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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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Jimm - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Lots of leg room even with 3rd row. Smooth ride and quiet. The sports chrome is awesome.

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  explorer xls - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By hew III - February 28 - 10:00 am

  not bad. a wider-track and more cargo room would be better.

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  My suv - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By Guntoter - February 24 - 4:45 am

  They are very comfortable we have heated leather seats fuel mileage about 19.0 mpg we have 128,000 trouble free miles oil change every 7000 Spark plugs 1time since new very good auto will probably buy another later.

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  Limited - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jvrunner - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Dont know if it as good as my 1996 (130,000 miles and very strong) but seems really solid with no trouble. If Ford could get its service together this would be the SUV to buy.

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  hands free lift gate is a menace - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Wayne - February 16 - 5:40 am

  The hands free lift gate is very touchy. If your feet are just under the bumper & you are getting something out of the back, it can start to close on you. They state that it will stop if it feels there is something in the way, but way too much pressure must be placed against the gate for it to stop. Several of my friends have been bumped hard on the head. Also, once when I was opening my automatic garage door (my car was parked about 1 foot away from the door) the lift gate started to open even though no buttons in the car nor on the key fob (it was in my pocket & nothing bumped it) were pushed. The bottom of the gate was jammed against the door which made the garage door stop opening. The bottom of the gate was bent & I had to get it repaired at the body shop ($1,000). I decided to disconnect the sensor so it wouldnt work. It can still be operated using the remaining buttons.

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  a permanent ford explorer fan - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By BJSullivan - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Have 4300 miles on an XLT model. The whole family loves it. This truck has made Ford customers out of us.

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  My Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Al - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable dependable and looks GREAT

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  Its a Ford, not a Lincoln - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By leatherneck - February 2 - 10:00 am

  So far no problems. My only concern is the so called maintenance free automatic 5-speed transmission. No dip stick to check fluid level. Love the Michelin tires. Drives smooth. It feels secure when driving on the highway. The V-6 feels like a V-8. The only other minor thing I should mention is the rear trim around the rear window. It seems to be separating. The vehicle is only 8 months old.

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  216,000 Work horse - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Karrie - January 31 - 1:07 pm

  We bought this 3 years ago with only 174,000 miles on her and now 216,000 miles and still runs great. Only put radiator, water pump, tires and oil changes might need a rack and pinion soon but runs strong. Going to try and keep her running for another 216,000 miles...

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  Good Design, Work On Assembly Quality - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By fireman11 - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Ford has a real winner but needs to work on final assembly quality. Weve been to the dealership at least a half dozen times for small stuff: uneven door seams on left side (door allignment), loose RF wheel well moulding, incorrectly installed LF parking light (gap), thin and marred paint in left door jambs, ripped trans shifter boot, defective and squeaking AC compressor clutch (fuel mileage went up over 1 mpg when they fixed that). To the local dealerships credit, they have provided excellent warranty service and parts came in quickly (Im in Hawaii). Otherwise we are greatly enjoying our Explorer. A solid vehicle with a good ride and lots of room.