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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  wrong purchase - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By micheal livingston - January 30 - 5:19 am

  Ruff ride and excessive noise inside cab of vehicle

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  Great car would not have any other one - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By MadMan - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great improvement from the old explorer and just in time for me to buy mine. I test drove many different suvs and this one is by far the best for the price you are paying. The feel of the car makes it so that you feel like you are in complete control and like you command the road. The cargo room is plenty for caring any of the various things you would need to haul around.

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  I just LOVE the explorer XLT 03 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By goldterd - January 16 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I just fell in love with this suv. Its look and better yet the ride. its smooth ,responsive steering and roomie interior with many options makes this mid size suv a monster package.

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  Nice ride - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jpb - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Have had vehicle for 1½ years now. Enjoy driving it and use it for work. Starter went out at 39,000 mi and was out of warranty, however Ford did assist in replacement costs. 4.0L V-6 not too peppy, but performs OK. Rear air vents are too far back for 2nd row seat (sunroof). Brakes & rotors had to be replaced at 53,000 mi. Wish I had bought used instead of new, paid $31,000, within 6 months KBB value was $26,000. 5 spd O/D transmission shifts often.

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  Great vehicle, but a gas guzzler.. - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Kevin1961 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2003 Ford Explorer. Its a very safe vehicle with great power. But the gas mileage is horrendous. Right now I am lucky to be getting 15 MPG on the highway. I travel over a mountain everyday so that probably takes some of the fuel, but its also Hawaii...Aloha

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  Tom - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By ford owner - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car last month and I am very pleased with the car / truck / all around performance, and appearance. I have had a lot of nice comments about the car.

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  Love the V-8 - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Baserevoke - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This v-8 is strong. I think it is the best feature of this SUV. This is why I love to drive it.

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  BEST DANG CAR I EVER HAD - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By nova - January 2 - 10:00 am

  GET ONE ITS GREAT

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  So far, so good - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Chris d - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle with 11,000 miles on it through the Blue Oval Certified program with Ford. Have had it two weeks and we love it. Came from a 1998 GMC Jimmy that we owned for six months and were very dissapointed with. Quality is much better and certified actually gives a better warranty. Balance of bumper to bumper 36,000 and 6 yr or 75,000 mile powertrain warranty. I upgraded to a bumper to bumper for 1,000 bucks. Purchase price was 22,000 for basically a new vehicle. Rides awesome for a sport ute. Great vehicle for those of us in the snow belt. XLS model is very nicely equipped. All you really need!

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  Still going strong - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Doug - January 2 - 2:43 am

  I purchased my XLT 4x4 with 70,000 miles two years ago and I have had no problems. I have done the routine maintenance and all is good. Be sure to rotate tires every 5,000 miles, otherwise vibration ensues. Engine stronger than my old Cherokee, decent mileage even with my lead foot. Great in the snow and dirt. Very good looking, and pretty quick.