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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  Worst Ford SUV - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By bad2006ford - February 26 - 11:31 am

  In May 2006 I purchased a 2006 Ford Explorer brand new with only 56 miles. Two years into the owning the suv I had to replaced the tires with a new set. The sensor belt broke on one of the tires and the tire pressure light in the suv wouldnt go off. Then I began to experience problems with shift it was stuck in park as the recall letter describe the problems I had already experienced. Then my trans- mission went out. I paid to have the trans- mission replaced. Six months later the radiator and the motor went out. I contacted FORD, I towed my suv to the nearest dealer-ship where I left it for a year because I refuse to pay for repairs and Ford refuse to take liability for my suv.

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  The Jury is still out - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By 1rodnoib - February 14 - 6:52 pm

  Looks great inside and out, build quality top notch - no rattles or squeaks! MPG is 20 Avg (less than 1k), hopefully better after break-in. No Sync crashes, but it is not the most user friendly system. Will get better with use Im sure, does more than most people will ever need.

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  2011 Explorer Already In the Shop - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By ford_owner1 - February 11 - 2:27 pm

  Our 2011 Explorer Limited is already in the shop with less than 1,000 miles on it. The entire MyTouch system that controls the climate control, stereo system, bluetooth, navigation and rear back up camera crashed. This is our second explorer and we also have an F-150 and I am very disappointed with the 2011 Explorer. The gas mileage improvements are not true. The best mileage I have been able to get is 16 mpg on the highway. The car does not have the power I expected and the luxury features of the Ford MyTouch were not worth the 50K price tag, especially since they dont work. I wish I had Mid-Sized SUV from another company!

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  I Loooove My Explorer - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By traveler21 - February 5 - 8:07 pm

  After driving my new Explorer Limited for over a month, I can safely say that it is one of the best cars that I have owned. It is comfortable and has more muscle than my Flex that stayed in the family although out of town. The Ford Touch takes a little getting used to but is very responsive to voice commands. We also have a new E 350 in the garage, but is has stayed parked since the Explorer showed up. The only con, we can find is the difficulty in programming the garage door opener.

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  Disappointed with the New Explorer: It Missed the Mark - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By 1atomic - January 22 - 10:13 pm

  A happy owner of Ford F-Series pick-ups for decade. Wife wanted an Explorer after driving a Buick Enclave for 3 yrs. & for a change. We like Ford trucks, but never keen on any brand car other than GMs. The Buick gave us a flawless driving experience, but have been so happy with our Ford pick-ups that we looked at the Edge, which is rather small, Flex, rather quirky & looks like a hearse, Expedition, too big and wanted another car-like crossover that would be better on gas than our other vehicle, my King Ranch, a good truck, but terrible on gas. The 11 Explorer is mediocre & costly compared to the Enclave. We will hold on to this car for a year & see how it does. It may grow on us in time.

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  Awesome - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By jbrewha74 - January 22 - 8:57 am

  Just got my Explorer XLT(almost loaded) 3 days ago. Anyone who posts anything negative about this vehicle must not own one yet. It has features in it you cant touch in luxury trucks for under 50k. Trust me, my other half has a BMW and we do not even want to drive that anymore. So far the only issue i do have is with the phone/SYNC. It keeps pulling up my text msgs as new and beeps for them as they are new msgs. Other then that everything else is crazy in it. Safety features galore and it feels like it is a 50k plus truck.

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  update from review on 12/24 - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By feels_good - January 18 - 10:22 am

  This is an update on my 2011 ford explorer that I originally posted on 12/24/10. No after having the vehicle for 4 weeks and almost 2000 miles I feel everyone should know about the many bugs in the ford mytouch system. This feature is definitely not what Ford has advertised. The clock is constantly wrong on the display, when starting the vehicle the volume goes crazy and very high/loud. Also, many issues with syncing phone via bluetooth. Often the screen will freeze up when trying to connect my phone...and the problem is not with the phone because same issue occurs with other phones. When driving vehicle screen will sometimes simply "black out". Taking vehicle to dealer tomorrow.

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  NOT Getting My Moneys Worth Anymore - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By wnyfordguy - January 14 - 1:07 pm

  Since my 1st review 1 yr and 8 mos ago, it has cost over $4500 to maintain this SUV. Dont get me wrong - its still very functional & great to drive. Its never left me stranded. But only 15k miles more (67k) of soft driving turned it into a money pit. Best ($$$) Goodyear Fortera TripleTred tires only lasted 29k, lots of brake work, rear bearings (fronts went at 50k), and last & certainly not least, just got a rebuilt tranny. Ive owned 12 Fords since 1984, not one a lemon, but this comes the closest. Dont buy one of the 02-06 models unless you have $$$ to spend on repairs.

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  STOP DOGGING THIS GREAT VEHICLE!!!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By woodysh7 - January 8 - 12:25 pm

  i am so sick of seeing so many people putting down this vehicle. i have owned this vehicle for a year now and absolutely love it. it drive great, performs flawlessly, i bout it cheap and feel good about the purchase all together. i feel that alot of people dont like this vehicle because they are just plain stupid and dont know how to get a great deal. so, please people . stop it now!!! i have had no transmission problems, no bearing problems, no electrical problems, no problems at all!! i think there are some ford haters on here just putting down the vehicle for no reason. this vehicle drives great, so go out and buy one today!! dont let all these haters on here make you believe their crap!!

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  Great vehicle - 2011 Ford Explorer
  By traveler21 - January 7 - 4:23 pm

  Have been so impressed with my new Ford Explorer . I knew that It had a great looking exterior but the comfort and use of the new Sync system is beyond my expectations. We have a new Mercedes in the garage and my husband and I rush out the door to see who gets to the Explorer first. Truly an outstanding SUV. Ford has a real winner on its hands.