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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  Exploring with the new Explorer - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By Stan Sala - June 14 - 8:31 pm

  Nice ride for a truck. Feels very comfortable and safe. Handles well. Took it to the snow and had no problems with the traction. Not happy with the location of the drink holder in the back seat. Easy to step on. Great navigation and wifi hook up. Good storage space and easy to navigate the seats. Good mileage for the size and weight, not happy with the size of the gas tank. The tank is too small.

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  Ford Tire Company...Not our problem - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By jim33445 - June 14 - 1:06 pm

  Ford Motor Company has left thousands of customers with vehicles that they do not back, because it is not their problem.

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  Great Car - 2009 Ford Explorer
  By David Smtih - June 12 - 11:15 am

  Replaced a Pilot thats transmission clunked out on me at 65,000 miles. Thus Im giving the domestics another chance, impressed so far with seven months of ownership and 7,000 miles.

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  New and much improved - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By TB - June 9 - 7:36 am

  We LOVE our new Explorer! Its solid, very quiet, and very versatile which is good when you have 2 small boys. Power from the V6 is good, not excellent, and we have no problems traversing the long steep hills of Western PA. Its no sports car but it does handle very well for its size and even seems to handle better than the Escape it replaced. The thing I cant get over is how quiet it is inside and what a great highway cruiser it is. Its almost limo-like! The DVD system has a few too many buttons but once you learn them you realize that they are there for added convenience. Overall the 06 Explorer isnt great at any one thing but it is very good at everything.

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  waste of money - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By john - June 5 - 12:17 pm

  Waited until I could afford Exp. 1st rear end replaced(warranty), then not under warranty was window motor, faded window panels and abs sensor. Then within last 6 months cracked rear panel in lift gate and heat/air fan control is stuck on vent. With in last week transmission solenoid pack needs to be replaced as do all 4 wheel bearings. When I contacted Ford they replied "we hope that your future experiences with Ford products will be more positive." Huh?

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  pleasure to cruis - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By Ford4Life - June 4 - 4:01 pm

  I have to say over all the vehicle is a pleasure to drive. Very comfortable ride and no too bad on gas. I cant say i have had any major problems and as far as minor problems well.. the only trouble i have had so far was first on the passenger side the door sensor built into the lock that told the vehicle the door was closed stopped working properly. I needed to take off the door panel and play around with it and used a little WD-40. not sure what caused it but my fix seemed to work. Roughly 3 moths later same on the drivers side - same fix worked fine and they have both been fine since. Had the vehicle and needed to change all rotors and brake pads once. Besides that I cant complain at all

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  Great SUV - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Tom W - May 30 - 12:36 am

  Bought from old friend with only 88k last Sept and have logged almost 20k in ensuing months. Worst snow in NW Oregon in years and it soldiered through it, 34 miles each way, to work and back. Jeeps and other SUVs were in the ditch and on their sides, me and my Explorer just drove on as though we were inpervious. Im a big guy, 64 215, and I fit perfectly in the car. The leather seats are comfortable enough althought the drivers is starting to sag. All the electrical is fine except the rear wiper which was a problem during the bad weather and the drivers door lock is frozen, but the auto lock still works fine. Paint and overall appearance is very nice still. Grey/ grey leather. Love it!

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  Really Disappointed - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By PA girl - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1996 EB which I absolutely loved. It had every amenity I needed and none that I didnt. At 160,000 miles and counting I decided to trade it for a 2003. Big disappointment. Granted I went from an EB to an XLT but the interior looks really cheap. The tires are loud and the third row seats are a huge waste of cargo space. Mileage is a joke at nearly $60/week. Mostly though there are huge blind spots that require you to drive well using only your mirrors. Im already looking to trade it in. Last but not least who thought of moving the gas tank to the passenger side. Obviously someone without children. Big safety issue.

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  All Cracked Up - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Allcrackedup - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed owning the Explorer over the past year, however I have been disappointed with the quality. Over the past year I have had the front bushings replaced, one of the windows stopped opening, and just recently the panel on the back hatch has cracked. I was told this problem was due to poor engineering. Overall I am happy but am worried more problems will occur after the warranty period is up.

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  Great SO FAR!!!! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By Moonbeam - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Alot of comfort,and I dont feel over powered by its size.Silver birch is a great color.Handles much better than 2002 sport model but would have been nice to get an extra $1000 rebate but I just missed it.I like the back tail gate set up,top part opens with just a click on the key.Smooth ride,no wind noise alot of room but if your over 6"3 center consoel is to wide and you hit your right leg on it.I think change holder should slide out at the push of a button but you have to open the center to get the change.New saftey features saved on insurance.All and all I am very pleased and I will enjoy my new ride.