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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  its much improved - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By dougk - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I had a 95 explorer sport, it ran great, but the handling was poor. I believe the new 2002 feels like a car ride to me.

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  Issues - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Bobhc2 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I find that my SUV rides nice when the tire pressure is checked atleast once a week. I agree with the interior being cheep. My interior rattles and shakes I have a window on the drivers side that rattles loosely and according to the dealer there is nothing wrong. Also my rear glass door latch was defective where is was loose shaking when hitting bumps the dealer again said it was fine,but I requested the latch be changed and the noise stopped. I also found that it hesitated a few times almost stalling on cool mornings.

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  Love my Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Marliss Krol/Johns - July 31 - 10:00 am

  We bought this SUV in 2002 and we have been very pleased with the performance. It is not so large that you cant handle or park it yet provides plenty of room for all our needs and I think it is a sharp looking vehicle. I have received complements on how good it looks. I have to admit that I am not a Ford lover, although my husband is, but I am very pleased with this one.

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  Road rattling roadster - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Dale Carraher - July 28 - 2:24 pm

  Just the bad stuff (because there is so much good to say about the complex sport also). At a cost just north of $51k, I am so disappointed in the dash board rattling, so irritating! The cheap sloppy feel of the door handles, and the front doors sound like they are about to fall off when closing. Everything else is great. The dash board noise may drive me to get rid of it early. SO IRRITATING and it PISSES ME OFF daily. Oh and on occasion the mirrors quiver like they are trying to during start until you turn adjustment toggle off & on. I am a Qualty professional and could not be more disappointed in Fords quality on a high cost vehicle. Yup, Im ashamed to mention the issues to my friends and colleagues because of what I paid.

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  Great vechile - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By JB_ok - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable, currently has 82000 miles. Only problem is blend door had to be replaced at 70K.

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  I JUST LOVE IT! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Stacie Eady - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I owned a 99 Eddie Bauer that was fully loaded, and what I thought was perfect until I got my new Limited. Anything that I didnt realize wasnt convenient on the E.B., quicky became clear. The new design has so much more space, drives and handles like a sports car but has all of the luxuries of a high end sedan. Though, I had most of the same features on my E.B., they have been improved upon. It has such a clean look inside and out. I almost purchased a Volvo. The same safety features the salesman impressed upon, are present on my Limited. Ive never owned a car more than 2 yrs, but I drove my E.B. for five years. I may keep this one 10.

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  Great SUV for the money - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By eaglesfan - July 21 - 2:00 am

  We like the ride and handling of the 2002 compared to the 1999 xlt we recently sold. Highway trip was great vehicle performed well and suspension is mcuh better than our 99

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  So many other choices - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By ariannasmom99@yahoo.com - July 19 - 2:30 am

  This is the most uncomfortable car I have ever ridden in. The back seat is like sitting in a childs chair at your childs school conference. Hard to get in and out of. Cost is very high considering the features that you get. No USB plugs in the back. You will pay a lot for a very "meh" car. I would look at other SUVs first before this very average one. The front seat is an okay ride, but if you have a family this is definately not the car for you.

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  2002 Ford Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By john - July 18 - 10:23 am

  We owned several Explorers before the 2002 but this was by far the best handling and with the small V-8 had all the power we needed. The V-8 was less noisy than the high revving V-6 and was not much worse for mileage. The Explorer has plenty of headroom and the interior design is very user friendly.

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  Great - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Tana - July 17 - 2:00 am

  It is great. it was so much fun to drive.it is worth the money!!!!!!!!!!