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:

• 

  Great SUVV - 2007 Ford Explorer
  By Luisruvi - September 1 - 10:23 pm

  Love it so far. Havent had any problems. I think the quality is great and ease of use for the features is my favorite thing about it.

• 

  LOVE MY SUV - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By LadyC85 - August 29 - 3:08 pm

  Ive only had my car 2 months but I love it I drove it from Missouri to California and back which is a total of 3,700 and had no problems but my brakes needed to be replaced once we got to California it drives just as smooth and quiet as it drove when we bought it.....I guess the only problem I have with it is the six disc CD changer sometimes gets stuck and its hell getting the cds out

• 

  explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By ricky - August 29 - 2:00 am

  After comparing to the Honda, Chevy, and Toyota I went with the Explorer not only for the price but the value of vehicle equipment content. I know why Explorer has been such a big seller for so long. Love it!!

• 

  I Love My Blue Baby - 2001 Ford Explorer
  By Adgurl - August 27 - 8:27 am

  I bought my Explorer new in 2001 -- started as a lease and I decided to keep. After 208000 miles Ive never had any major problems, until now. Have to get the crankshaft pulley replaced. I plan to keep this car FOREVER. I love my Explorer.

• 

  No complaints - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By NAD - August 26 - 2:58 am

  Bought new now has 126K miles. Original tran. replaced under warranty at 35k miles. Since then its been a pretty good vehicle. Very capable off-road vehicle. Still has original fact. wheel alignment! Does not come close to overheating in the most extreme conditions even when towing. Since resale value seems to be so low suspect Ill drive it till it drops

• 

  Death Mobile - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Deane - August 25 - 3:57 pm

  This is the worst car I have ever owned it is dangerous, expensive & unreliable. It started with fractured paint (over the whole car. I was told by Licardi Ford, where it was purchased, that I had the car repainted not true!),the small back hatch exploding in my face, I then went on to replace: bad brakes,dropped transmission, broken front axle, broken rear axle, electrical system twice,the doors periodically go out of alignment & not close properly, and, when it rains, it rains in the car. Theres more but why continue this is bad enough.

• 

  My Last Ford - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Phil - August 25 - 3:54 pm

  This is my 7th (and last) Ford. I bought it used with 34000 miles on it four years ago. It now has 61500 miles on it, and in that time I have replaced: the rear differential, the rear axle seals, the rear main seal, the oil pan gasket, the cruise control servo, the transmission cooler, and both front wheel bearings. Thank goodness I bought the extended warranty. Also, the paint is peeling at the corners of the hood. I have seen many Explorers do this, and have heard it is a problem with many of them. The third row seat is nice, but doesnt allow much room for any cargo.

• 

  2003 Ford Explorer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By HD - August 24 - 8:38 pm

  Do Not Buy this vehicle!! What a waste. I have replaced the rear differential at a cost of $1100, only to have it right back in the shop with more rear end problems. I bought this because it featured a 3rd row seat, which is great, however it spends more time in the shop than it is driven. I will never buy another Ford.

• 

  Explorer in the UK - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Jim - August 24 - 6:05 am

  I have had my Explorer for over 3 years with no major issues. Failed its last MOT on rotten rear hangers, a ball joint and a hole in the exhaust. Not bad for a vehicle that now spends half its life on the beach and in the sea!! Reasonably comfortable but extremely practical. There is no other vehicle (maybe the Toyota Landcruiser) that can match its size for such little money. 20-22 mpg is easily achievable which is just as good as most 4x4 diesels. Pulls like David Beckham at an all girls school. Very solid and very reliable.

• 

  Great daily driver... - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By 6spdGTO - August 23 - 11:45 am

  I have owned my Explorer for a year and a half now, with no major problems. I bought it to take my GTO off the road. It needed some work at the time of purchase: Front wheel bearings, a starter, thermostat, IAC motor, brakes and BF Goodrich All- Terrain tires. Recently, the transmission began acting up, but it is most likely an issue with a shift solenoid and separator plate gasket which is common in these models. Should be an easy fix. Due to its short wheelbase, it also offroads great and is fun to drive in the snow or snotty mud. Over all, a great truck. After I drive the wheels off of this one, I will certainly buy another.