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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  200,000 and still strong - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Jeeper - December 18 - 9:45 pm

  Ive got about 209,000 miles on the 5.0 liter V8, and still running strong. I had to replace the transfer case at about 150,0000, but I was pulling a trailer a lot, often pushing the limits of what the vehicle is rated to pull. Its still my daily driver, and couldnt be happier with the longevity, and what Ive gotten for my money. No, it doesnt get great gas mileage, but its a 4500 lb vehicle with a V8 engine, what do you expect?

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  Dont Buy - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Mindcrime - December 15 - 2:00 am

  My wife has a 1999 2d 4wd Sport model. Like most for cars/trucks, this thing is a piece of junk. The overall build quality is poor. The plastics inside are low grade quality and the vehicle reliability is terrible. She has had the airbag go out, and needed major work on the engine. At 35,000 miles over $4,500 in repair work on the engine needed to be performed. Driving the Explorer is a nightmare, with uncomfortable seats and ride. We are looking into trading this in and getting something more reliable, like a Honda CR-V. Im still amazed the people spend $30,000+ thousand on any Ford product. They are over priced and of poor quality.

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  2004 Ford Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By 2004 Ford Explorer - December 14 - 3:28 pm

  I can not believe that my explorer would be more reliable than my 2003 Toyota corolla. i bought this car from a friend and it had 360,000 miles. i got a tug for it only for 1 year because i thought it wouldnt last more than 1 year. The car still runs perfect and the handling in this car is amazing for an SUV. to keep this car perfect like this all you need is to do maintenance on time. i cant believe it didnt break down on me for the way i push this car. i just took it from Fairfax Virginia to Jacksonville North carolina 6 hours drive with 360k miles and its still FINE!! you see alot of Honda and Toyota in US but guess what do you see the most in Europe ? FORD!!!

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  Road Trip - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By PAK - December 10 - 8:34 am

  Lots of tech stuff to learn. Good road trip car. Would prefer a larger gas tank. turbo 6 cylinder the way to go for performance and still get acceptable gas milage.

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  Ford Explorer - poor design and quality - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By TKenn - December 7 - 12:07 pm

  1. Roll-over alarm goes off at 20 mph on straight road. Dealership said it was a "short" in the system. 2. Both Vanity Mirror covers broke off allowing the light to stay on and drain battery. Dealership replaced with visors having cuts in the fabric. 3. Tail light assembly missing both attaching screws. 4. Eyelash (decorative trim at wheel area) pulling away from body. 5. Oil changed - but the oil indicator was not reset. Found out the oil indicator only tracks mileage and time - not actual oil life. Second Explorer - same visor problem. Paint failure. Technicians failed to reset oil indicator.

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  Excellent small size SUV - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Chester Hamilton - December 6 - 6:04 pm

  Excellent small size SUV for getting in and out of tight space. Quiet interior, lots of leg room, outstanding entertainment system, easy to operate navigation system, and nice size cargo area. Great on gas mileage, handling, reliability and overall function vehicle.

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  Good car, some improvements needed. - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Od723 - December 5 - 11:47 am

  I have only owned this car a few weeks. It drives very nice, very much like a car. It has a bold look on the exterior which I like. The seats are very comfortable. The negatives are the rear seats, very hard to fold seats, takes a good hard yank and the rear seat is hard to access. The remote to start the car and unlock doors is very sensitive. I wish they would recess the panic button, it goes off very easy when Im my pocket and my horn starts going crazy. I had a GMC Sierra 5.3 V8 crew cab truck before this car, My GMC averaged better gas mileage than the V6 in the explorer.

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  Transmission problems - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Car owner - December 5 - 8:17 am

  We purchased the vehicle new 4 years ago. We had not had any problems until recently when the car started to stall upon ignition. The transmission light came on and the problems have now begun. We have 146,000 miles on the SUV and really expected to get more before any major problems. Per conversation with Ford service department and an independent transmission company, the prognosis is the torque converter and TCC solenoid (valve body). The cost to repair is $2700 to $6500 before taxes. It is amazing after reading so many reviews that the same problem is evident in the majority of the reviews from those with 70,000 miles or more. We had a Ford car with similar problems before. No more Ford

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  Excellent Sport! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Michael Dobbs - December 4 - 12:17 pm

  Great buy! Comfy, stylish, great ride, get one.

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  Its been surprisising_totally - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Bob - December 2 - 3:11 pm

  I bought my EXP XLT new in 01. I have 181,000 and repairs have been minimal. Chnge the oil on time. FORD should have a loyalty program to get me into another FORD. With the economy buying a new car is difficult.