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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  Heap of JUNK!! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Fee - February 23 - 10:08 pm

  At this current time my Ford 2006 Explorer XLS is at the service department at the purchase dealership. This time it was returned for the recall on and having too heavily accelerate when in reverse and especially in drive. They think it maybe an engine or transmission problem at (108000 miles). The joke is the transmission is sealed and must be returned to the service department for servicing and of course money. Also, the radiator has been replaced twice. I am very afraid to maintain this vehicle due to the current and previous mechanical problems. This vehicle is American Made but itÂ’s a heap of joke and I wonder was it assembled on Monday or Friday.

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  Transmission Fiasco - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By idahojoe - February 23 - 3:00 pm

  Bought new off the lot and the car would shake violently over 60mph. Ford finally replaced the complete rear drive train due to defects. Guess what, started shaking again about a month later. They replaced it again. Now at 80,000 the transmission that was "replaced" is toast and the radiator cracked.

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  WoW ford hit a home run!! - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Ford Lover - February 21 - 11:20 am

  This car is amazing!!! I drive it for work all around the city and it gets 18.9 mpgs overall!!! This car has great power and pick up. I like to brag that I always beat those Bmw suvs out of the traffic lights! Its got a very nice interior 9 cup holders but dont use them i pack people it in all the time and love to take it off road!!! no problems and a sunny future together!

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  Runs Great but stuff breaks - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Jayne - February 15 - 6:45 pm

  I bought my car brand new,had to adjust to it rigid ride, its reliable the only things is stuff falls apart, my leather seat is ripped up, constant problems with sunroof, CD player broke, rear windshield wiper doesnt work, only driver can operate the windows, interior roof is falling other than that its totally reliable without problems as far as the motor goes.

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  Great Truck - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Josh - February 14 - 11:28 am

  I bought this truck with around 230,000 miles on it wondering what i was getting myself into. This truck is great. Great in the snow, always starts, great sound system, lots of cargo room, feels like Im sitting on a lazy boy driving around, it is so smooth. The car has also aged gracefully. I had to make a few minor repairs but that is to expected with such an old vehicle. The gas milage is not great but you cant control gas prices. I love the truck overall and it is still going strong after 300,000. Im going to hold on to this truck as long as I can. The front seats have so much room so much better than riding in a 2010 sardin can.

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  AWESOME! miss it greatly. - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Jay - February 11 - 4:41 pm

  Very comfortable, most reliable vehicle my family has ever owned. Around 20 mpg which is good. I rolled it on a gravel and completly destroyed it. Me and 4 friends walked out of the ditch with just bruises and a couple cuts. INCREDIBLE build quality. Definatly one of Fords best vehicles. Would buy another in a heartbeat.

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  **FANTASTIC** - 2009 Ford Explorer
  By Bob - February 7 - 5:50 pm

  This Ford Explorer is the best car we have ever owned. We before owned a crappy Chrysler minivan. We bought the Eddie Bauer which had every feature. One of the nicest middle class suvs you could buy.

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  Black Beauty - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By BelAirCarGuy - February 6 - 5:46 am

  Bought this 2006 Limited V-8 with 32,000 miles to replace a 1996 Isuzu Trooper. The Explorer has great styling both inside and out, three rows of seats with power folding third row. Plenty of interior room, with lots of leg room in the second row. Good visibility, with a straight hood, so you can see the front corners of the vehicle. The ride is very smooth with the independent rear suspension, and interior quiet at highway speeds. I did purchase a extended warranty for three years/thirty-six thousand miles. Recently had a run through the snow with slippery road conditions. The automatic 4WD worked great, but also tried the "manual" 4WD option. No problems either. Overall, great!

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  Great Mid-size SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By KCAttorney - February 6 - 12:26 am

  Bought this SUV with V6 in summer of 2007 with 95K miles on it. Sold it in November 2009 with 130K miles to a friends daughter who just turned 16. It still looks great, interior & exterior. Only repairs during that time were 2 rear wheel bearings and the rear AC door actuator. Other people complain about having to repair items like wheel bearings at "only" 90K miles. Come on, be realistic. Once a car gets over 50K miles, its going to need repairs from time to time. This SUV offers a great overall package. Ive had 3 Explorers now and had good luck with all 3. They arent perfect, but Ive had several other SUVs also, and the Explorer is a great truck. Thats why Ive owned 3.

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  Dealership Busted My Radiator - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Fix or repair daily - February 5 - 1:04 pm

  I have had a bad experience so far with the vehicle. Radiator problems started 10000 miles after owning! Major complaint is that I took it into the dealership (Hoffman Ford, Harrisburg PA) without leaks from the radiator, then they ran there pressure test, and all of sudden the leak appears out of no where gushing out the bottom. Now I looked over the radiator several times over a few weeks and didnt see a leak, in fact they didnt either when I had to them a few months ago, it was a hose at that time. But the smell persisted so I took it back. Bottom line, they performed another pressure test and now its costing me $1000 to have it fixed. What an insult!