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:

• 

  1999 Ford Explorer - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By nazechad_3050 - December 2 - 12:22 pm

  Bought it in May with 120,000 miles on it. Drives great. Love the truck. Had three small problems with it and one huge one. The rear wiper has stopped working, the drivers door handle broke off, and the drivers lock keeps getting stuck. The huge problem was at 130,000 miles the transmission started to go. Wouldnt shift into 3rd gear smoothly anymore. Currently replacing the Transmission as I type this. Even with these problems i love the truck. does everything i ask it to do.

• 

  96 Explorer V8 AWD - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By Matt Ross - December 1 - 10:40 am

  The 96 Explorer has been an excellent vehicle. Besides a few maintenance issues which were covered under the extended warranty which I highly recommend purchasing, the vehicle has been excellent for me and my family. It is extremely flexible to your needs and is a great vehicle.

• 

  Burrr....my feet are cold! - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By Lynziee - November 30 - 9:14 pm

  This is actually a company vehicle for me. Ive had it 2 years and put on over 51,000 miles so I have spent many hours driving in this truck. The major problem with this specific model is that the floor heat on the drivers side does not push out as much heat as the passenger side. So, the passenger is roasting and the drivers feet are still frozen. With no dual zone climate control this is a problem. I took it into the dealer and they said they knew of the problem and tried to redirect the vents but were not very successful. So, if you drive it by yourself or live in a warm climate you are fine. If you drive in the cold and like to have company, this may not be the vehicle for you.

• 

  Great since day one! - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By James.Frey - November 27 - 12:30 pm

  Ive owned this car since day one. Bought it in late 1993, and has been great to us. In 1997 we took it to VA from CA and it was great in the snow and rough terrain. Brought it back to CA in 1999, mechanic I took it to messed up the engine at 50k so we had to have it rebuilt. It now has 91k on it and I drive it as a spare car, but it can go for weeks without being driven and it still goes strong, and starts right up! Design is flawless, shows you what a real american car is all about. Interior is perfect, nice, simple, and comfortable. Drive-terrain: I wish it would have had a 4.5L or 5.0L V8, the 4.0L V6 it has is under powered, and the 4spd Pinto transmission is weak.

• 

  Worst vehicle ive ever owned - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MichaelWall - November 25 - 9:12 pm

  I bought this Exploder from my grandparents best friends in 2007. It had 69000 miles on it when i bought it for 7000 dollars. At 79000 miles the 4wd went out, right after that the o/d light would blink the airbag light would stay on and the service engine light came on and wouldnt go off. I serviced the vehicle regularly and and 84000 miles the transmission went out. I paid the dealership 4300 dollars to get a new tranny and now im at just over 89000 miles and its back at the dealership getting the 2nd tranny put in it! I will never buy another ford ever again. I you wanna read more, google "02 ford transmission problems and see for yourselves

• 

  Happy Owner - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Ron Williams - November 24 - 12:19 pm

  I bought my 2000 Explorer Limited just before the intro of the 2001. I average 18.4 in town and 20 highway and have 135,000 miles on it. I went thru the tire recall and a couple other minor recalls, but have throughly enjoyed this SUV. Its been garage kept and looks nearly as good today as the day a bought it. I really take care of my SUV as it is my second most expensive investment after my house. Im not happy that the value has dropped so badly, but thats American for you. Ill drive this thing until either it or I dies. If I had my time to do over, I probably would have gotten the AWD.

• 

  HATE IT!!!!!!! - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Andy - November 22 - 11:11 pm

  I bought this suv with 20,000 miles on it and it drove good, until the rear window wiper broke, passenger handle droke. Also the radio button is broken and cant turn it off. The windows shake when you roll them down, and it makes a weird sound when you go over rocks and bumps. The lock in the back of the suv broke and now makes a load sound when you lock the doors.

• 

  So Far So Good - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Matt - November 22 - 3:31 pm

  Bought this as a winter vehicle. Wasnt looking for an Explorer but the price was good ($2,400) for what I got. 119K miles, ZERO rust (rare for Northeast Pennsylvania), and no fluid leaks. The underside is unexpectedly clean. So far I had to put in an AC comp. clutch, steering bushings, EGR sensor and front rotors. I also replaced the horrible stock speakers. Ive heard horror stories about the tranny (main concern before buying) so I bought an extended warranty. Mine is OK except when its cold reverse takes a second or 2. Going to change the fluid. It has push button 4WD but manual hubs... replaced before I bought. Thats another common problem, so Ive heard. Overall, Im happy with it.

• 

  My Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By sherryg99 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Ford!

• 

  My Explorer - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Poisenivy2 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive my Explorer. It handles the road very well and has a smooth ride. If I were to buy an SUV all over again, I would invest in a V8 engine instead of a V6. I would like a little more pickup when driving up hills. I also enjoy the great customer service that I received at Academy Ford in Laurel, MD. I can drop my car off for an oil change and their shuttle will drive me home and pick me up when it is ready.