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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  Tranny Nightmare - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By demo_derby - July 2 - 8:36 am

  Flashing OD light and service engine soon come on at 62K miles while my son is driving to prom. Dealer makes us wait 4 days to get in the shop. They have it all day, never call, when I call them they ask to call back in a few minutes. They claim lots of transmission diagnostic codes (though when I pick up vehicle service engine light is still on and no sign that anyone tested anything). They want 4000 to replace transmission plus tell me I have a frozen caliper. I take care home, pull front wheels, caliper isnt frozen but metal on metal on inside of brakes (they checked 2K miles back and said no issue). Car still going with bad tranny for now, I replaced the brakes, no more Fords.

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  best Ford ever - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By photomiked - June 28 - 6:59 pm

  Owned Mustangs, Tauruses, Windstars, Lincoln MKX.....this is it. Best Ford ever. If you live outside of big city, have kids, dog, cargo, love adventure, travel to ski country and back, want high tech mobility, connectivity plus+ for all your devices, travel in peace and quiet on highway or back country twisties, look no further. Golden Bronze metallic with pecan trim is a killer for looks. Enjoy

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  Meh - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By wwrx2 - June 20 - 8:02 pm

  We bought our used 05 explorer in late 2006. It is an XLT model with the V6. It does NOT have four wheel drive. So far,it has been an okay form of basic transportation. The interior is boring. Ditto for the exterior. As time has gone on, more things have broken on it,but thats what happens with older cars,so you cant quite say its a money pit. The fuel economy is below average but not appalling. The worst parts are clearly the ride and the A/C. In Florida,the A/C is the most important feature in any car. Also-the CD player randomly swallowed a disc and wont spit it out. This was an attractive car in 06 but now you would probably be better off setting fire to your money.

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  2011 Explorer problems - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By lj5 - June 17 - 9:59 pm

  I have brought the car in 3 times so far for "software update" because the clock cant keep time accurately. Today after a routine oil change( the first) I was told that I had a leak in some hose or part that would take TWO WEEKS to get because it is backordered. Very disappointed in this car.

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  MySync killing a great SUV.... - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By drvenkman - June 17 - 3:32 pm

  Weve had our 2011 Explorer for about two months now. From the start we had multiple issues with the MySync system. As I write this review, the Explorer is yet again in the dealer for repair. Weve already had to take it back three times. This time the car over heated due to a cooling fan that shorted out. Making the issue worse, though, was the fact that after the car over heated, the MySync system crashed. Weve had two updates to the software and we are still experiencing issues with the phone, climate, navigation and audio. We had iSync in our previous 2008 Edge (IT WORKED FLAWLESSLY). Somebody rushed MySync out the door. Its ruining the other outstanding features of this SUV!

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  Do Not Buy This Car!!!!! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By snooker84 - June 14 - 6:16 pm

  Horrible car, Other reviews on here are extremely accurate, bad trannys, bad radiators, electricolosis, transfercase leaked after 40,000 miles, went thru 3 radiators, 2 transmistions, door handles breaking off every few months, overall, very baaaad vehicle..they look and drive well but i dont trust them :(

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  Ford Explorer Software Problems - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By mjd7 - June 11 - 5:50 am

  I recently purchased the 2011 Ford Explorer, which to date has been a marvelous vehicle, with the exception of the on board computer screen. There is a software problem that Ford currently does not have a fix for (according to my dealer). Hence, the onboard screen shows a black screen "SYNC by Microsoft" for much of my driving pleasure. This locks up all the functions of the screen including the navigation system, Heating and Cooling, Entertainment and Phone. It also locks up (for some of the time) the reverse camera, which is a liability because one cannot see anything under 4 feet when reversing.

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  Great until it hit 100k miles! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By chase2634 - June 9 - 5:34 pm

  Bought mine used in 2004 with around 30k miles. Aside from general maintenance this vehicle was great until it 100k miles. Wheel bearings, cracked rear panel out of the blue due to design flaw and now at 150k miles the transmission is on the way out. Just got the dreaded blinking over drive light and found out my new trans will cost about 2k.

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  transmission problems--cracked REAR panel (2 cracks) - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By marie517 - June 6 - 6:57 am

  I have replaced TWO transmissions in the past 2 years--there are 2 cracks on the rear panel door--I have seen soo many other vehicles(Ford Explorers) with the same cracks!! WHAT IS FORD DOING ABOUT THIS..I CALLED AND COMPLAINED TO FORD AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NO RECALLS OR ISSUES ON THIS.[violative content deleted]

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  This was my dream car! - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By rachelwmu - June 5 - 10:15 am

  My dream car has always been a red Ford Explorer! I am so happy with my car! My car came from Boston, I live in Detroit. Drove it all the way back from the dealer last summer without a single problem! My Explorer is an V8 XLT 5.0L 4 Door with over 180, 000 miles and still going strong! I would recommend this car to everyone (minus the gas, but oh well)! Ive only had to get the exhaust manifold done. Ive never had any major problem with this truck! Very dependable, I never worry about breaking down. I drive from Kalamazoo to Detroit all the time when I get time from school and I feel very safe driving all that way constantly! Being at 181,127, I fully plan on taking it to 250,000 or more.