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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  2,000 mile review - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By RockvilleMan - July 19 - 2:30 pm

  No problems to report on my 4x2 XLT, the only option I decided on was the side impact airbags. It has been responding like a charm. No glitches yet. The lower entry has paid off. No complaints from the mother in law regarding how high it is. She gets in and out without complaints and no need for running boards.

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  Great family SUV....Horrible My Ford Touch system! - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Tony Capitule - July 18 - 10:31 am

  We love everything about our Explorer Sport with the exception of the My Ford Touch Sync System. We originally gone one in Jan of 2016. Two weeks into having it, the the My Ford Touch system stopped working. We couldnt get the audio feature to turn on, including with pushing the power on/off button on the system. We calling the service dept, they had no idea what I was talking about and basically thought I was stupid because I didnt know how to turn the radio on. We needed to do three master resets of the My Ford Touch Sync System before it started working again. NOTE: when its not working, voice recognition also doesnt work. Two weeks later it happened again. The audio feature generally turns on automatically. If you had the system turned off, you would just hit the power on/off button and the radio, bluetooth, etc would start playing. When its acting up, nothing works and no buttons help except for doing the master reset multiple times. We brought it back to the dealership where we purchased it and they said theyve never seen this happen. Ultimately they gave us a new Explorer replacement. Weve just hit approx 850 miles and now this new Explorer is also experiencing the same exact My Ford Touch Sync System issues....sooooo frustrating. The next time it happens, Im going to bring it back to the dealership while its malfunctioning so that they can see the problem and hopefully find a resolution as I dont want to swap this one out again. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH MY FORD TOUCH!!!

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  interior is great, mechanically its junk - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By danny - July 17 - 11:46 pm

  needed a SUV for the family loved it for the 1st 3 years,then the transmission, the rear lift gate, the CD player, the brakes, the back seat all went to hell. Ford wont recall and repairs are to expensive. Have always been a Ford guy, no more, going with toyota or Nissan, maybe a GMC. Would not recommend this vehicle to anyone, the transmission is not reliable at all. Although the interior is comfortable and easy to use, mechanically its not worth it

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  what a GREAT CAR!!! - 2008 Ford Explorer
  By tom galvin - July 17 - 7:41 pm

  This car has been great from day one no problems very comfortable great power, turning radius, design and everything!! ive only owned fords in the past and have had an explorer before but this blows all of them out of the water!!!

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  Cool - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By SUV - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Cool Suv With Good Millage

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By stdavis - July 16 - 2:00 am

  The Explorer is an excellent overall value. It can manage people or cargo with ease. It is very capable in all weather conditions. I particularly enjoyed it in last winters ice storm. It performed flawlessly. I found the V6 to be adequate while towing a small trailer and in most situations. The build quality is excellent and I think that it is the best looking sport utility made.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Explorer User - July 16 - 1:25 am

  I bought this car to replace a vehicle that couldnt do everything i needed from my car. I love this car, i can fit 2 bikes in the summer and all the boards, skis, and gear of 5 people in the winter time(this car handles great in snow) i drive it pretty hard offroad and it takes all of the punishment without issues. its been jumped, drifted, backed into, smashed, and evertything else i throw at it and it keeps going. the mpg is not great in the town but its a SUV. however i recently put a flowmaster 40 on it which made it sound great and it brought the mpg up to 17-18 which is fabtastic to me because i drive it hard. the only problem i have it a CV joint but thats a wear item and easy to fix.

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  Nice SUV, but poor build quality - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By chris870 - July 14 - 3:13 pm

  Love the interior amenities (DVD player, leather, V8, etc.). Had an engine problem at around 40K miles (conveniently just out of warranty), finally diagnosed properly after 2 weeks in the shop and an extended warranty purchase ($2K cost). 60K miles now, and fingers are crossed that the worst is over with the engine. Build quality is decent, and we do like the SUV. Great in the snow too.

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  Great Midsize SUV - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By smack650 - July 12 - 11:15 am

  I have been nothing but happy with my 94 XL V6 Explorer. Take care of it and it will take care of you. Great in the snow, on the beach, or in the mud. She has 148,000 miles on her and she runs like a champ. Ive never had any problems although I have heard about transmissions going out after 100,000 miles so I changed all the fluid in the tranny, and the torque converter when I hit that mark. I will probably change it out every 4th or 5th oil change (which I do every 3,000 miles like clockwork) from here on out.

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  Best SUV Ever! - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By scherr - July 11 - 3:53 am

  I purchased my 2003 vehicle new from the local dealer. The vehicle has had basic routine maintenance ever since and on a rare occasion a problem with a rear end mechanism has been practically the only real problem. The leather heated front seats have been wonderful - especially when transporting my elderly mother who was typically cold natured. She always said, "the next car you get has to have heated seats"! However, with 250,000+ miles - I am still driving the vehicle, loving it and cant see any reason to invest in a new car. Best investment I ever made. Only negative side has been the poor service department and company management at the local dealer where I purchased the vehicle. I now travel 70 miles round trip for maintenance rather than deal with the incompetency of the local dealer. LOVE MY FORD EXPLORER!!