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 Team! - 2013 Ford Explorer
  By Cory23 - July 29 - 7:19 am

  Our experience to get the car we have always wanted was more than met at sunset ford in Waterloo. David Zellerman was the salesman we worked with and did everything he could possibly do to make us happy and get the deal done. I couldnt have asked for a better person to help us out. We thank you for everything and we will for sure be buying the rest of our vehicles from sunset ford in Waterloo.

• 

  Great value! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By Jon - July 28 - 11:23 am

  Tight ride plus comfortable inside. I used to own a Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was more of a sedan ride except it wobbled too much on uneven roads or bumps. This Explorer rides exceptionally well.

• 

  Design Flaw - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Gary - July 28 - 5:57 am

  02 Explorer 70K Needs rear springs/struts, replaced front bearings and hubs, needs rear bearings. Has the big old crack down the rear another one of many design flaws. This truck has never towed or hauled a thing

• 

  VERY EXCITING EXPLORER - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Rodney Anderson - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I love the way it handles. The ride is superior. The room is immense.

• 

  Very good\ - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By daniel - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has given me good times with the guys and an enjoyable time with my lady.

• 

  Paint flys off in sheets off of roof - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By haasis3 - July 22 - 4:46 pm

  Our experience with Ford and this Ford Explorer has made us decide not to purchase any more Ford vehicles. This vehicle has had problems with warning lights showing up when there is no problem (started happening the very first month!), after 4 years the paint on the roof peeled off in sheets down to the bare metal and then rusted. Ford would have nothing to do with it (talked to Customer Service, the Ford body shop and dealership in SC). They wanted just under $1000 to repaint it even though it is obviously a flaw in the manufacturing and I have seen other reports on the internet. Also, now after 4.5 years, the gear shift indicator showing if you are in Park, Reverse, Drive doesnt work.

• 

  reliability - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ryan - July 22 - 11:57 am

  Bought it from company I worked with after it was given to me as work vehicle. I have more than 130k on it and only have had to repair standard wear and tear items (brakes and wheal bearings) never have replaced more than once. The car has been hammered on with rough roads and long winters. It is great for towing. I put a brush gaurd on the front and it looks great. I am 6ft 5 and it is very comfortable for me. The car has been put through a lot and runs like it did when I got it.

• 

  My 2005 Explorer-information needed - 2005 Ford Explorer
  By jscottelwood - July 21 - 8:39 pm

  Bought with 89,000 miles, now has 105,000 and still looks and drives mint. Need to find out two things. Have a leak in the sprayer hose for hatch window (somewhere between passenger front and rear doors) and lumbar adjustment has quit working. I would like to know where to get repair information on these two subjects. Can anyone help?

• 

  great - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By zach - July 21 - 12:50 pm

  This vehicle is fun to drive and can accelerate very quickly. It has a 5.0 v8 in it and can tow up to 9,000 lbs. It gets around 18mpg so gas isnt that great in it.

• 

  Wont buy another - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By tt - July 20 - 2:43 am

  This was my first Ford Explorer, 2016 Platinum. I have driven Jeeps and a Tahoe in the past. I am disappointed with this vehicle in that within the first year of purchase under 15,000 miles the transmission went out with a snap ring failure inside the clutch and additional sensor issues. Transmission went out and left me unable to accelerate while driving down a busy highway with kids in the car. It was in the shop over 2 weeks for them taking my car apart trying to figure out how to fix it and get the parts. In addition the headliner was cut too short from the factory and continues to fall down on the passenger side door. We paid the premium price Platinum addition and do not expect to have a headliner that is falling down. Its been to the dealership twice to fix this issue and it is still not resolved. Finally, my tire tread is already worn out and tires need replaced. Really? brand new car, less than a year old, less than 15,000 miles and I need new tires? I drive in town on regular roads. I am assuming the tires from the dealership are crap and Fords taken the cheap tire approach. I will not purchase a Ford Explorer again and will be trading this vehicle in the near future.