and 93) and I grew up using them and loving the car. When we went to the lots, this was the first vehicle we would hover around. After two weeks of searching, we found a great deal. I love the SUV, like the way it drives and love the significant improvements since the 199x models.

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  Good SUV short on "Quality is Job 1" - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By hwydave - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle was bought new, for the end of model year vehicle. There are some rust under the car, nothing major but annoying. The dealer wont fix under warranty since it "did not rust through" as require under the warranty criteria for repair. I order the rustproof paint through internet and took care the rust myself. The vehicle got some rattle once in a while; the dealership has been very good at fixing these "recurring" issues. The dealership service has been OK – The dealer does not know what tires are qualify under the Firestone tire replacement campaign; I know more about this issue then the dealership by simply go to the information from Fords company website.

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  quality truck - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By rhetor - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck in 2002 and driven it for about two years now. No problems at all. Good, solid build. Functional, realiable with large cargo space long enough to hold a whole twin bed.

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  Wont buy a Ford again - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By cl - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Other than the repairs and recalls on my truck since I bought it new, it was quite fun. But I wont buy a Ford again.