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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  Best Explorer yet! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ron B. - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Our third Explorer,a 92(still have),99,and this 03( all Eddie Bauers). The 03 has more useable space, better mileage,handles & rides better,and is alot quicker. My 52" wife loves the larger size, as we looked at the Expedition and found it to be too big. The third seat is a blessing, and takes up -0- cargo space when folded down. Negatives: noisy tires,front end growl, a tranny that is slow to shift from reverse to drive,and rough idle.The rear window popped open as we were on the road, sometimes at speed. The rear door is WAY too heavy and difficult to handle. HELLO, anyone heard of aluminum?

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  Explorer Review - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By matt aka faker - October 16 - 10:00 am

  It is a very good car.

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  Useless gas hog - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Steven - October 12 - 4:02 am

  Purchased brand new 2017 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3 ecoboost. These vehicles run expensive and have no idea why. Car runs nice and quiet but would I recommend it? Only if I didnt feel pity for you. The 280hp turbo engine is underpowered always need to step on the throttle to go up steep hills and the fuel consumption isnt geat either, averaging 18.7mpg on road trips. Thats pretty pathetic for a four banger. It does however have an intelligent 4WD system but whats the point if the bumper clearance is only like 2 inches? This car was engineered by a bunch of morons. Dont come with roof racks. Also when a phone is plugged in charger phone screen is displaying not letting my change radio stations or anything at all. Resale value on these isnt great either do expect a 20k price drop after 3 years or so. Dont be fooled with fords ecoboost system its another expensive system when it breaks down making good business for ford. There are better rivals out there. Youll regret like me if you dont look else where

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  Mixed Feelings - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ray in Calgary, AB - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I like this vehicle but have a problem with it the dealer just cant fix. It has a loud noise and vibration from the (we think) drivetrain at highway speeds. Ford has a TSB on it but no sure cure. I have seen my dealer 7 times about this problem. Otherwise I like the vehicle design and performance.

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  Do not buy Ford Explorer not worth the money - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Tom Hueber - October 10 - 1:04 am

  We’ve had older Honda’s over the years with no issues with them besides normal ware and tare when things “should” go wrong and we paid way less for these cars. So once we decide to give Ford a try and we spend a $30K on a car and get a newer car, all within a year of having a new $30,000 Ford Explorer with 20,000 miles on it we’ve a had a ton of problems with it since day 1. It’s pitiful a $30K car is made so cheap and is basically a [non-permissible content removed]. The first two weeks we had it the drive belt snapped in half while we were driving to Dayton. Within the next month both motors on windows broke and needed both motors replaced. Then we take it in to get brakes checked and they tell us all 4 rotors were rusted and had pits in them at like 28,000 miles, wow rust and pits in rotors already when the car is pretty much brand new. We’ve had the car looked at again prior to 36K warranty expiration for belts because it sounds so bad and loud and they supposedly say everything is ok but you watch one of these belts are going to break again. The leather seats in front are so horrible looking and look worn and wrinkled already and the heated seats barely work but it’s past the warranty and they wouldn’t do anything about it when we took it to Ford so we left as is. Then 2-3 weeks ago my passenger side door would not shut and a piece of the chrome handle fell off around the lock and we finally got the door to shut, went to open door the next day and the handle completely came off and lock fell off. I am surprised the whole door has not fell off the cheap ass thing. Really??? a 2 year old car where the handle completely falls off???? And now we are getting a $380 bill to replace all this shit in the door when Ford did not obviously put it together correctly in the first place. And it’s funny almost every ford has recall on their doors except of course the Explorer. This is so freakin ridiculous. Anyone know what we can do about the door issue with all the other recalls going on with all of their other cars??? Should we call Ford Corporate??? Once we fix the door, looks like we will be trading it in for a Honda Pilot and WILL NEVER BUY FORD AGAIN.

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  Where did you get your SUV? - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By inquisitive - October 9 - 10:00 am

  An SUV is not a mercades benz. If you want comfort, buy a car not a truck. I love my Explorer and have had several in the past 5 years. No breakdowns, no problems and great maintenance plan. As for offroad, it handles perfectly fine and has plenty of clearance. If you want to bounce around like a kangaroo, buy a Monster Truck with poofy tires. I stand 62" and get claustraphoic in vehicles. The Ford Explorer has more room in the cab compared to the Chevy-Blazer and Jeep- Cherokee. As for carrying room. We have 2 large dogs and the truck area is plenty of space for travelling gear as well as dogs.

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  16 year olds review - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Eric Friday - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I like it so far. I got a nice version for very cheap, and am happy. good ride,

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  Safe SUV - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Maddox - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Regardless of what the media says about the Ford Explorer, I stand by its design. Unfortunately I was in a multiple rollover accident in my first Ford Explorer (2000 model) and received nary a scratch! Felt like I was in an amusement park ride as we tumbled over and over. Thats a good vehicle that can sustain the damage that we did with no injuries. My 5-month old infant son in the back thought it was fun. Theres no question in my mind that the Explorer is an outstanding vehicle.

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  Rattles and stalls - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Junk - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Since I bought this explorer its been in the shop for repairs 5 times for 3 to 4 days each time. It has rattles in the dash, steering column and rear window. It hesitates when going into trafic. The alternator has been changed along with the left rear view miror.The rear end hums at 50 to 60 mmh. Ford said this is normal, I disagree and plan to sell the thing. JUNK

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  impressed - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By scott wheatman - October 8 - 2:00 am

  i am extremely impressed with what ford did with the new explorer. when i first heard about the new design with an IRS i assumed it would be an oversized station wagon like some of the comprtition.but it wasnt! its still a truck;that rides as good as the others and has an impressive amount of saftey and comfort options for the money. keep it up ford.