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:
Showing 741 through 750 of 2,880.00-
Love my new Explorer - 2002 Ford Explorer
By sandiegoexplorer - April 15 - 10:00 amI cant believe the negative comments on this site. Did some of you buy your Explorers in Afganistan or something? I just got my new Explorer XLT and love it. Granted, my mileage is under 5000, but I just cant see this car suddenly falling apart and becomming a repair nightmare. The new styling in great, and Im so glad I got the V8 - great power and torgue. My only minor complaint is that there seems to be too much road vibration traveling up the steering column and into the steering wheel. Has anyone experienced this? Seems like there should be some more dampening in the steering column.
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They dont build em like this anymore.. - 1996 Ford Explorer
By NMR - April 14 - 10:23 pmI bought this SUV with 150,000 miles. I now have almost 180,000. The only major repair I have had is with the transmission...a solenoid that cost $200. Other than that, I have experienced only typical maintenance issues: exhaust, brakes/rotors, O2 sensor, plugs/wires...which most can be done by the average DIYer. To the poster with 240k+ miles: if you have that MANY miles on a (American) suv and you arent happy, then you will never be happy with any vehicle. I have been looking to buy a new vehicle for the past year and based upon reviews, I will be sure to keep this one as a backup. I cannot say much bad about this SUV...IMO the Explorer is an A+ concept that ended when Ford redesigned.
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Last Ford I will ever buy - 2002 Ford Explorer
By done with ford - April 10 - 2:37 pmThis is my second Explore and I should have learned from the first one which lived up to the name “Exploder” (at about 120,000 miles I was dumping anywhere from $500 - $1500.00 per month in to it just to keep it running). My 2002 Explorer appears to be even worse. Just passing 91000 miles of nothing but city street travel I have replaced the internal components of the steering column twice which cost to date $3000.00 and the rear bearing for $600.00. The transmission has slipped since day one and I don’t want to know what that will cost to repair, the rear differential seals are leaking and the front bearing are starting to go. I am getting rid of the vehicle this weekend! Its Doge for me!
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Good value for the price - 2002 Ford Explorer
By bcamp55 - April 10 - 11:59 amThe car has performed well with very little service issues other than the computer going out at 135K ($1,400). Other than tires, one brake change, and oil, I have put no money into this car considering I have almost 150,000 miles on it. I would feel quite confident driving it to Alaska today if I needed to.
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Bad Mileage "Gas waister" - 2000 Ford Explorer
By Carlos - April 10 - 11:12 amI read the specs on this car and suppose to give you 16mpg city and 21mpg hwy. But every time I fill the tank I reset the odometer and I always get only about 10mpg city. If some one had the same problem I like to know how to fix it. Carlos
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my 5th Ford - 2003 Ford Explorer
By frewly - April 10 - 2:00 amThis is my 5th Ford, and my second Explorer, this one replaced my 2001 XLT Explorer, no comparison, this one by far is more comfortable, roomier, and handles much better, not to mention the great ride
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Almost perfect - 2007 Ford Explorer
By Curtis Woods - April 9 - 9:22 pmThis is it, great truck for the money. Rides like a expensive car, do not even feel the transmission shift.Two years and still get compliments. Powerful V8, pushes me back in the seat. Leather seats are great for long rides, COMFORTABLE. Great sales person at dealership, still checks on me.
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Great Ride - 2007 Ford Explorer
By pepe11 - April 1 - 12:17 pmI couldnt be happier with this truck. We just turned in our Mercedes R-class and bought this 07 leftover. It rides better than the Mercedes by a long shot and its a heck of lot more fun to drive. It has everything we wanted including Nav and RES. Im looking forward to many many years of driving this thing.
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Love my SUV - 2014 Ford Explorer
By Ken Ramsay - March 31 - 7:18 pm -
Used 2008 explorer - 2008 Ford Explorer
By Freddy - March 30 - 9:24 amI purchased my 2008 explorer 17 days ago. This is my 6th Explorer since 91. The 2008 model year is nicely styled, although personally I like the 05 much better - much classier look opposed to the chrome bars and round gauges. At first I hated the center mounted shift knob but my hand rests on it when using the arm rest, so its actually comfortable. Like others have said, interior parts are cheap. Overall I like Explorers, but this 08 has had a number of issues. In 17 days of ownership (bought with 16,200 mi on it) a speaker died, a part in the catalytic converter system failed and needed to be replaced, and the no cap gas cap filler neck had to be replaced due to improper sealing.
