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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  2003 - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Arnold Caffas - November 12 - 1:00 am

  The vehicle has an excellent ride. Friends who ride in the vehicle are surprised at the level of comfort. I have not taken the vehicle off road many times, but I am very satisfied with the off road capabilities. Highway fuel economy is better than 20 miles per gallon. City mileage is pretty good. I would recommend the Explorer to anyone considering a mid-sized sport utility vehicle.

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  Quality is Job # 1,000,000,000,000 - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By GHOST88 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought my ‘98"Exploder" brand new. Every time I took my car into the dealer to be serviced they would inform me of 10+items that were recalled each time! Now,one thing after another wrong w/the car. New tranny, radio display shorted out, rear window washer doesn’t work in rain, the list goes on and on. Fords quality, customer service and products have gone downhill big time. The resale/trade-in value is HORRIBLE! My romance w/this Explorer is in its twilight. Today, I am going to trade it in for a TOYOTA LAND CRUISER! I will miss her but, it is time to move on to the big leagues.

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  Good truck - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Paul Piellusch - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Good truck no maintenance 70K kilometres

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  Ford tough for me - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By derekt98xl - November 7 - 3:55 am

  I was always a Honda Toyota guy. Then I bought the explorer and has been very reliable. Just maintanence, and I believe that is the key with any car. Some people get angry if their ball joints or suspension parts fail but you have to consider they are a part of regular maintanence. In the past I bought a couple Hondas that had everything wrong with them a week after the purchase simply because of lack of maintanence. So from now on I only buy cars with maintanence reports. Which makes sense if someone goes to the trouble of keeping all those records they must have taken good care of the vehicle. Most of the time those are the vehicles with Nice and clean interiors.

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  Solid vehicle - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Paul - November 6 - 6:48 pm

  I been putting plenty of miles on this vehicle and she holds up strong. Am currently pushing 170,000 miles and have not had to put any major cash into maintenance. Would highly recommend this suv to anyone out there looking.

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  a reliable fun suv!!!! - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By 351wguy - November 5 - 5:03 pm

  I purchased a 93" explorer with 103,000. i performed a full tune up and coated the frae with por15 an anti rust paint its at 283,000 and ive never bought a part for it just maintenance . FAULTS.... 4x4 encounters occasional problems shocks (factory) are not the best for towing or off road 4.0L engine lacks power any 93 owner will tell ya about the brakes Pros extremely rely able engine and trans i speak for the 4+od std frae and body very tough and factory undercoat is A+ EASY TO DRIVE AND OPERATE ALL IN ALL ford ade a very good suv for the year and i a very satisfied with this truck this suv the grand father of the explorer line has set its line in quality 15

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  Amazing - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Threnners - November 5 - 3:20 pm

  I now understand why there are so many Explorers on the road -it is simply amazing. For a vehicle that is physically 4 years old (the build date is 2005), it still drives and handles like it just came from the factory. It drives like a big marshmallow - you rarely feel anything on the road, and I have yet to have an issue with it. Mileage wise I average 18.8- 19.1 MPG weekly. Its just a great truck, and after driving a money pit Mazda Tribute for years, its a welcome relief.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By J117 - November 5 - 10:00 am

  This explorer is great. It handles, runs, and drives excellent and I love the body style. It is 1000x better than the 1999 v-6 that I had. No problems as of yet.

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  The Honeymoon ended quickly. - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Sean - November 4 - 5:03 am

  Bought new in 02. The new car smell, and the dealer gave me a great deal. Loved the remodel from old style (Traded in 00 sport). Then reality hit. First time on vacation entire rear glass door assembly broke from hinges and I caught it luckily. Then had fuel pump assembly and tank relaced. Both under warranty thank god. Then the rear door broke again. Then the rear door cracked below the windshield wiper assembly. The interior plastic grey trim along the top of the door front seat doors along the windows has seriously faded. The black exterior trim between the front and rear doors has also faded. It now has 103K miles after 7 years and I will drive this into the ground.

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  Still one of the best values on the road - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By MikeD - November 3 - 2:03 pm

  The re-designed For Explorer is now a few years old, but its still one of the best looking SUVs on the road. The fuel economy stinks, but it handles well in rough weather, is roomy enough to seat 7 (though your cargo space suffers), and the sound system is great.