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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  Never again - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Rebecah - August 12 - 3:44 pm

  This is my first (and LAST) Ford. 2 radiator replacements. The heater does not work anymore and I now have to replace the housing and gasket which supplies coolant to the radiator. Waste of $ and time. This is not a reliable vehicle.

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  What an improvement - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By kdeanjack - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I also have a 1997 Explorer and the new 2004 is greatly refined jexcept for the seats. The 97 model has power seats that are longer and have power lumbar. I feel as if I backed up with seat comfort but it has a better ride and shifts smoothly and has as good acceleration as my sons GMC Envoy that has 60 more horses than my 210 HP V6.

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  Good SUV - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By LB - August 11 - 11:12 pm

  Bought car new $27K with towing packing. Overall very pleased with it. 20 mpg without fail. Great power seat but the seat back lever broke off at 100K, poor design. Loved the double driver side sun visor. Very reliable, traded it in at 143477 with only one roadside break down in 12 years due to the radiator. Good pick up. AC needed $400 repair at 140K, radio going out as well. CD changer broke at ~100K. Kept very good track of repairs. $8275 total for 143K miles.

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  Pushed Limits - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By DocBone - August 11 - 8:35 pm

  I have owned my explorer for 2 years now and have not had to deal with any major problems. I did learn the hard way that the o-ring from the oil filter can occasionally get stuck and has to be peeled off. In the last 2 years I have managed to put on nearly 40K miles, between driving to and from school (about 150miles round trip)and pizza delivery. Slightly bothered by the less that stellar gas mileage, but on the highway I have gotten 20+ mpg a few times. Strongly recommend to anyone needs a decent amount of space in their car. Also, after surviving through 2 winters, I have no complaints, snow is not an issue. This car can easily modified without affecting its electrical system

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  NOT WORTH IT!!! - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By crsl67 - August 11 - 5:54 pm

  This vehicle is nothing but problems! Transmission slips, had rearend replaced once already, car dies while driving. In hot weather car will not start no one can tell me why. Have had electrical problems. This car isnt worth the aggravation.

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  Transmission - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By John - August 10 - 8:43 pm

  I have heard lots of stories about bad trannies. Changed all my fluids at 30,000. I was told that this might be an important factor in the longevity of the transmission. Mine has always had an annoying jerk going from park into gear even from new. (My 4runner was a smooth bump like it should be) Other than that and the LR window not working all the time it really hasnt given me any problems.

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  Amazing - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Goose Bumps - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I jumped 8 years in technology when I purchased my new truck and FORD made the 2003 Explorer a dream to own. Ive had my Limited edition for 2 months now and it still gives me goose bumps each time I drive it. I had a 1994 Explorer XLT and going to the 2003 I was just amazed at the changes and handling charactistics this new truck had plus, the impressive speed this new V8 can do. I have friends that have ML320s, Honda MDX and Chev Trailblazers and the 2003 Explorer is right up there with them in some cases leading the pack with the new safety features, roominess and the advance tracking system.

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  Satisfied Owner - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By bladerunski - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Originally set out to purchase a GMC Envoy SLT 4x4, but was more impressed with the Explorers ride quality, drivers seating position, and cargo area...have used the Explorer for numerous road, camping, and skiing trips...very good gas mileage considering the size and weight...4.0L V6 provides ample power around town, but struggles with four adults + gear on mountain grades and passing on two- lane highways...have to run the A/C on cool days (mid/upper 60s) because the manual mode warms outside air too much, even when set at 60.

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  Horrible, Horrible, Horrible... - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Lindsay - August 6 - 8:54 pm

  Save yourself money and do not buy this. I have spent $9K in trying to keep my truck running. This is my second explorer. The first I shelled out $4K on a new engine. This one, I spent $9K rewiring it, replacing the transmission, etc. I am devastated but will never, ever buy a ford again.

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  1994 Ford Explorer - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By Joe60152 - August 6 - 12:32 pm

  I bought this truck right after high school and it has been very reliable. The only problems ive had are the ball joints which ive done twice along with the right radius arm bushing that like to get hard,fall apart and make a really annoying squeaking noise due to it being so close to the catalytic converter. I suggest if replacing Napa makes a high heat style bushing i put 2 regular bushings in 50000 miles before finally replacing it the last time with the high heat and have not had a problem in 80000 miles since. I have had no major problems with this truck it now has 245000 and it still runs good on or off road