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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  More modern, versatile explorer - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By xeon - April 1 - 6:51 pm

  Explorer is now a tech lovers car, I find more things in it than all of the others combined. The ride quality is comfortable and you really dont feel like you are driving a big vehicle. Ive always driven toyota/honda my life and this is the first time with Ford (or any American)Was in the market for a larger SUV. Wanted to check out Edge because I liked ints interior. After looking, we were talking about how cool it would be to have a car like toyota highlander with the interior of ford edge. Funny we found explorer the next day, its exactly that!

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  good in formula bad in practice - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By tompnoid - March 29 - 11:09 am

  Ford has built a truck with all wheel drive to help with horse power and grip when riding on wet roads awesome right?? no... a great idea in a lab isnt always practical in real life mine has 89k on it and needs a new transmission i went to a shop the other day and asked a guy about price said i have a 2002 ford explorer he goes wait look over there see all those boxes those are transmissions for 2002 ford explorers. you cannot build a full time 4 wheel drive vehicle that is this heavy and have only a 4.0 l v6 powerplant. this would of been a great vehicle with better gas milage and no trannsmission issues had they only put in a button to let u disengage the 4 wheel drive.

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  In shop for the 3rd time since mid February. 2500 miles - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By cessna100 - March 28 - 8:40 pm

  This is a follow on to the computer network problem. The week after the "soldered job" on the network wiring the cooling fan on left side of radiator makes a grinding noise as it spins down. Had to wait for new fan, on back order. Told its OK to drive. 2 days later the fan locks-up and is very close to catching on fire. Smell the wiring starting to cook. They replaced the fan and 2 weeks later the replacement is having the same problem. This time they recommended I leave the car till its fixed. Amazing. Anyone else having the cooling fan or network problem??

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  Great Explorer !! - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By maxirwin - March 21 - 11:03 pm

  This is the best Explorer ever!! I spent 16 years working at a Ford Dealership and have had several Explorers as demos. This is GREAT vehicle. The fit and finish is outstanding, a well thought out vehicle. It will take you a couple of weeks to understand the dept of the options and how they work, Im still learning. The handling is great for a SUV. We also have a Lincoln MKX and we love it, but the Explorer suspension is superior!! I have a Limited loaded. The only thing I wish they offered is the 3.5 SHO turbo motor. It is offered in the Flex and the Taurus, it could use more touque off the line. I guess it will happen as a sport model in a couple of years. Geart Job Ford!!

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  Beautiful Car...Worthless!! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By samoanmadness - March 19 - 8:09 am

  So, I find my soulmate...Sleek Black, sunroof, powered everything, leather seats, shiny rims, and a third row of seats for my family. Now, Im crying that I have to trade it in. After investing over $7,000 in repairs, I am Done. Here are the repairs -$2,500 For Complete Transmission Overhaul -$2,500 For Complete Cooling System Change (new radiator, water pump...ect) -$200.00 For Transfer Case Filter change -$400.00 Raplacement of Wheel Berring -$1,100 To Replace all Wheels with Guarentee Guess What? Now, There is a Random Misfire and no one knows how to fix it!! My guess....another $850.00 (including a new cat. converter) worth of repairs!! I am now officially giving up on Ford!!

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  LIFE NOT MORE THAN 100,000 KMS - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By shajan - March 15 - 11:56 am

  i was driving Japanese Four wheel drives. when i decided to buy an american car, i bought FORD EXPLORER 2007. immediately after 100,000 kms it started giving problems. first with the air conditioning system and had to replace the evaporator. at 115,000kms some cable system had to be replaced. then started the gear to slip and had to get it repaired. now again the air condition system started giving problems. the repairs are so expensive that i had already spent Dhs. 25,000/= on these repairs. am not at all happy with the vehicle. and shall never purchase any american vehicles.

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  Fords Luxury Vehicle. - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By sonomamama - March 15 - 11:44 am

  Purchased a Ford Explorer Limited, fully loaded today. We love it! Its a new car and a fun gagdet in one. We have owned luxury vehicles (BMW X5), (Mercedes SUV) and this ranks right up there with them. My husband and I test drove fully loaded vehicles (Dodge Durango, GMC Acadia, Toyota 4 Runner, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer). Our decision was a no brainer. Heres what I love about the Explorer: Beautiful interior with tight seams, high quality leather, non pilling roof interior (similar to what you find in the BMWs), a touch screen (similar to an IPad) that plays DVDs, controls Entertainment, Phone, Navigation, Climate, etc. Your I-Phone syncs with it. It will store all your contacts.

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  Worth waiting for. - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By maddygee - March 10 - 3:19 pm

  Had the vehicle for over a month and really loving it. Fun to drive. Only one problem so far, rear passenger head rest wouldnt go down all the way. Dealer fixed problem quickly. Jury still out with the tires. For some reason Im not crazy over them, mabe thats because I had a flat after only one week. Big nail right in middle of tire. Overall Im really enjoying the vehicle. Mileage is better than I thought it would be.

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  Beautiful Car But Problems that could affect safety. - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By cessna100 - March 9 - 9:18 pm

  From a 2011 Honda Pilot (poor ride and noise) to the 2011 Explorer. The Explorer ride and low road noise is more then on par with the Acura MDX. Fit and finish are excellent. Unfortunately, the quality is not. The computer network that controls the intelligent all wheel drive and the advanced traction control is faulty. The car loses its stability and steering becomes hard. Not good. 3 week old and 1500 miles the car is back at the dealer. Told they must bypass a wiring harness and solder the connection. I hope this is a temporary fix. For such a safety related system a soldered wiring connect does not inspire confidence in Fords design.

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  Seized Engine due to Overheating WithOut any Warning - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By tinman69 - March 7 - 4:04 pm

  Our Explorer got warm once . Gauge shot from normal to 3/4 of the way up then went down, then shot almost to the red. I pulled over added water after waiting 45 minutes to cool engine (cool winter night) . There was no more overheating indicated & was driven a few more miles before the engine seized without Any indication of anything wrong . Dealer says piston is fused to block & will cost $ 5,100 for New ford engine, doesnt mention about the cause of the problem, most likely the Manufacturer Defective Radiator or the Head Gasket is to blame from my research on this Model/Year (06/07) of Ford. Transmission is sure to go out soon I fear