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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  Rear Differential Failure - regret it! - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By janev115 - May 28 - 4:38 pm

  This car has always run rough - particularly the engine. Transmission had to be replaced when the car was less than a year old. The engine always had a loud whine on the highway and I had intermittent problems with the ABS light coming on and the 4x4 high light flashing. Turns out, this is all related and the entire rear differential needs to be replaced! A google search reveals that I am not alone. However, I am alone when it comes to paying the bill to fix this problem, apparently. Id never buy this car again. Right now at 79,900 miles, but the whine has been going on for years. I just thought it was a loud truck.

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  Not too Bad - 2000 Ford Explorer
  By Warning I will Race - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Only minor problems with the car such as rear windshield wiper motor and tail light replacement. But it was done quickly and was covered under warranty. I have gone on several long trips and been off roading several times and the explorer does great. Only at high speeds does the explorer rattle a little bit (85-95). All-in- all, this car has been great for everyday driving, trips, camping, off roading, towing and even sleeping in :)

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  Someone Take Mine! - 2006 Ford Explorer
  By M. Murphy - May 26 - 12:53 pm

  Year 1: gear shifter replaced. Dash electronics went nuts and computer needed to be reset. Year 2: rear shocks blew out (I have a 4 mile commute!) Exhaust hose blew and fuel filter resembled that of a car with 100k miles. Both replaced. Currently in the shop because the transmission feels like it is ready to drop. Car has 24k miles.

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  My first SUV - 1993 Ford Explorer
  By MommaS810 - May 24 - 10:23 pm

  I recently had my car repoed and needed something to get me around. I found a guy selling an Explorer and jumped at the offer. I couldnt refuse the price. It has some body rust but nothing major. The previous owner put 2k of work into it and and the shocks are too small for the vehicle. The gas pedal eases to the floor and the back hatch handle is very tough. Other than the suspension and brake issue, it just needs a loving owner and a nice new oil filter...My biggest general complaint would be gas mileage, but I guess being 16 yrs old, it was top of the line then.

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  terrific - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By G Hanson - May 22 - 10:00 am

  VERY reliable and good fuel to milage ratio. I am very happy with my purchase.

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  Great car - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By pleased owner - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Great reliability and very low maintainance. I have had virtually no problems with my car and it still runs smooth.

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  fixed or repaired daily - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By rick - May 21 - 7:17 pm

  The looks and the 4.6 shifted me to buy this big piece of junk, I owned limos with the 4.6 that got over 300k with no problems, so I brought this xlt, my mechanic hugged me and said we might as well be family now, so many problems with this suv. Omg. Maybe Ill be lucky, nope 111,000 miles tranny acted up, Wayne county Ford pa, said we dont bother rebuilding that tranny, new 1 $4,600, . Installed, rear wheel bearings, broken springs, alternator, rear seal, a/c gets warm then boom overheats twice... Uhaul refuses to let this car be used to tow, my sable can LOL, to all who love there explorers good luck cause your gonna need it, my last Ford

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  Ford Quality not too shabby - 1998 Ford Explorer
  By Andy - May 20 - 2:04 pm

  I have owned Fords all of my life. This was our first and only SUV purchase. We bought it new and have only had to make routine maintenance repairs mostly. I did recently repair the door latch on the drivers side, but other than that it has been batteries, tires, brakes, and so far no tune-up. I will complain about two items: the stereo display and the rough ride. The display on the stereo went out right after the warranty ended and I know this has happened on many other fords. The ride is very rough, but maybe I just need to break down a buy new shocks. We have owned a Honda and a Saturn, both of which lost their transmissions at 80K miles, so I feel the explorer was a good choice for us.

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  Keeps going and going ... - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By Terry Maresh - May 17 - 2:52 pm

  Am the original owner and have 122,000 mi on my Explorer. Have never had a problem that needed repairing. It runs very quiet is comfortable (cloth seats) hauled sand, stone, U-hauls w/no issues. Only had 2 issues: the lumbar support airbag must have a slow leak and the on-off radio button doesnt want to stay off. The ride is smoother than my Ford Five Hundred! Im exceptionally pleased with the quality and comfort. Very quiet inside, too.

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  Wished for better - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By MIBobG - May 16 - 5:25 pm

  I had owned the previous model Explorer and liked it. Pluses for this model included a nicer ride with less cornering sway, a bit roomier interior. Cargo space is excellent for hauling all kinds of camping gear. Only initial downside was that the car is noisy on the highway. That having been said, the car has been a turkey. Transmission #1 failed at just past the warranty mileage for a $2.5K repair. Now that transmission is failing at the same point - perfect planned obsolescence. By 80K miles I had to replace all four wheel bearing sets, and both rear springs. Had several expensive cases of engine oil leakage which required replacing engine seals. Interior trim falls off. On & on.