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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  Quality Build - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Hillary Wu - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Consumer Reports review is biased. I had test-drives of all compatible Japanese SUVs, before I bought the Explorer. Highlander is only a Camery pretending to be an SUV. Pathfinders leg room for the rear seats is too small. Explore costs less but offers better package, more power, more cargo space, and better performance in Explorer. Explorer is comfortable on the road. For more than year, no mechanical problems have ever happened. As for the gas mileage, at least its no worse than the Japanese SUVs. On the highway, it can reach about 22 miles a gallon, sometimes even with air conditioning on. The average gas mileage is 18.

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  Go Explorer - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Claude Hutchison - July 9 - 5:33 am

  This is the most dependable, capable vehicle I have ever owned. It has never let us down from from the high Sierras to the coast of California. Has wonderful carrying capacity and flexibility in configuration. Now at 149,000 it has taken us everywhere in comfort and style

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  Solid - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By jamie1968 - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Solid vehicle with a solid reliability history I also have a Toyota Highlander and for about the same money I believe the Highlander is a better suv

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  I Like It - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By ralo - June 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Suv and I really, really like it. It doesnt drive like your typical SUV because of the suspension. Combine that with all the other features and Id recommend an Explorer to anyone looking for a fun, reliable SUV.

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  Traded my Escalade ESV Premium and MUCH HAPPIER - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Jim Keys - June 25 - 3:06 pm

  After frustration in owning 3 successive Escalades that had the ride of a broken tractor and the ergonomics of a cracked brick, Im much happier with my Explorer Platinum. The ride is a world better, the human factors engineering is far better and the controls fit me naturally. At 66" I was concerned about headroom and shoulder room, but the Explorer comes through in spades. The ride is almost as good as my Lexus LS460 which was my favorite car ever. Despite the Cadillac dealer trying to always convince me that the Escalades shortcomings didnt matter, they mattered to me. After blowing out all 4 shocks of my 18-month old Escalade without hitting anything major. Dealer agreed theyve had a lot of suspension problems. Sorry Cadillac, 3rd strike, youre out. Explorer is off to a great start.

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  All Around Great Vehicle - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By John I - June 25 - 9:00 am

  This is truly a family vehicle. We have the DVD system and seating for 7 which has been used repeatedly. The automatic 4wd is great. We were running through 15 inches of snow this winter with no problem. We get 18+ mpg and drive the vehicle very hard.

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  Happy Explorer Owner - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Sandy Puppy - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I have owned two of the older Explorers. This new design is far superior. It rides and handles like a car compared to the older design. I am very happy with it. The gas mileage with the V6 is not quite what I expected. I am averaging about 16 MPG, but i was hoping to get about 18.

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  Ford Explorer 96 - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Larry Scott - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Car has been flawless. No problems at all. One of the best cars I have ever owned mechanically.

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  The best SUV Ive owned...with 2 issues - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Bob - June 13 - 10:43 pm

  I’ve been happy with every Ford I’ve purchased and this Explorer is no different. I am thoroughly happy with my purchase and was surprised with what this vehicle has to offer. I expected the XLT to have the very basic options and was I wrong. I’m a 6’-2” 240lb man that is used to driving full-size trucks and SUVs and this one has plenty cabin room. This is the first Explorer I’ve purchased because I never cared for the exterior of older models. In my opinion, Ford nailed it with this model. Ours has the black leather interior with the Ford My Touch system. It has all of the bells and whistles that a premium SUV would have at an XLT price. I’m sure the Limited and Sport additions have more to offer but, this one fit our family perfectly at a good price. We have 2 teenagers (14 & 19) so we’ve never used the third row. They’re typically stowed away. The heated seats are great and the rear-controlled AC/Heat keeps the kids happy. The panoramic sunroof is great and operates easily. Road noise is noticeable but bearable. There is plenty of storage and the cubby under the touch screen is practically bottomless. The instrument cluster is easy to read and the steering wheel mounted controls look like something you would see in a fighter jet. You can control just about everything from the steering wheel. There are secondary displays (secondary to the touch screen) inside the cluster that shows all sorts of information that you can scroll through with the controls on the wheel. It took me over an hour to go through all of the options (bit of a gadget geek here). With that being said, the My Touch navigation is horrible…even after updating the software to the latest version. The voice commands are useless, the lady in the NAV system is a nag and everything dealing with the NAV system is slow. I’ll just continue to use my cell phone. The entertainment, climate control and cell phone connection portions of the My Touch are great. The Bluetooth connects flawlessly and Sirius connects with no issues. I love the various connections (USB, SD Card, AUX) and you can charge the entire family’s cell phones at the same time. Climate control is easy to use by either the My Touch or by its own touch sensitive controls. As mentioned above, Ford nailed the exterior styling with this model. I’m always getting comments on how good it looks and when family and friends sit inside, they are amazed at the interior (I know…sounds like a commercial). Ours came with a tow package (typical 2” receiver and light connections) and has a 300lb bumper rating (enough for my son’s motorcycle and carrier). One thing I would change is the tow hitch receiver cover. It’s kind of cheap looking and you can easily see the indentions made from the receiver. Nothing big, but it’s mentionable. Also, the rear window does not open separately from the hatch. Most SUVs I’ve owned had this feature which was nice. Not sure if this is what all manufactures are doing. Again…not a big deal to me. The standard 18” wheels are stylish but not too much. For an SUV, this one handles better than any other SUV I’ve owned. You don’t feel top-heavy when taking corners and traction is pretty good, even in wet conditions. Ground clearance is typical for an on-road SUV and getting in/out of it is easy. The biggest issue I have with this SUV is the acceleration…it’s like a worn out rubber band. I know it’s not a sports car but come on. This could be a turn-off for some people. I’m averaging 19 MPG with mixed city/highway driving (Atlanta, GA). It shifts smooth and the exhaust is quiet. Overall I’m happy with my purchase and would recommend this SUV to family and friends.

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  Great car - 2015 Ford Explorer
  By Jose Salcido - June 3 - 5:06 am