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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  Great Truck - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By DKOVACHJR - November 22 - 1:37 am

  I just bought my 2nd 93 explorer the first I trade for a sedan and missed my truck finally after 2 yrs of trying to find one that i could afford with money being tight i found one i use mine for haul the family and responding to fire calls the 4.0 does a decent job getting to the station when the tones drop even though she may not be fast the tourque makes up for it I have pulled plenty of down trees out of the roadway and have no doubt that what i hook up to she will pull it. Beware if the 4x4 is not used the power motor for it sticks and you may need to replace it or have someone hold the button and you get under your truck with a hammer and knock on the motor

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  LOVE IT - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By PFN - November 20 - 10:00 am

  We love the vehicle far more than we thought we would. It is a joy to drive.

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  Lemon - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By alebt - November 19 - 11:00 am

  This is our second Explorer and unless we get one for free, our last. The transmission went out at 35,000. The 4WD computer failed at 40,000. The bearings are bad at 45,000. The back hatch has cracked. It has been a miserable money pit. Had we had much other choice in small V8 we would have selected differently. Ford needs to really upgrade quality and reliability in this model.

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  Last Ford I will ever buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By luvencl - November 17 - 6:16 am

  I have driven Fords all my life but this 2002 is the worse experience I have ever had. First to go was the rear AC, kept getting a click noise. Had it replaced under warranty, but then it went bad again just after the warranty ran out. Then had stereo also go bad. CD player got stuck, then 2 months later, volume would just start to get loud with no control touching. Master brake cylinder replaced at 42,000, and then the oxygen sensor, door trim @ same time. Then one very cold morning, I go to my car and notice a huge crack in the hatch below glass. I called the police because I thought someone tried to break into my SUV. Found later that others have the same problem. I am done with Ford!

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  Happy but with issues - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Bob White - November 16 - 8:05 pm

  A fine, tight, smooth running vehicle. Unfortunately the rear-end is so weak it was whining at 8000 miles and needing replacement. The transmission started shifting improperly at 25000 miles. I dont believe a vehicle should need a new rear-end and transmission so early. I have a Toyota with 325000 miles and it is running better than my explorer. I love my explorer but very unhappy with the mechanical bills, over $4000 within 175000 miles. Other gripes include new brake pads yearly, electric window that has not worked since new, door ajar light on most of the time, and ABS sensors failing.

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  Love the improvements - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By DeputyDan - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1993 Explorer and got unbelievable service from it. Changed to a 2002 after searching for a car but just couldnt find anything that we liked as well as our old Explorer. Am running the XLT with V-8 and love the power and ride. Did have the "shattering" lift gate panel problem but dealer fixed it. (They had a service bulletin explaining the problem) Dealership has been great with follow-up since sale. I dont know if all Ford dealers are as good as mine but mine is great. I havent run it a full year yet but love the ride, power and auto 4wd. Puddle lighting is nice and overall a nice looking ride.

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  2000 better than 2004 - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Nighthawk779 - November 15 - 11:33 pm

  This is my third Explorer and my last. My 2000 has been the best of the 3 2000 03 &04, All 3 had the transmission rebuild, but only the 2000 has had nothing else repaired. Everything works as well as new over 205,000 miles on it now. The engines have never been a problem until now. We now have electical and rear end noise now. The 2000 pulled trailers boats and what you could get on the bumper with no effort. I wish they would bring back sun visor recorder. Also the 2nd sun visor. But I am looking at Highlanders now. 3600 for a new transmission had me looking for a different manufacturer. P.S. we did change trasmission fuild every fluid at 30,000 at the dealer no less.

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  Ford Dropped the Ball with me. - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By Jack Day - November 14 - 8:53 pm

  I had TOO MUCH TROUBLE GETTING THE REAR END AND DRIVE SHAFT FIXED, TOOK ME 2 MONTHS OF WRITING LETTERS AND PHONE CALLS TO GET JOB DONE. THIS TOOK ALL THE FUN OUT OF OWNING A NEW VEHICLE. ALL FORDS FAULT, BAD PARTS. Handled very poorly by Ford!

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  Nice vehicle - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By bbandit74 - November 14 - 1:19 pm

  Great family vehicle. We enjoy all the extras especially the DVD player in the back. Back up sensors are great in the city. Very nice looking vehicle and extremely quiet inside. Very comfortable on long trips. The V- 6 could use more horsepower. Sometimes tranny has hard time deciding what gear to stay in on hills. Overall its a very nice vehicle. Glad I have extended warranty after reading some of these reviews...

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  My favorite vehicle yet - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Casper, WY - November 12 - 3:53 pm

  I loved my Ford Windstar and didnt think I would want to drive a "big" SUV, but a move to wintry climate area changed my mind. I love the way it handles, the very smooth ride and the strong engine. The interior is roomy, comfortable and very quiet. The fold down rear seats are very easy to manipulate and it provides lots of cargo room in the five passenger mode. For a five member family it was a great choice.