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:
Showing 2851 through 2860 of 2,880.00-
NC Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
By Rob and Sue - March 30 - 2:00 amExcellent handling, pleasing car - great pickup, ease of steering. One of the best cars Ive owned, driven - very comfortable. I haul wife and two labs; the labs ride in back of back seat - safe secure spot to tie them in.
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Awesome SUV!!! - 2004 Ford Explorer
By Hairbear - March 30 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is totally awesome! The ride is smooth, the power is great, the seats are comfortable, the sound system sounds beautiful, 4X4 powers thru snow and MY WIFE AND I BOTH LOVE IT!!!
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Finally Bought - 2002 Ford Explorer
By kelbrit - March 28 - 10:00 am.I drove a Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Exployer. I thought the 2002 Ford Expolyer was superior to the others to driving, comfort and style.The standard 2002 Ford Exployer XLS comes with everything I need, (Except Auto Trans) At that time Ford had a $1500 rebate. I thought that was great until I visited a Ford Dealer in another town. They had a $2000 rebate. I went back to my orignal dealer. He met the rebate plus put is a CD player and mats. I paid cost less $2000, plus $190.00 in doc fees. I have 2500 miles on the Exployer.The new suspension on the 2002 is fantastic. Thanks Edmunds
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Love My Sport - 2014 Ford Explorer
By Barbara Fulsom - March 28 - 2:09 amI love my Explorer Sport, we can carry up to 7 passengers and still have room to load stuff in it and on it. Love the technology and the AC, Fords have the best AC EVER!!!!
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the bomb - 2004 Ford Explorer
By mrsfee - March 25 - 10:00 ami own a 2000 explorer and i just love it and wouldnt change it for the world thanks ford for a great vehicle.
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Total Lemon - 1996 Ford Explorer
By Scott Follenius - March 22 - 10:00 amI bought this car with 58,000 miles. In 10 months I put 9,000 miles on it, a nd had many problems. Have had several small things such as Cruise Control buttons on steering wheel melting, interior handle breaking. Transmission had to be rebuilt twice! $1800 Differential Gears had to be replaced at $800. This car has been in the shop for about a month of the 10 months I have owned it.
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FORD!!!!! Fix your transmission problem - 2002 Ford Explorer
By K. Cimmy - March 18 - 10:00 amReading other reviews on this and other Ford Explorer models, confirms that ours was not a fluke. The dealer couldnt understand why we had transmission problems when Ford never acknowledged anyone else having problems. I thought maybe we had bought a lemon. Come to find out, there are a lot of lemons out there. To bad for Ford.
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Nice Ride - 2004 Ford Explorer
By bluesguy - March 18 - 10:00 amAfter working at Ford for a couple of months, I test drove this and I fell in love with it. My wife liked it so much she got one also but in a different color. These are nice spacious vehicles. Very fun to drive.
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Remorseful - 2004 Ford Explorer
By chilidog - March 13 - 10:00 amFeatures, style and price is impressive with other comparable vehicles however the GAS MILEAGE IS HORRIBLE. We will be trading this in very very soon. I had Jeep Gr Cherokee for years and I got tremendously better mpg.
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Faulty Cruise Constrol Stytems...No Clue on Fix - 2016 Ford Explorer
By Jim Heffner - February 29 - 1:47 amOur first mistake was taking delivery of this vehicle with a known cruise control and other supporting features failure. Let to believe it was a simple fix that was known on a number of other vehicles...and reprogramming was all that was needed. So not true. Were now back on our 7th, 8h, 9th visit to the dealership depending on how you look at things and yet now answers to a fix. Attempt on our part to bring Ford Corp. intno the picture to help resolve the issue has only complicated matters and not provide one bit of feeling that theyre really concerned and working to fix this ongoign problem. Less that 3k miles on the vehicle and many have been put on by the dealer and/or the back and forth to the dealership for service. Alot of talk but little action. They say theyll somehow make it right int he end for us...not sure what that means, but the air has long left our balloon after doing a significant amount of research on the vehicles that appealed to us and that met our needs, and after spending a whipping near $60k. All we can think about is good thing we purchased out of pocket for the manufacturers extended 8yr warranty. Seems as if we might need it and hoping were not dealing with same nagging problem that far out.
