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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  TANK - 1996 Ford Explorer
  By red - May 11 - 8:17 am

  This is my first American vehicle and will NOT be my last (Ford). This thing is a WORK HORSE. I pull a 3500lb trailer every weekend and it has done this for the last 3 1/2 years. Very reliable. I have 130k on it and look forward to 75k more

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  2003 Eddie Bauer - 2003 Ford Explorer
  By dcd - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy the smooth, quiet power of the V8. All the EB features are very nice and worth it IMO. At least try one before getting an XLT. So far, gas mileage has been about 16 mpg city and 19 hwy. Only problem (if you call it that) is a slight rattle in the tailgate when going over large bumps.

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  Fords Stud - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By ant - May 6 - 6:41 pm

  I bought the explorer from my step dad with 128,000 miles on it. I Now have 278,000 miles on it and had to rebuild the trans when it had 187,000 miles on it. Still has the FACTORY engine that has not been rebuilt! No oil leaks, trans leaks, or burning of oil!!! No rust, and I live at the jersey shore. Outstanding truck, a true stud!! Absolutly Ford Tough!! I paid $400.00 for the truck and put over 160,000 miles on it and the only large fix was a $1,300.00 rebuild of the trans. Unreal, MADE IN AMERICA BABY!! Good strong truck, dont be afaid of the high miles on these trucks, they are like fords honda!!!

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  not bad for a starter car - 1994 Ford Explorer
  By bluesfan5 - May 5 - 4:34 pm

  got my 1994 ford explorer eddie bauer. needed about $1500 worth of repair. After that, cant complain much more. Once you push her past 70 MPH it starts shaking violently and makes a ticking noise. It also gets bad city MPG. The factory speakers are also poor quality. Other than that, it is a fun car to pile in a cruise around in, good 4x4, fun to drive.

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  Great Car - 1999 Ford Explorer
  By Cameron Cassar - May 4 - 10:57 am

  This car was great we got it in about 2002. The car just died on us in 2016 due to a transmission problem. We were able to put about 286,000 miles on this car. This is amazing for an American made car. It had its issues due to it getting old but it worked perfectly for about 10-12 years.

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  Performance SUV for the family - 2004 Ford Explorer
  By GP - May 3 - 10:10 pm

  Bought used with 38K two years ago. 53K now. Love the sound of the V8. Strong acceleration. Surprised by how well it handles. Pretty nimble for its size. Lots of convenient features. My kids love the DVD entertainment system. Rear parking sensor is nice but just went. Need to repair.

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  Best car ever - 1991 Ford Explorer
  By fordforlife - May 2 - 12:07 am

  I know raves about a 91 might not seem relevant to newer model purchasers, but I wanted to weigh in on the quality of Ford trucks. My family has never owned another brand. Im the original owner of this Explorer, it has over 210,000 (hard) miles on it, and the alternator -- which went out last winter -- is the only major thing Ive ever had to replace/fix on it. The power windows are starting to malfunction, but the ac/heater works fine, so I compensate. I want a new car, because Im starting to hesitate to take this one on long road trips (still 4x in it though), but feel duty bound to run it into the ground first. I might actually cry when I have to let it go.

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  Great Vehicle, No problems - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By JKT - April 29 - 8:36 am

  Bought used with 33,000 miles a little while ago. Great family vehicle, love the 3rd row seat. Gas mileage for SUV is acceptable, compared to OTHER SUVs. Interior is well appointed, heated seats great, interior os sturdy. love the factory subwoofer. Exterior is fine, but plastic molding around foglights made cheap. Have to replace all 4 disks and pads already. Would buy again.

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  Worth Mud - 2002 Ford Explorer
  By Ford Explorer - April 28 - 4:24 pm

  Dont buy this unless you have money to waste. Every year since I have owned this vehicle I have had to put money into it. All four wheel bearings at about $400 each, now the rear differential is going out. If you have money to throw away buy this Explorer. If not better buy foreign! America needs to catch up or the big 3 will fail in the near future.

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  Got a Good One! - 1997 Ford Explorer
  By mv - April 25 - 9:35 pm

  I purchased my SUV new and have been relatively happy with it. I got a good one! Ive owned my Explorer for almost 12 years, have more than 224,000 miles on it (original engine and transmission) and its held up pretty well. Only persistent problem seems to be a roaring in my wheel bearings, which Ive had serviced a few times. Other than that this was a good purchase that has paid for itself over the years. Standard service intervals were always stretched (e.g. oil changes every 4,000 to 6,000 miles) - perhaps that is the secret to this longevity. Ive owned three Fords before this one, and I hope I can make my next purchase a Ford also.