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 ford - 2003 Ford Explorer
By kbzon - June 3 - 2:00 amthis is my first ford. i was looking to get another chevy but dealer was not helpfull. test drove the chevy trailblazer and the tahoe. for the price the explorer is better. nice quality and fit & finish.
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over all its great vehicle - 2016 Ford Explorer
By Tony Moon - May 18 - 10:50 amNone
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Great Car - 2004 Ford Explorer
By mitchr77 - May 11 - 6:20 amVery comfortable ride. Plenty of storage and front seat space.
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lemon - 2004 Ford Explorer
By Jimmy Dean - May 11 - 2:00 amCenter console broke only after about a month, having problems with vehicle stalling, and having electrical problems!! I think I am done with ford, I have owned fords all my life and I think it is time to change. Do not buy this exloder.
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Great SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
By Endi - May 10 - 10:00 amThis vehicle is impressive. It is comfortable and handles like a pro in bad Colorado weather. It does seem a little top heavy and drives like a "truck", but this isnt terribly annoying since I indeed purchased a utility vehicle. The Firestone issue makes me leary, but I think overall it was blown out of proportion. Highly recommended.
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One of the best I have owned - 2002 Ford Explorer
By Claude E. Piper - May 2 - 6:13 pmThis vehicle has been one of the best I have ever owned. Unlike what some extremist "greenies" have said about SUVs being gas hogs, this one is not! On longer trips while pulling a small travel trailer, it consistantly got 17MPG and on a couple of tankfuls it got 22MPG !! I would buy another one - no question!
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Not Impressed - 2000 Ford Explorer
By lily3p - April 27 - 2:00 amWe purchased our Ford last year, so far we are not too impressed. Yes the car is attractive, comfortable and has great pick up. However, I find that this SUV is unsafe and handles terrible in bad weather and hauling heavy loads. Weve already had to send back to the dealer to replace a $400 faulty part. Both my husband and I agree that this will be our last Ford Explorer.
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Should of Kept the JEEP - 2002 Ford Explorer
By raven - April 25 - 10:00 amFord 2002 eddie bauer 4x4 v-8 . Wont go into park with ease. Jumps out of park. Rattles in the driver door. Sounds like valve is sticking. 2 dealerships have done nothing to fix the problems. NEVER AGAIN will I Buy A FORD.
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Excellent - 2004 Ford Explorer
By TeresaWhitton - April 25 - 10:00 amI will be back within the next 6mths, to buy my husband a truck , Great people. Great service, great deals. Thanks Cronin Ford ! Sincerely, Newly Life long dedication.
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Great SUV, Horrible MPG - 2003 Ford Explorer
By ptspitz - April 11 - 10:00 amI bought this Explorer because my wife didnt like the F150 Supercrew I had. We traded the F150. I love the Explorer. With the V8, it roars down the road and responds immediately to any request for power. Sadly, it also sucks down gasoline like a thirsty horse in the desert. Our average MPG is about 12. Even my wife cant get over 15 with her delicate driving. If you dont pull a trailer and dont have the need to embarass 4 cylinder "sport" coupes at stoplights, opt for the 6 cylinder version.
