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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  Nice SUV with plenty of power - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By HappyDriver - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought Explorer new. No major problems at all. Some small issues, tire pressure sensor malfunction, gas cap sensor cause service soon light on, but nothing worse in 5 years time. Never stranded or stalled, been most reliable vehicle so far after bad luck with a few GMs, still runs good as new. Gas mileage not bad for V8, avg 16-19 in town & 22-25+ highway. Comfy interior, good layout. Plenty of power with V8, lots of room (7 passengers) but still feels sporty to drive. Great stereo (have the 6-disc w/ MP3 upgrade)! Overall, love this Explorer!

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  160,000 & like new - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By George - October 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck with high miles & you would never know it had that many miles. Fun to drive, tons of room, reliable & looks good on me. Plastic trim inside & out is faded. Easy fix with a few cans of plastic seal matched color paint. Fine machine.

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  Best Vehicle I have ever owned! - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Tina - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my explorer brand new when my 2nd son was born and still have it today! My son is now 13 yrs old. I feel safe sitting up high. It has never left me sitting. I have four wheel drive but hardly ever have to use it. I have a hill to go up to get out of my neighborhood. When it snows, most vehicles can not get over that hill but my explorer goes right up the snow covered hill. I will buy another Explorer when Im ready for another vehicle.

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  Definitely a family SUV - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By George Torres - October 3 - 2:00 am

  2008 with 37000 miles already on it. First driving experience was very good. Lot of room for the whole family and very comfortable seating.It drives very quite but reaching 70 miles per hours a front road noise surprised me. I have to check with the dealer. My experience with cars is telling me that something has to do with the ball bearings. Also a squeaky noise came from the front of the car. I checked under the hood and looks like the serpentine belt is the problem and since many people already are talking about it in the internet, I do not have doubt that that it is the problem. I will bring the car to the dealer to be checked but if those two problems can be fixed t

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  Bad Radiator - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Nate - September 27 - 2:00 am

  *Contact Ford about your BAD RADIATOR! I have a 2006 Ford Explorer and I have had the same "bad radiator" experience that many other people have posted about. At 45,000 miles it started to leek and finally began to separate from the vehicle. I wrote a letter to Ford about the problem and they sent a letter back to me with a number to call. I called and spoke with a representative who took down all of my info, she told me if they get enough complaints they will post a recall and we can get a reimbursement for the repairs we had to pay for. If you havent already contacted them, do it!

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  The best Explorer to date - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable, goes anywhere, tows great, good steering, nicely equipped, good price. Much better vehicle than my brothers Rav4. His Rav4 is only averaging 18.8 mpg (ads say 24 mpg they are full of it) I am averaging 17.3 mpg and I am in a larger more comfortable vehicle, My Explorer is more comfortable under all conditions. There is no situation where I would take his Rav over my Explorer. They are both 2010 vehicles and Exp ~ $27000 Rav4 ~ $24000. I know people will say compare it to a Highlander but why the Explorer is the same size for less money so why spend 30000 plus and get exactly the same size vehicle. At least for my 3000 over the Rav I got a larger vehicle.

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  Cheap transmission - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By Fred - September 21 - 2:00 am

  2010 explorer 14,000 miles transmission seems to slip, i should have done more research before buying this car. I wanted to buy American but i should have bought foreign unfortunately.

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  Good overall SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Gearz - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Explorer for about half a year now and am impressed. It has 122,000 miles on it, the engine doesnt leak, no wear on seats/plastic pieces, and still goes straight down the road. Like with any vehicle if it is taken care of from new, you will not have many problems. Mine is like new after 122,000 miles!

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  First new vehicle - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By sqwash53 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  After years of vowing to never buy a new car I decided it was time. Has close to 6000 miles on it with no issues. I live in Germany so its a monster over here but has no problem in the snowy winter here. Plenty of room for our 4 daughters and the sync is priceless. Drove it to Rome and was comfortable during the long drive. Just wish it got better MPG and had the option to get leather heated seats with the AWD. I love the exterior style (I hate cross overs)and the silver paint with black trim and 20" wheels complete the package. Id buy it all over again.

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  I got a LEMON - 2010 Ford Explorer
  By Charlyn - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Weve been having a lot of electrical problems. We bought the car in April 2010 and had the first problem less than a month after. ABS Module no communication has been our problem. Problems include: Service RSC (roll stability control), interior signal lights not working, automatic pedal, DVD player, media sync, phone sync. Brought it into the shop I believe a total of 7 times and its still in the shop for the DVD and Sync system not working. A regional engineer worked on our car twice. Trying to get my problem resolved, I want my money back! Dont buy a Ford!