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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  Terriffic Truck - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By grmsky - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have nothing but good things to say about my Explorer. I feel very safe in it which is very important when traveling with babies. I have never had anything go wrong with the vehicle. It drives great in the snow and even with AWD, I still get about 18 mpg around town as I dont do much highway driving.

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  Great Ride & Good Value - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By mboard - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought this Explorer because it is comfortable and safe (Ford has resolved the rollover/tires issues that may have scared some in years past). Im impressed with the quality and the ride. The interior room is exceptional for its size and the stereo sound system is very nice. Im willing to give up alittle gas mileage that some of the smaller SUVs have....the trade is a smoother, quieter ride with more vehicle to protect my family.

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  Great SUV - 1995 Ford Explorer
  By Great SUV - August 4 - 10:49 am

  This ford has been good to me. No major problems. Just routine maintenance. I now have to trade it in as a clunker.

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  Luv almost all of it! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Scotch&Cigars - August 3 - 9:26 pm

  I purchased my SUV with 40000 miles. I now have about 72000 miles and have had nothing but good luck with it. Although the gas mileage is a little lower than Id like, I bought an SUV, so Im not going to complain. No problems with the power train, electronics, or anything else with the mechanics. The only problem has been with the front drivers seat comfort. A large person must have owned it prior to me and mashed out the seat, which I didnt notice until I sat for a longer drive.

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  Lemon - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Beth - August 2 - 1:38 pm

  I purchased this vehicle as a work vehicle. It had minor problems until I hit 35,000 miles. It took Ford 3 tries to get a working rear end which lasted only another 30,000 miles. A number of idiot lights went bad, and now paint is peeling off the roof and the rear end is again making noise. This was my first and last Big 3 auto purchase.

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  2017 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3L I4 Ecoboost 202A - 2017 Ford Explorer
  By Lori W. - August 2 - 12:18 pm

  I am so excited to write a review about my new car. While I have only had this vehicle for less than a week. I am thoroughly impressed. I have NEVER owned a Ford. I did not buy top of the line and I have not purchased a new vehicle in 20+ years. I always buy used. I was looking at three SUVs (4 Runner, Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer) and I found the features, price offering, technology, ford incentives excellent and the warranty was one of the reasons I decided to buy this. I have a 20 yr/200k mile powertrain warranty (that is anything that touches oil). I was initially hesitant about considering the inline 4 cylinder engine with ecoboost. I test drove it and loved it; I went home to research the I4 w/ecoboost needless to say I was not disappointed. I was surprisingly impressed with the gas mileage and the 310 horsepower. The 6 cylinder is 255 horsepower. I am getting bout 20/mpg in the city. WHAT!!! Do keep in mind I rented an explorer to drive from Jacksonville to Tallahassee in a bad storm, this vehicle handled very well. My explorer is Blue Jeans Metallic with tan leather, sync, navigation, touchscreen technology, halo lights, foot activated lift gate, convenient dash controls, auto start is great, auto wipers, great steering controls and so much more! The vehicle is well equipped, rides nicely, grabs the road and the cabin is super quiet compared to my 2012 Honda Odyssey. My husband is not into SUVs but he was impressed when he drove it, he said it feels more like a luxury car. The mahoney sticker was about $40.5k, after rebates the vehicle was $33,760. The final thing that ultimately sealed the deal for me was the 20yr/200K mile warranty. FORD-Im impressed!!!!!

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  Best Vehicle Ive ever had - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Chris - July 31 - 12:26 pm

  Im hitting 180,000 miles on my SUV. I havent had any major problems, a few minor ones but havent really spent a lot of money on any repairs. It still looks new and still runs great. It turns on a dime in the smallest space possible but it also is not the smoothest ride.

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  Wheel bearings, brakes and computers - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Mhammer - July 31 - 12:17 pm

  Vehicle gets a surprising 19 mpg on highway. AWD is great in snow, mud and beach sand. Sound system is awesome as well as front/rear AC. Easy entry and great visibility. But Ford really blew it underneath. I have replaced both wheel bearings front (once) rear (twice). Rear struts and springs after both springs broke. Emergency brake pad and cable twice. All four brake calipers twice as they froze up. As for the cars brains, I had to replace a very expensive security system computer module, as well as the courtesy light system computer. All this with only 71,300 miles and only one driver. My old Izuzu Trooper went 163,000 miles until the engine failed. Just brakes and a clutch there.

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  Breaks My Heart - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Sad Ford owner - July 30 - 8:28 am

  I loved this SUV and still do but after a wheel bearing went out and I almost lost the back wheel at 70 miles and hour (thank god the break kept it on the car). I then had the transmission start acting up, they quoted me quite a chunk to fix it, it has the delayed engagement of gears when you first put it into gear. Also the rear axle case leaks and has for quite some time. I looked up these issues and they are far to common. I hate to say it but since it is so hard to find manual anymore I guess Im heading to a car... a Honda and it hurts because I have always believed in ford but I cant take a hit like this again so hooray for cash for clunkers.

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  Overall, reliable - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Mike13 - July 29 - 1:22 pm

  I have owned this truck for a few years and it has never given me any MAJOR problems. A small electrical problem with the drivers door lock and recently replaced the vent blower moter, but other than some small normal wearntear repairs, it always gets me where I need to go. 189,000+ miles and running strong.