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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  165,000 and running good. - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Fergus - September 13 - 2:00 am

  We bought our this Exploder new and at 165,000 miles replaced the ball joints today. I replaced the thermostat at around 60,000, the brake pads around 110,000 and battery around 120,000. It has proven to be a very dependable vehicle. I have never seen it get less that 20 MPG and have seen it get as much as 29 MPG highway. I give some credit to Militec-1, as I have used it in all my vehicles since being introduced to it in 1988.

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  Loved My Explorer - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Angela - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Explorer for nearly 10 years. I bought it used and have virtually put very little money into it except for usual wear and tear. This is a great family vehicle it is great when you need to carry large loads. This is a vehicle I will recommend to anyone. If you keep up with regular maintenance you will have a great vehicle for years to come. Snow is no match for this truck nothing stands in its way. I am giving it to my nephew so that he will have a vehicle he can rely on while he is just starting out and I am sure it will last him until he gets on his feet just as it has for me and my family.

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  Had been pretty good until - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By POEO - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Like most Explorers of this vintage, the transmission just went at 96,000 miles. Major slippage from 2nd into 3rd, now looking at a $2000+ repair. This is a very common problem so beware if you are looking at picking up a used one. Ford knows about it, but doesnt care too much. Looking to see if there is a class action lawsuit in the works as its not a question of if but when this problem will occur in these trucks. Had been a pretty decent car up until this, now crossing my fingers that this isnt the start of major issues to come. Before this I was considering another Explorer in 2012, now probably not as these type of major issues seem to continue to plague American made cars.

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  Ford is the best - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Robert - September 7 - 10:26 pm

  With all those reviews about this truck being crap, I had to write my review, I am the original owner of this truck and has had no problems at all, I put 116,000 miles on it and it runs awesome, the transmission shifts great the engine runs just like the day I got it. Also the 4x4 system works great too. This thing held up to hitting a 300 lb deer and came out with just a few things that needed to be replaced (headlight, grill) nothing major, this thing is like a tank it just wont stop I love this truck and am going to continue to drive it to the day it dies!

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  Great truck - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By will - September 3 - 9:42 pm

  I have had it for over a year. It has over 250,000 miles on it. Changed radius arm bushing and oil changes thats about it goes. Everywhere wouldnt give it up for the world.

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  Bad radiator - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By gn - September 3 - 12:04 pm

  It will surge at slow speeds while going forward or reverse. Now at 41,000 miles the radiator has sprung a leak. The dealer says this is the first they have heard of explorers having radiator problems. A fun thing to do is when you see someone with a 2006 explorer ask them if they have replaced the radiator yet. You get a surprised look and an answer like "how did you know?"

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  Why ford why? - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By richard - September 1 - 6:07 pm

  What a joke. 4x4 goes out. Trannys go out. Front end went. Rear end went out. Abs went out. Crank was going. They are built to fall apart and cost you a ton of money and why is everyone wanting shift on the fly four wheel drive? Put that on the floor. Maybe thats why Dodge can beat Ford with the durango.

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  Junk - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Kern - August 23 - 12:37 pm

  I bought this slightly used with only 14k miles. Nice looking truck inside and out. But after only owning it a year, everything started going wrong. Interior lights shorted out and so did the mirror ext. lights. Coil spring went. Mechanic said it was a design flaw that fords knew about it. Wheel bearings all the way around at 40k miles. Power window problems at 50k. Then at 80, rear diff. and trans went so we got rid of it. It was a money pit. It still rode nice the day we got rid of it but too many repairs. My last Ford explorer purchase.

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  Affrordably Tough - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Family Man - August 20 - 6:40 pm

  Bought this used in 5/2010 with 163,000 mi. Two previous owners whod taken great care and kept on top of all maintenance. So far 3,000 mi and only hub bearings and pad/rotor wear. Window motor went out found a Ford specialist mechanic cheap and honest! Impossible to believe but he must have quit Ford and became saved. lol I get a squeak on bumps after driving 1.5 - 2 hrs but goes away. 15 years old and runs like a champ. Gimme this powertarin in a 2010 and Im a happy camper!

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  Transmissions & Rear Differentials - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Rusty - August 18 - 2:43 pm

  I purchased my 2004 Explorer Limited V8 new and have had it back at the dealer more often for repairs than any vehicle I have ever owned. It needed a new rear differential at 32,000 miles, a new transmission at 58,000 miles, and now another new rear differential at 68,000 miles. 68k miles in 7 years isnt exactly hard driving and I havent ever towed anything. Ford covered the first rear rebuild but the other repair payments came from my ever shrinking wallet. The dealers service guys are like "oh, yea, those things break all the time". Well, they shouldnt. When will Ford honor its commitment to its customers - "At Ford Quality is Job 1" was their slogan, wasnt it?